Dog aggression training - when does it become necessary? Just as people dogs have their very own personalities. Some are followers, and some are definitely not. Every pack needs a leader and some dogs come with that natural tendency. This also means that a follower will respond to the various training methods differently than a leader. One dog may just follow your lead and quickly apply your teachings, while others may wear your patience and endurance to shreds.

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But be careful not to judge a hard to train dog just on that characteristic. A leader may need dog aggression training, but many of the traits that make it so are actually positive characteristics, even though during the training phase it'll give you a hard time. The two traits in a leader that will disrupt your dog aggression training sessions the most are dominance and independence.

Dog Aggression Training - How To Deal With A Dog's Independence?

When you and your pet are going through dog aggression training, independence issues will be the trait you will have to deal with most frequently. The training sessions may be more complicated with an independent dog, since it, though without a doubt loving its owners, doesn't have such a need to please you as a more compliant dog. It definitely has its own mind about how things are supposed to go and will be more of a challenge to train.

Some telltale signs of an independent dog are a marked indifference towards other animals and people; it may not like to be petted and resist grooming efforts with a vengeance. Many independent dogs tend to be loners and will turn their back on you when being corrected.

It's not an impossible feat though to train an independent dog. You will have to put in some effort trying different approaches to see what does and doesn't work with your dog in particular.

One important thing to keep in mind: Physical correction, hitting, yanking the leash and force will get you nowhere with a hard to train dog. He will stubbornly and passively resist all your efforts of dog aggression training and stop your sessions dead in their tracks. If a dog gets to this point making it obey your commands will be a very difficult undertaking.

So how do you best get through to an independent dog? Never underestimate the power of rewards. Figure out its favorites and take full advantage of your dog's likes. To get to what it wants your dog will most likely comply with your wishes.

Dog Aggression Training - How To Deal With A Dog's Dominance?

Dominant dogs will let you know what they think of being bossed around. The independent one may ignore you, the dominant one will make it clear when it is displeased.

As natural leaders you will have to prove yourself to the dog before your leadership is accepted. Failing at that you will be seen as an inferior member of the pack. A dominant dog may show defensive behavior when it comes to territory, toys and food, always ready for a fight and growling or snapping when things don't go their way.

Despite their maybe fearsome nature dominant dogs can be trained. They do learn to obey your commands once they've understood that you are the boss. Once you've established yourself in the alpha position through reasonable actions everything else will fall into place and your dog aggression training will follow its course.

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