Treating Severe Dog Aggression

Part I: Understanding Your Dog With

Figure 1 Severe Dog Aggression Training Solutions

By: Bill Glatzel Animal Behaviorist IIACAB #164, AABA, APDT,

FACT:
95% of aggression can be managed and controlled, yet over 80% of dogs reported to have severe aggression die each year and are euthanized because of lack of training or the wrong kind of training.

Most Veterinarians, and most Dog Trainers, are well intentioned, but don't have a clue how to deal with aggression effectively. The first thing that needs to be said is aggression is very serious. No one should ever attempt to deal with aggression without the help of an experienced and professional dog trainer who specializes in aggression. Two things usually happen. The dog gets put to death, or a poor attempt is made to fix the problem with someone or some dogs getting hurt, in some cases very seriously hurt.

Q: Do I need a Dog Trainer, an Animal Behaviorist, a Veterinarian, or Someone who specializes in Behavioral Medicine?

A: It is best to consult with an Animal Behaviorist who specializes in Behavioral Medicine and one who works with many Veterinarians' who have a good understanding of many complicated medical factors that typically involve neurochemical, hormonal, metabolic, and genetic factors, and sometimes dietary and nutritional components as well.

Figure 2 Severe Dog Bite Training

Q: I've always been told I should go see my vet first. Why is this not correct?

A: Probably not alone. Most dog trainers teach basic obedience commands like sit, stay, come. They may also help with basic manners, stop jumping, and stop barking, potty training. But when it comes to severe aggression, this is not basic manners; this is not just about training. The best person to help you is an Animal Behaviorist that is also a trainer and one who specializes in Behavioral Medicine. Most dog trainers often can't deal with severe aggression and tell you to put the dog down, or they make the dog more aggressive because they don't understand canine behavior from a multifaceted approach and perspective. Anyone can call themselves a dog trainer. There are no standards, no licensing, and no qualification requirements. On the other hand an Animal Behaviorist has earned either a Masters Degree or a PhD, from an accredited college or university and has extensive education in animal behavior along with real field work and research. An Animal Behaviorist is a Behavioral Scientist. Many dog trainers may mean well and be very well intentioned, but they ethically should except their limitations in training, education and experience, and refer you to an Animal Behaviorist.

Q: Isn't aggression in dogs kind of normal? Aren't they predators by nature?

A: NO. Aggression in dogs is abnormal. Most all dogs are not aggressive; most all dogs do not bite. Most severe aggression is a combination of unwanted learned behavior, genetics, neurochemical imbalance, hormonal imbalance, metabolic deficiencies, and also possible diet and nutritional factors. There are other medical factors that can be implicated in a causative factor in aggression such as diabetes, encephalitis, seizure disorders, spinal cord and brain injuries, head trauma, these are just to name a few.

Q: I watch Cesar Milan on the "Dog Whisperer." Can't I do what he does and fix my dogs aggression?

Figure 3 Dog Bite Prevention with Kids

A: Cesar has been bit many times; he also always recommends you hire a professional. Cesar admits he is not a behaviorist. Most Animal Behaviorists disagree with many of his methods and consider them to be of more hurt and danger to the dog that real help. We don't recommend his training methods for severe behavioral problems like aggression and anxiety.

TLC K9 ACADEMY is known Nationwide as the premier Aggression experts and Off-Leash Obedience specialists. Their approach to aggression may be a bit different, but the fact is it works! TLC K9 ACADEMY saves the lives of many extremely aggressive dogs when other trainers/behaviorists and Veterinarians offer no hope but to euthanize and put to death the dog, someone's beloved pet and companion. Our goal is to manage the dog's aggression and manage the space of the dog so to prevent aggression. All aggression is because of a "real" or "perceived" threat. It is important to evaluate if the threat is real or not. A reaction that manifests itself in aggression may be very real. In some of these instances, we need to evaluate if the response of aggression is appropriate or not. If a person is attempting to hurt you or your dog, an aggressive response by your dog may be very appropriate and welcomed by you in this type of situation. However, having family guests over for the holidays and having your dog tear into uncle Ted just because he sits on the couch in your living room is very inappropriate and unwelcomed. Next in Part II; First Steps to Managing Aggression.

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