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How to Work With a Fear-Aggressive Dog

How to Work With a Fear-Aggressive Dog

Fear aggression describes the behavior of dogs acting aggressively or defensively when they are afraid or anxious. Fear-aggressive dogs are uncertain and may feel threatened when encountering a dog or human they do not know or with whom they may have had a negative experience. Dogs suffering from fear aggression may bark, growl, snarl or lunge at approaching people or animals in an attempt to control the frightening situation and to make the perceived threat go away.

Aversive Training Methods

    A dog might stare intensely before displaying aggression.
    A dog might stare intensely before displaying aggression.

    Dog caretakers seek the services of animal behaviorists or specialized trainers primarily because they need professional help to reduce their dogs aggressive behavior. Each dog is an individual, and there is no single training method for resolving fear aggression. Veterinary researchers at the University of Pennsylvania completed a year-long study of training methods in 2009 and found that most dogs trained with confrontational or aversive methods will continue to be aggressive. If you use confrontational treatment strategies with dogs that show high levels of fear, you take the risk of increasing your dogs fear and aggressive behavior, which makes working with your dog and ensuring the safety of people and animals more difficult.

Desensitzation and Counter-Conditioning

    When cornered, a dog may react defensively.
    When cornered, a dog may react defensively.

    Desensitization is gradual exposure to a fear provoking experience, starting at a point that does not provoke the fear -- and only increasing the intensity of exposure if the dog is relaxed, according to Ann Allums, a Certified Pet Dog Trainer at Best Friends Animal Society. Counter-conditioning associates something a dog is afraid of with something that dog enjoys. When a dog whose fear aggression is triggered by other dogs goes for a walk with her trainer or human companion, counter-conditioning may be beneficial. As soon as your dog observes another dog, you or the trainer should immediately start feeding bits of delicious food, such as chicken, beef or cheese. Continue feeding your dog high-value treats throughout the time another dog is in sight. When the other dog is out of view, stop feeding treats. "...Many individuals assume that it must be crucial to get dog training tips prior to acquiring their pets. Some individuals could find this exciting but a lot of people may concur that this is a really good tip to follow. The situation with a number of pet owners is they will get a dog and then find out that they are not suitable to take care of them. Finally, they would depart their pets in order to bring back their previous lives. These dog training tips can let people know what they need to handle and if they have the time to educate their dogs. These guidelines will be found on Secrets To Dog Training. By using the time to perform correct dog training, you will get pleasure from a lifetime of relaxed companionship with your ".... This counter-conditioning exercise must be done repetitively, so the fearful dog associates other dogs with delicious treats.

Reward-Based Training

    A fearful dog may respond well to reward-based training, which involves offering food or toys your dog wants whenever she does what you want her to do. This helps establish and increase trust and can motivate your dog to want to attempt more positive behaviors. Simple tasks, such as coming when called, watching you when asked and exhibiting desirable behaviors, should elicit positive reinforcement from you in the form of treats and praise. Dog trainers using positive methods suggest that you "catch your dog in the act of doing something right." Whenever you discover your fear-aggressive dog being good or calm, offering a reward will positively reinforce good behavior and increase the likelihood of good behavior becoming a habit, according to Andrea Arden, author and Certified Pet Dog Trainer.

Avoidance

    Very shy dogs might become aggressive when approached by a stranger.
    Very shy dogs might become aggressive when approached by a stranger.

    Avoiding situations that might cause a dog to become frightened, upset, or overexcited, is one common way to prevent unpredictable aggression or leash reactivity. Some people with fear-aggressive dogs feel so stressed and anxious about something triggering their dogs unwanted behavior that they only walk their dogs at times when they are less likely to encounter other dogs or people. This solution can end up being very isolating for dogs and their humans. You can manage your dogs reactivity by staying away from whatever causes her to be afraid and aggressive, and this allows you to avoid your dogs lunging and growling, and your own anxiety. However, finding a trainer to show you how to work on changing how your dog feels about the object of her fear, may allow both you and your dog to go for walks together when and where other people and dogs are engaged in a similar activity.


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