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aggression Training
Signs of Aggression
The signs of aggression are symptoms of underlying issues.
- Body language – looking away, by turning the head or averting the eyes; freezing; a stiff tail held high or a tail tucked between hind legs; lip licking or lifting
- Behavior – lunging, biting, mounting, marking
- Vocalization – growling, snarling
While these signs can indicate stress that would lead to aggression, it is important to assess each situation and differentiate between aggression and common behaviors (i.e. lip licking due to hunger). To alleviate symptoms of aggression, the cause(s) of aggression must be addressed.
Causes of Aggression
Aggression typically stems from your dog’s desire for space and safety. Causes of aggression include:
- Fear of real or perceived threat
- Pain or a desire to avoid discomfort
- Guarding resources such as food or toys
- Guarding territory such as their home or bed
- Protecting their owner or families
The number one cause of aggression in dogs is fear. Highly fearful dogs are five times more likely to exhibit aggressive behavior, and aggressive behavior is likely to increase with age.
Reducing Aggressive behavior
The first step to reducing aggression is to identify the cause. Understanding why a dog is aggressive can help determine what actions to take to prevent aggressive behavior. We specialize in counter-conditioning and desensitization to help animals become less reactive.
This package includes our 2-3 in-home intake session and 7-10 sessions, including field trips tailored to meet your specific needs.
With all pets and owners, we prioritize safety first.