Identifying and handling aggressive dogs
AGGRESSION takes on many forms in dog world. As with people, in order to manage aggression, one must first identify the root behind the hostile behavior of the subject. Some dogs are only aggressive toward other dogs, while many can become aggressive toward certain sexes of people or people in general. Some dogs are only aggressive around food.
YOU CANNOT CONTROL THE ISSUE UNTIL YOU IDENTIFY THE CAUSE.
As I stated in my opening, in my extensive experience spanning over 2 decades of training canines, I have come to witness many dogs should be treated as if they were a weapon. Aggressive dogs are no laughing matter. It is only a matter of time before another dog or human life is injured... or worse..
Fortunately, in 20+ years, I have only witnessed 2 dogs who were subject to being "put down." I'm sorry if this makes people sad, but it is a reality many dog professionals do not share. It does happen. This occurs only after many hours of training by professional dog handlers and a scope of veterinarians over-viewing the behaviors of the animal. After extensive training and research it is determined the dog is, for whatever the unexplained reason, a tremendous danger to society and the vet makes the final decision to put the dog down. In no way is this ever a good feeling. I am skilled with dogs and I work with dogs because I LOVE THEM, not because I wish them harm. However, any individual choosing a dog over a human life is not of the Lakeside Dog Trainer mind set and in all honesty, we would probably not work well together. As I stated, this has only occurred twice in the thousands of dogs that have come across my training in over 20 years. I share this with you as I want everyone to be acutely aware of the risks involved with keeping an aggressive dog, especially one who has an owner who is incapable of handling him. There are dogs who need skilled management and should never be trusted around vulnerable individuals.
So where does your aggressive dog fit in?
YOU CANNOT CONTROL THE ISSUE UNTIL YOU IDENTIFY THE CAUSE.
As I stated in my opening, in my extensive experience spanning over 2 decades of training canines, I have come to witness many dogs should be treated as if they were a weapon. Aggressive dogs are no laughing matter. It is only a matter of time before another dog or human life is injured... or worse..
Fortunately, in 20+ years, I have only witnessed 2 dogs who were subject to being "put down." I'm sorry if this makes people sad, but it is a reality many dog professionals do not share. It does happen. This occurs only after many hours of training by professional dog handlers and a scope of veterinarians over-viewing the behaviors of the animal. After extensive training and research it is determined the dog is, for whatever the unexplained reason, a tremendous danger to society and the vet makes the final decision to put the dog down. In no way is this ever a good feeling. I am skilled with dogs and I work with dogs because I LOVE THEM, not because I wish them harm. However, any individual choosing a dog over a human life is not of the Lakeside Dog Trainer mind set and in all honesty, we would probably not work well together. As I stated, this has only occurred twice in the thousands of dogs that have come across my training in over 20 years. I share this with you as I want everyone to be acutely aware of the risks involved with keeping an aggressive dog, especially one who has an owner who is incapable of handling him. There are dogs who need skilled management and should never be trusted around vulnerable individuals.
So where does your aggressive dog fit in?
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FEAR AGGRESSION.....
The most specific type aggression I have run across in 2 decades. There are many elements involved in this aggression, but the easiest way I can explain it is this: We, as members of society have taken dogs out of their element. Over more centuries than we can count, we have taken this wonderful creature and "tamed it" to be our possession. We train it to do tricks, dress it up in ballerina ruffles or dominant collars, and even go so far as to use it for no other purpose than to suit our personal needs. Once again, we placed our own needs above all else, which is fine, providing we cared for them and train them properly. Many times, we miss the mark.. That "vicious heel biter" is only angry because we never socialized him properly! |
