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Aggressive Dog Training - Bad Dogs Wanted

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

It's really hard to parent a dog with behavior issues. It's normal to feel fear, shame and be overwhelmed. Let's talk about it.

IN-HOME SESSIONS AVAILABLE FOR MINNEAPOLIS & WESTERN SUBURBS ONLY
DOG TRAINING | FEAR, ANXIETY, & AGGRESSION

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.

In-Home Dog Training Behavior Wellness Program for Minneapolis and Western Suburbs Residents

$229 | Initial Behavior Assessment

Let's start with the Initial Behavior Assessment, which is part of all packages. It's the first Zoom session that everyone completes. Once we meet, then I can make a recommendation for how many sessions you'll need.  This also includes your initial treatment plan and homework. 75-90 minute lesson.

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$259 | In-Person Follow Up Lesson (Minneapolis & Western Suburbs Only)

I recommend at least 3 lessons for dogs with a history of mild to moderate separation distress, mild fear of or shyness towards people, excitable or anxious barking, mild leash reactivity, jumping, pulling on the leash, issues with coming when called, or other mild behavior issues.  This is also a great program for new rescue dogs with a questionable history, but who need more confidence and help with acclimating to their new home.  One hour lesson.

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I recommend at least 4 lessons for dogs who have bitten a person or dog, who have attempted to bite a person or dog, moderate to severe aggression towards people and dogs, moderate to severe leash aggression, severe separation distress/anxiety, severe fear of people or dogs, history of abuse or neglect, or rescue dogs who are completely shut down and are having a really hard time.  

All payments are due at the time of booking in order to reserve your spot.  One hour lesson. 

You can reserve multiple lessons to start if you'd like to pick dates that work with your schedule. Lessons should be scheduled about 3 weeks apart.

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If you're not sure if I do in-person lessons in your area, please email me at kari@wagandtrain.com.

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  • What steps do you take to ensure the safety of both the dog and the owner during training sessions for aggression if being done virtually?
    The dog is never put in a situation to replicate aggression or anxiety. We don't use these situations to train or correct behavior within the session or in real life, so there's never a safety issue.
  • How can online dog training address the specific needs of dogs with anxiety, aggression, or fear, considering their unique challenges and requirements?
    Online dog training is the same as in-home training for anxiety, aggression, and fear. Every dog is unique in what they need for behavior modification and training, and every dog's treatment plan is focused on them as an individual, whether it's online or in-home.
  • How could online training benefit a dog with aggression or fear issues versus going to a group class with a bunch of dogs?
    Group training is often not applicable for a dog with fear or anxiety. Online training can be more beneficial because it's in the dog's familiar environment, which helps avoid many triggers and distractions. Training a dog at home helps the dog feel safer and keeps s/he under threshold and doesn't create more stress.
  • How do you ensure that owners receive personalized guidance for their dog's behavior, considering the diverse range of breeds and individual temperaments?
    Each dog's behavior plan is unique to their breed, temperament, environment, learning style, motivation, stress/fear level, and impulse control ability. After owners fill out an intake questionnaire/history, and we complete the first online appointment, I develop an individual behavior plan based on the dog's individual needs. Owners are able to ask questions, provide input, and be a part of their dog's treatment throughout the process.
  • Since online training lacks the physical presence of a trainer, how do you address and correct misinterpretations or misapplications of training techniques by the dog owners, ensuring the safety and well-being of the dogs?
    During online lessons, I am 100% present, and watch the training session as it happens. I give detailed instructions to each owner regarding what to practice and how to accomplish each cue or behavior. If needed, I demonstrate while we are meeting, or show videos during and/or send afterward. Clients can upload videos to a Google Drive folder I send them for me to watch for guidance in between sessions. Everyone is always able to ask questions in between lessons, and send videos if feedback is needed or wanted.
  • How can online dog training be adapted to accommodate owners with busy lifestyles, ensuring consistency and success in the training process?
    Online training is flexible, allowing owners to train whenever they want. The consistency comes from an established, well-vetted program developed over 30 years of experience, creating individualized treatment plans with proven techniques and results, and email/phone follow-up whenever it's needed.
  • Can the whole family participate in the dog's online training sessions?
    Absolutely! I encourage the whole family to participate, including other pets. It's great when everyone is involved in the training process.
  • What have you found as a dog behaviorist expert to be one of the biggest surprises or benefits of virtual training?
    I have been doing online training with clients all over North America since 2016, and have it down to a science. The biggest surprise is how effective and valuable online training is, even without physical presence, and it's less stressful for fearful or aggressive dogs. It's safer, too. I think the humans enjoy not having to clean their house or worry if they are in their pajamas. It's less formal, but still jam packed with the benefits of in-home training.
  • How do you build trust and confidence in dogs dealing with anxiety through online virtual training sessions?
    Building trust and confidence is about helping dogs feel safe, understand their environment, and learn problem-solving skills. In both online and in-home sessions, I teach pet parents to build these aspects of their relationship with their dog. Whether in-home training or online, my job is to train the pet parent to have a relationship with the dog, not me - I leave the lesson regardless. Although I have had clients ask if I can just move in! And as much as I love the dogs and people I have the privilege of working with every day, that's not possible.
  • What’s the biggest surprise for the dog parent?
    People think they’re bringing the dog to be trained and actually, I’m training the humans! Clients often tell me I’m not a dog trainer, but rather I’m the sanity saver, the hope giver. Especially with dog experiencing anxiety, fear and/or aggression, online dog training right in your own home relieves the stress and potential embarrassment, and people have fun! The dogs and families love it. People are shocked that online lessons are so effective, but I am in your living room either way, and I can make all of my recommendations regardless of my location.
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