Most dogs are wonderful 98% of the time, but also have triggers

If you are outside the Minneapolis area, please click here for my virtual sessions. I zoom right into your living room live where your whole family can join!

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I want to say that I don't like to use the term "aggressive dog training" because that can negatively identify your dog and be loaded with shame. But the google machine tells me that this is how your dogs have been labeled by the media, big box retailers, and underqualified trainers. I know these are your family members that you love and care for dearly and you want what's best for them and you and your family. Otherwise you wouldn't be out here searching for help. I don't believe there are bad dogs, but rather dogs having a hard time.

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Dog training for aggressive or fearful dogs can be difficult to find and understand. But I am here to make your dog training experience easier and with less anxiety and fear of your own. It can be a really hard to parent a dog who has behavior issues, especially when dog training techniques differ so much.

 

So, let’s start here.

 

Do any of these statements describe your dog?

• Growls at, snaps at, or has bitten a person

• Growls at, lunges at, snaps at, or has bitten another dog

• Goes in to complete panic mode when someone comes to the front door

• Reactive or highly excitable while on walks

• Earns a wonderful report card at doggie daycare, but is aggressive towards dogs or people when you are on the other end of the leash

• Shy or fearful of strangers 

• Shy or fearful of friends and family even in your home

• Aggressive towards dogs on or off leash

 

You and your dog are not alone!

The above list comprises some very common and normal behaviors for dogs.  And it’s normal for dogs to have multiple symptoms. Most dogs are wonderful 98% of the time, and do really well at home, but they can have certain triggers that increase their fear and anxiety.  The majority of aggressive behavior is due to anxiety and fear, and that’s what we will focus on to help your dog learn that things aren’t so scary. Aggression is not about being dominant- it’s about insecurity, anxiety, and fear.

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Wag & Train's Behavior Wellness Program focuses on changing behavior from the inside out, and looking at emotions, environment, nutrition and gut health, genetics, anything medical that might be causing the issue, and of course, learned behavior.  I work on decreasing underlying anxiety, building confidence, decreasing fear through desensitization and counter-conditioning, increasing impulse control when needed, building the bond with your dog, helping to increase trust without pressure to respond, increase problem solving, and creating a safe space for learning where your dog won’t be exposed to the trigger in such a way that will make his or her fear worse.

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I do not use shock, choke, or prong collars. I use confidence building techniques like lure-reward teaching (visual cues), along with food rewards and play, that are scientifically proven to change behavior positively and without stress. I focus on the emotions that are causing the behavior first, then changing your dog’s associations to their stressor. I do not use any fear-inducing methodologies and do not believe in doing anything that will increase the likelihood your dog will be more fearful or aggressive. I believe this process should be fun and stress-free, and at both yours and your dog’s pace.