CHESAPEAKE CANINE
Certified Dog Trainer

Dog Aggression Rehabilitation

When addressing dog aggression, using a combination of play, socialization, positive reinforcement, and punishment will greatly reduce or eliminate aggression.
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Here's how we apply each:
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1) Play. Play can serve as a valuable tool in addressing dog aggression by providing an instinctual, genetic outlet. Most trainers won't allow an aggressive dog to bite or chase anything. We are completely opposite.
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If you try to stop a Pitbull from fighting, a Rottweiler from biting, or a Border Collie from chasing you are working against genetics. We believe in giving dogs a controlled outlet through play for their instinctual behaviors. If you don't do this, you will continue to have issues in the future.
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2) Socialization. We socialize dogs to facilitate supervised interactions with other dogs or people in controlled environments to help the dog learn appropriate social cues and reduce fear-based aggression through positive experiences.
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3) Positive Reinforcement. Positive reinforcement focuses on rewarding desirable behaviors to encourage their repetition while ignoring or redirecting undesirable behaviors. It helps build trust and strengthens the bond between the dog and owner.
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Positive reinforcement works hand in hand with punishment.
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4) Punishment. Punishment involves the application of aversive consequences to discourage undesirable behaviors.
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Many trainers have programs based on management. Management is not training. Management is the avoidance of choice points. Whether a dog is constantly popped on a prong collar or given treats to avoid reacting to a trigger, this is not training.
Once we have provided dogs with the foundation they need, we present choice points. On their own, under freedom, they are allowed to make decisions. Good decisions are rewarded and bad decisions are punished.
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By combining play, positive reinforcement, and punishment judiciously and within the context of a comprehensive behavior modification plan, it's possible to address dog aggression effectively while fostering a trusting and positive relationship between the dog and its owner.
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Benefits:
1. Safety: Addressing aggression is crucial for the safety of both the dog and those around them, reducing the risk of injury or harm.
2. Improved Quality of Life: Aggressive behavior can lead to stress and isolation for both the dog and the owner. Rehabilitation aims to improve the dog's behavior and overall quality of life.
3. Legal Compliance: In many areas, aggressive behavior can lead to legal repercussions for owners. Rehabilitation efforts can help mitigate these risks.
4. Prevention of Further Aggression: proper training can prevent aggressive behaviors from escalating or becoming ingrained habits.
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Outcomes:
1. Elimination of Aggression: Changing the dogs perception of triggers and giving him/her an instinctual/genetic outlet will greatly reduce or eliminate aggression.
2. Improved Socialization: Rehabilitation efforts often include socialization exercises to help the dog become more comfortable and less reactive in the presence of triggers.
3. Increased Confidence: As the dog learns alternative behaviors to aggression, they often become more confident and less fearful in various situations.
4. Safer Interactions:** Owners will feel more confident and in control during interactions with their dog, knowing that aggressive behaviors are being addressed and managed effectively.
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