A dog’s aggressive behavior is usually intended to increase the distance between himself and a perceived threat
(also known as his “trigger”). Contrary to common and outdated beliefs, dominance is usually not the
issue. The dog's antagonistic display starts as a natural fight-or-flight response to the threat, but the behavior
is repeated and maintained because it works (from the dog’s perspective). The threatening person,
animal, or thing eventually goes away after the dog reacts (even if it had nothing to do with the dog's behavior),
and your dog feels relief.
Teaching your dog a more socially acceptable
way to gain distance and safety can be quite successful, but it takes time and patience. After
all, think of how difficult it is for a person with an anger problem to always behave peacefully when annoyed.
If you were afraid of Santa or the Easter Bunny when you were a child, you know it didn't help to be forced into sitting on
their laps! Luckily, dogs improve more quickly than humans with the right guidance because they live in the moment.
It is important that you avoid
punishing your dog for growling, barking or lunging. That will often cause his behavior to
worsen over time. You will be taught how to handle your dog calmly so that you do not add to your dog’s
stress. Both you and your dog will be learning new skills. With patience, you and your dog will
make great strides.
As training progresses, your dog will begin trusting you to
keep him safe. You will make pleasant things happen when your dog sees the trigger at a distance.
With practice, this will change him from being upset to feeling relaxed because he will feel safe. The
two of you will work together as a team (a beautiful sight), and your dog will look to you for support whenever he sees something
of concern.
Together we will teach your dog how to perform calm acceptable
behaviors to take the place of the undesirable ones like barking and lunging. He will learn new skills
to keep his mind and body occupied so he doesn’t go into a frenzy or panic. You may be asked to recruit
volunteer triggers so your dog can practice in different situations that he may encounter in the future.
This
humane treatment of aggression is called Behavior Adjustment Training (BAT), and is a recent breakthrough in
the dog behavior field. I have been successfully using BAT with clients since its debut a few years ago. I
am the first trainer in the Harrisburg area to learn about BAT in depth from seminars given by its founder
Grisha Stewart of Ahimsa Dog Training in Seattle, WA.
To schedule a consultation,
please complete the form below or call 717-395-6478.
Trusting Paws Dog Training, LLC
