Aggressive behavior in dogs can be a doggone nightmare. They can bark, growl, bite, snarl, or attack, depending on the stimulus. You may feel like your pup has a wild side that needs taming, but the truth is, positive reinforcement training could be all they need to turn over a new leaf.
MLK9’s aggression program or behavior modification training can help dogs become more accepting of human touch and less prone to startle easily. The training may also enhance their impulse control and confidence. Let’s discuss how positive reinforcement training works, including the strategies trainers typically deploy:
Treats Aplenty: A Foundation for Learning
As children, many of us were motivated by the promise of rewards for completing tasks or achieving goals. All the candy, ice cream, toys, and games we received inspired us to keep doing our best.
At the back of our minds, we probably rationalized, “Mm-hmm, if I keep this going, daddy will come through with a new bike!” Well, that was positive reinforcement at work, and the same holds true for dogs.
Treats provide ample motivation for your pup to behave as expected. They know they can expect a yummy snack, lots of praise, time to play, a special toy – whatever tickles their fancy. Thus, the reward enhances their likelihood of repeating a particular behavior.
This method has proven effective in helping dogs become less aggressive. Even so, the trick is to provide the reward immediately after the desired behavior, which helps the dog make the connection and be motivated to keep it up.
Counter Conditioning
Positive reinforcement changes a dog’s emotional response to certain stimuli, so they no longer react aggressively. Counter conditioning involves exposing the pup to what they feel threatened by while providing treats and praise when they stay calm and relaxed.
This is done multiple times until the dog gets used to the situation and no longer reacts with fear or aggression. For instance, if Fido tends to bark at strangers, you can start by having them sit and reward them when they do. Over time, the pup will become more comfortable in the presence of strangers and will no longer bark aggressively.
Counter conditioning also strives to influence a dog’s emotions as, generally, they tend to respond more to how they feel than to what you say. Case in point, if they think the ringing doorbell means they can expect something good, such as a treat or some playtime, they will be less likely to bark out of fear. And once they learn to channel their emotions positively and push away aggressive behaviors, you can expect a much happier pup-parent relationship.
Desensitization
Desensitization is similar to counter conditioning, but it requires more patience and consistency. The goal is to gradually increase exposure to the triggers (the stimuli fueling your dog’s aggression) while rewarding them when they remain calm. This could be anything from loud noises to other animals.
You can start by exposing your pup to a low stimulus level and rewarding them for being calm. As they become more comfortable with the situation, you can slowly increase the intensity until they are completely desensitized.
Redirection and Repetition
Sometimes, when a pup feels overly aggressive, you can help distract them with something else. For instance, you can try redirecting their minds to a toy or game, and provide positive reinforcement when they focus on the alternative item or activity.
Also, repetition is vital to any training, so ensure you are consistent and patient when using positive reinforcement methods. The longer you keep at it, the more comfortable and secure your dog will feel in their environment, causing them to no longer act aggressively. Sure, it may imply a lot of dedication, but the reward of having a calmer pup is worth every effort.
Focus on Behavior Change
I know it’s tempting to lash out at a dog when they act aggressively, but punishing them won’t solve the issue. Instead, focus on helping them develop alternative behavior through positive reinforcement training. This means keeping your eyes on the prize – whether you want them to stop lunging or high-tailing it to the door whenever someone new enters the house – and rewarding them when they do what you ask.
The idea is to shift their confrontational approach to a more collaborative one hinged upon trust. Thus, you or a trainer can help your pup develop new habits by working with them instead of on them.
Aggressive behavior in dogs is their way of saying they feel scared, intimidated, overstimulated, frustrated, or confused about something. Thankfully, positive reinforcement helps a dog learn to express their emotions and needs in a healthier way. Plus, it allows them to more appropriately develop coping strategies for stressful situations while tackling underlying emotions and helping them become more flexible.
