Aggressive behavior problems are the most frequent type of dog behavior challenges we work with. Our dog trainer has extensive experience addressing aggressive behavior successfully.

Can my dog be helped?

The majority of aggressive behavior problems can be addressed successfully. That said, owners need to be committed to following through, have realistic expectations and be willing to take responsible safety precautions. We accept aggressive behavior on a case by case basis.

Aggression directed towards other dogs

Our trainer, Veronica Sanchez M.Ed. CABC, CPDT has a special interest in working with dogs with aggressive behavior towards other dogs. In fact, this is the most common behavior problem that we see and we have helped many clients address this behavior problem successfully. Dog-dog aggression may have many different underlying causes such as fear, protective/possessive behavior, inadequate socialization and hereditary components.

Some cases of dog-aggression are able to be seen at our Vienna home office where we provide a structured opportunity to practice around our trainer's dogs in a relaxed home environment. Our dogs are safely confined to a room away from the home office unless we are actively working with them to avoid stressing your dog. Neither animals nor people learn well when they are stressed. Our goal is to ensure that sessions are safe, enjoyable and successful for both you and your dog.

In the event that your dogs are fighting within the home, we would need to address this at your home. As we live with four dogs ourselves, we are very experienced with the unique challenges of a multiple dog household.

Dog Park Problems

Aggression directed towards people

This is obviously a very serious behavior problem. Dogs exhibiting aggression may growl, snap, lunge or bite. Most dogs that have aggressive behavior problems towards people are very stressed and we work with owners to identify strategies to help reduce the dog's overall stress level. We also educate owners on safe management and strategies to establish leadership.

Dogs that have a history of exhibiting aggressive or very fearful behavior towards people, have injured other animals or that have been involved with animal control or the police we see at the owner's home. This is for safety reasons, to facilitate behavioral change as well as to ensure that we can accurately assess the dog's behavior in its environment.

In addition to helping clients with their dogs, our trainer also has direct personal experience solving aggressive behavior problems in her own dogs effectively. To learn more read Cupid's story (scroll to the bottom of the page).

Some Reliable Resources on Aggression and Training Online

Animal Behavior Resources Institute has podcasts, videos and articles on aggression as well as other behavior and training issues by accredited leaders in the field.

Dominance versus Leadership in Dog Training by Dr. Sophia Yin

DogGone Safe website on bite prevention, especially good for families with children

© 2010 Cooperative Paws Training and Behavior Consulting

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