Aggression is a dangerous and serious behavioral concern that must be dealt with quickly. Left unchecked, growls, bared teeth, and snaps can quickly turn into lunges and bites, putting both others and your canine’s well-being at risk.
Seeing your dog react aggressively can leave you feeling hopeless and even plagued by guilt. However, it’s important not to shoulder the blame. What matters is how you help your dog overcome their aggressive tendencies and lead the life they deserve with you in Denver.
To help you give the best possible support for your companion, we’ll discuss all you need to consider below. We’ll cover common underlying causes, telltale signs of aggression, and explore aggressive dog training Denver options.
What Causes Dog Aggression?
Aggression should be treated as a symptom rather than a standalone behavior. When a dog behaves aggressively, it’s a clear indicator that there is a distressing emotion at play, a physical health concern, or an unmet need. Common causes of dog aggression include:
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- Resource Guarding: A dog may be protective of their food or other belongings, and snap if someone tries to take these away from them.
- Health Issue: A dog in a significant amount of pain may be unable to cope and react aggressively, particularly if their owner tries to touch a sore area.
- Protective: A dog may have an innate drive to protect their owner from harm, and behave aggressively toward others whom they perceive as threats.
- Reactivity: A dog may be fearful of certain stimuli. This can cause them to react aggressively when they feel overwhelmed or stressed.
- Territorial: A dog may become overly protective of their home. They may exhibit aggressive tendencies toward any unfamiliar person or animal who comes into their space.
If your dog has started showing aggressive behavior suddenly, this is usually a strong indicator of an underlying health issue. It’s important to take them to a veterinarian immediately to rule out potential concerns.
Warning Signs of Aggressive Behavior
The first thing you notice may be your dog’s snarls, lunges, or snaps. However, these behaviors are usually a result of previous warnings going unnoticed and ignored.
Understanding the signs that your dog is feeling overwhelmed can help you address their behavior before it escalates further.
Common warning signs include:
- Licking their lips
- Yawning
- Trembling
- Tense body
- A low position
- Head turning
- Freezing
- Tucked tail or tail “flagging” (held upright and waving stiffly)
- Raising their front paw
- Lifting lips
- Looking away, with the whites of their eyes showing
- Baring their teeth
Are Some Breeds More Aggressive Than Others?
No, no breed is inherently “aggressive,” despite what the media may lead you to think. Some dogs do have certain traits that can appear aggressive if left unchecked — think a high prey drive or guarding instinct.
However, with proper socialization, care, and training, these traits can readily be managed, and these dogs can still make loving companions. This remains the case even for breeds like Rottweilers and pit bull terriers, who unfortunately often get labelled as “aggressive” dogs.
Aggressive Dog Training Denver: Seeking Professional Help
Dealing with dog aggression is complex and often dangerous, and it’s important not to try to manage this behavior yourself. You should always seek support from a professional trainer in Denver.
A trainer will be able to help you determine the underlying cause, whether resource guarding or reactivity, and manage your pup’s aggressive tendencies effectively in a safe and understanding way.
Choosing Your Trainer in Denver
There are professional trainers throughout Denver. However, it’s important to ensure you work with a behaviorist or trainer who has hands-on experience with aggressive dogs and uses positive reinforcement techniques.
Positive reinforcement is the best way to address aggressive tendencies — and any behavioral issue, for that matter — because it fosters trust and helps your dog to feel safe and loved.
Never use aversives or other punitive techniques when tackling aggression. In most instances, this will only serve to exacerbate your dog’s stress and may even cause them to display more aggression.
How Much Does Aggressive Dog Training in Denver Cost?
The exact cost of aggressive dog training in Denver can vary, depending on your pup’s needs and how many training sessions they require. Your specific location and the trainer’s experience and reputation can also affect the overall cost.
As a rough idea, trainers in Denver typically charge $75 to $150 per session when tackling aggressive tendencies. Most dogs will need at least a year of consistent weekly sessions, followed by occasional sessions as needed to prevent aggressive behaviors from cropping up again.
Aggressive Dog Training Denver: Getting the Right Support
Living with a dog who displays aggressive behavior can make every day feel like an exhausting battle. However, it’s important not to give up hope.
With professional support, patience, and an understanding of the root cause, it’s certainly possible to manage your dog’s aggression and help their true, loving, warm personality shine through. Reach out to a professional dog trainer in Denver to begin the first step.