Aggression…

AGGRESSION is one of the more difficult behaviors to address.

• Dog-to-Person aggression is a bit more straightforward because as owners, we can direct the people involved.

• Dog-to-Dog aggression is more difficult.

BEFORE training for aggression, we look at some common contributors like the need for:

• more physical exercise

• more mental stimulation

• socialization

• desensitization

THEN start with some fundamental obedience behaviors that have carry-over when it comes to aggression.

• Does your dog come when called?

• Does your dog go straight to their bed and stay when you ask?

• Does your dog know that jumping on you is not allowed?

• Can your dog walk on a loose leash?

• Does your dog sleep in your bed?

  THESE ARE KEY BEHAVIORS that ensure that your dog understands what are the rules and what is their role. Walking on a loose leash means they need to be checking in with you. Recall is a distal behavior that lets the dog know that no matter where they are that they need to listen. A bed stay sets the tone for being calm and having a tool to manage excitement. Not jumping defines boundaries. Not sleeping in your bed sets boundaries.

FINALLY, we need to understand the MAIN ISSUES.

There are different reasons for aggression. The triggers and the underlying issues matter.

• Is it fear?

• Protection?

• Resource guarding?

• No established boundaries?

• Previous trauma?

• Something else?

What are the important missing pieces?

• What is THE most important missing piece?

• Let’s deal with THAT first, because it will have the biggest impact.

And then…We train.