Aggression

Have you ever met a dog with aggression? Does your dog or do you know a dog that has aggression?

My Story

First off, I have lots of compassion for my canine friends. One of my family members rescued a boarder collie mix. The first time I met her was like this: I drove up and parked the car, got out and the dog ran up, more like charged me. She began to bark as if she would bite me if I took one more step. The owner came out and called her off.
I had to share with them that if this was not taken care of NOW it would only get worse. But they didn't know how, and they didnt want help. She did get worse.
One day the owner took her for a run. A dog off leash came running up to say hi. Her dog began to fight this dog. She was now dog aggressive. The owner never took her for a run again.

On a given weekend I was taking care of the dog so the owners could go away to a  place they couldn't take the dog. I have taken care of her before, no big deal. But this time it was different.
I take full responsibility for what happened, because as a dog trainer, I knew better. I have to think like a trainer every time I'm with a dog, even a family dog.
This one day i decided to take her to the river. Didn't know if she liked water or not. I made a leash out of rope. She loves to ride in the truck so away we went.
When we got to the park/river I put on my home made leash and we walked on the grass near the path. As soon as she saw another dog, she wanted to kill. She lunged and pulled me down and tried to get out of the leash by twisting all around. She was barking with her teeth showing and her hair on her back up. I jumped on her with my body so she couldn't get away. I waited till she calmed down then we left.  I am sure people at the park were not sure how this would go. They just kept walking by.
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What i did wrong was to take her into the "war zone" too fast.. It needs to be done in small steps, not one big jump. Every dog has a behavior threshold and i did not take the time to find hers. Big mistake on my part.
As a rescue dog i didn't know her past. But i can say that she did not have the leadership she needed to feel safe. She took the lead some where along the way and started to get issues because of it.

ISSUES
Most dogs are born naturally balanced. In nature the dog packs spend their days in peace and fulfillment. If any dog in the pack becomes unstable, that dog will be forced to leave the pack or will be taken out by the other pack members. It sounds harsh, but it's the way of ensuring that the pack survive for future generations.

When we adopt dogs and bring them into our lives and homes, most of the time we have the dogs best interest at heart. We try to give them what we think they need. The problem is that we are making assumptions based not on what dogs need but on what we need. That is humanizing dogs. By doing this we damage them psychologically. Unless we know how not to do this, it happens unknowingly. This is how issues begin. It begins with an imbalance of information from us to our dogs.

Aggression is the outcome of issues not taken care of right away. The dogs frustrated energy has no release. Aggression escalates if left unchecked. The worst case would be your dog bites someone. My hope is that every person with a dog would take more seriously the early signs of aggression and seek a professional right away.

Dominance Aggression
Aggression is not a natural state of being for a dog, but dominance is for some dogs. The dog may be high-energy and that has to be taken care of right away. What this all means is that you have to be a very reliable source of calm-assertive pack leadership, 100%  of every day. A leader is a leader around the clock, no matter how tired you may be or if you want to watch a game on tv. You have to continue to send that calm leadership energy to your dog.

High energy dogs must be given many ways to release it. If they don't get enough physical and mental challenges they can indeed become very dangerous animals. If we bring a dog into our lives we must provide the stimulation and the challenge they need.

Contrary to what many people believe, there is no such thing as an aggressive breed. There are powerful breeds such as pit bulls, Rottweilers, German shepherds. But it's up to the pack leader of the breed to direct that energy into healthy outlets. If you have a powerful breed make sure you are the pack leader. Think long and hard about the dog or dogs you live with. If you can't handle them at all times and in all situations, it's not good for you, your dog, and society.

Humans can worsen dominant aggression in a number of ways. The first is by allowing dominance in the first place. Remember, if you don't set the agenda for the things you do with and for your dog, then she is the pack leader! Another way is by playing dominance games and letting the dog win. If you play tug of war with your puppy make sure you win the game. If she gets used to winning, she may begin to see this as a sign of her dominance over you. Also roughhousing with puppies or grown dogs, can be laying a groundwork for aggression problems later on. If your dog starts to get possessive or growls during a play fight you could be creating a problem. Stop this play right away and don't play it any more.

Fearful Aggression
Most aggression is caused by fear. Often, fearful aggression will begin with just a snarl or showing his teeth. If your dog shows these signs when you take him to the groomer or when you try to get her out from behind the couch, your dog and you need help, now. Like all forms of aggression, fear aggression always escalates.
The dog learns he can keep people away by showing his teeth. This behavior will escalate and soon he will be nipping. Their goal is for you to go away and leave them alone. But, any aggression can turn into something worse quickly. Your dog is unbalanced and needs help.

