Aggressive Dog Training
What Is Dog Aggression
Dog aggression refers to angry or violent behavior exhibited by dogs towards other animals, people, or objects. Not all aggression leads to a bite, but it certainly has the potential to escalate and intensify if not addressed.
Signs Of Aggression In Dogs:
Growling
Bearing Teeth
Teeth on Skin — including nipping, muzzle wraps, grab and hold without puncture
Biting
Snapping
Lunging
Muzzle Punches
Fixation — stiff posture, intense stare
Types of Aggression:
Resource Guarding (Objects, space, people or food) - protective or possessive over valuable items
Fear Aggression — fear of humans, dogs, punishment, or situational experiences.
Dominant Aggression - bullying behavior, trying to claim rank in the pack, lack of leadership
Prey Drive - instincts kick in and natural drive to stalk, chase, or attack small animals.
Other Reasons Your Dog May Act Aggressively
Your dog may be in pain or unhealthy. A vet workup will be essential to rule out any underlying health concerns as we begin training and behavior rehab.
Your dog may demonstrate human aggression towards specific people: children, men, men in sunglasses & hats, strangers, strangers in the home, or any category of human they may have imprinted a memory for.
Your dog may demonstrate aggression towards other animals.
Your dog may be in maternal or mating mode.
If you believe your dog is beginning to show signs of aggression — seek professional help as soon as possible. These issues do not get better on their own and will escalate if not corrected in a fair and consistent way.
If your dog appears to be threatening you real-time - do not provoke them further. Manage your safety first and then call the professionals to help you identify and correct your dog’s behavior.
Classifications of Bite Levels by AVMA
he five levels of dog bites, as described by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), are:
Level 1: A single, minor bite with no puncture or minimal puncture.
Level 2: A single, moderate bite with one or more punctures but no tissue loss.
Level 3: A single, severe bite with multiple punctures and tissue loss, but with no bone involvement.
Level 4: A single bite or multiple bites with severe tissue loss and bone involvement.
Level 5: A single bite or multiple bites with severe tissue loss and bone involvement, leading to death of the victim.
It is important to note that the level of a bite does not necessarily correspond to the size or breed of the dog. Any dog can bite, and the severity of the bite depends on a variety of factors, including the dog's training, socialization, and overall temperament, as well as the circumstances surrounding the bite.
At the K9 Coach we offer a comprehensive assessment of your dog behavior and history, along with a look at your dog’s wellness history to develop a treatment program for the individual dog and family.