Now I will remind you again....one of the most common ways a dogs mind gets unstable, is when we share affection at the wrong time. Affection is great, but when we give affection to a dog that is unstable his mind interprets it as "its good to be unstable, i get affection". I know it's hard to understand, but we need to hold back on affection sometimes. This is dog psychology. Aggressive dogs are not healed because we love them.
Love is not meant to enhance instability. Love is meant to reward stability. Give your dog as much love as you possibly can muster up. Just do it at the right time! Dogs need leadership before affection. Let the affection be the reward for good behavior.

Never attempt to handle an aggressive dog on your own. Call in a professional dog trainer or animal behaviorist, for the good of both you and your dog.

The Language of Training

Sit, Stay 

Dogs are not born knowing not to chew on shoes and furniture or not to jump up on people. These are just a few reasons why training is very important. It's necessary for a peaceful coexistence, and is a kindness to your dog. When she responds to the stay command while you wait to cross the street you are keeping her out of danger. Training teaches your dog aacceptable  behavior  that makes him welcome when you go places. It teaches her a common language and strengthens the bond between you. Plus, it builds your dog's confidence. A trained dog knows what is expected of her, and this clear communication makes a relaxed and happier dog, and a better more enjoyable friend.

Consistency is key. 
If one person allows a behavior that you are discouraging then training won't work.

The Power of Positive Reinforcement  

There are many methods to train your dog. It doesn't need to be complicated. The simple positive reinforcement techniques in this issue are proven methods for teaching the basic obedience commands, sit, stay, down and come, to your dog. No special equipment or skills needed, but patience is your secret weapon. Don't try to rush your dog, all dogs learn at different rates, go at your dogs pace. Proven to be effective are short frequent sessions, 15 minutes per session two times a day, then informally practice throughout the day. Link obedience to thing's your dog enjoys. Next time your dog wants something have her do something for you first. If she wants to go out and scratches at the door, have her come to you and? sit, then let her out. Next time she brings the ball and drops it in your lap, have her lay down first. Before meals have her sit, the minute she sits put the bowl down and praise her. Be creative and have fun. Just make sure your dog responds to you before you respond to her.
Teach your dog at times when she can learn. Do your homework. Your dog has to learn before you can expect her to respond properly. Don't wait until she is jumping up on guests. Homework, in the form of training sessions, is required to succeed.
Dog Fact
Behavior that can be endearing in a puppy may be less so when he is fully grown and at his adult weight. Training is best started early, but it is never too late to begin.
Rewards  
Pick one of your dog's favorite treats to use as a motivator during training. Make sure it's small and quick to eat so you don't lose momentum during the training session. Keep your dog hungry for training sessions. A meal can be replaced with quality treats. As your dog becomes more responsive to commands, food rewards will be weaned. Praise, however,
should always be given when your dog responds correctly.
Dog Fact
Always end training on a positive note so your dog looks forward to the next session. If she does not understand a command then go back to something she knows so you can praise and reward her.

"SIT" Command 

The "sit" command is the perfect starting point, it's a simple lesson for your dog to grasp.

• Stand in front of your dog and place a food reward in the center of your hand,  letting your dog see it, then close your hand.
• Place your closed hand just above your dog's face, move it slowly toward the back of her head as you say "sit". As her head goes up and back to follow the food she will automatically sit. Make sure you don't raise your hand up or your dog may try to jump up to get it instead of sitting.

Praise your dog and reward him while he is in position- this is very important-so she associates her response with the reward. Repeat this exercise daily until your dog sits immediately at the command

"STAY" Command  

This command teaches self-control and is really an extended sit. It's easy to teach once the sit command is mastered.

• Stand a few steps in of your dog and give him the sit command.
• When in the sit position, say "stay", while putting the palm of your hand in front of his face.
• Take a step back, keeping your palm open, repeat the word "stay" a couple of times.
• Give your dog a reward and praise him if he maintains this position for a moment. It's very important that your dog gets his reward he is in position. If you give the reward after he has moved he may think he received the reward for moving.
• Release your dog from this position with a clap and an enthusiastic "OK!"

If your dog breaks the stay then calmly return him to the position he was in. Do not reward, and try again. Practice daily until your dog understands this command. At this point you can teach him to stay a longer and longer duration. 

Take the training slowly. Don't practice duration and distance at the same time. Don't expect your dog to do long duration right away. It takes time for it to sink in. Young dogs need a patient teacher. They don't have lot's of impulse control. That has to be trained.

Dog Fact

Start training in a quiet environment, such as a room in your home. Gradually increase the difficulty as your dog progresses by introducing distractions and move the training to a yard or park. A trained dog responds to commands regardless of what is happening around him and this helps keep him safe.