Name: Puppy Kindergarten
Start: July 25, 2026 9:00 am
End: July 25, 2026 9:00 am
Location: Tri-State Canine

Predatory Aggression

April 7, 2011 By mike

This is a natural instinct that your dog was born with often referred to as the “predator prey drive”. When they see a small animal running they want to chase the animal. As with all dogs innate drives, some dogs have a higher “prey” drive than others. This means that while some dogs will fetch a stick and bring it back to you, others will chase anything that moves. Commonly dogs with predatory aggression chase other dogs when they run, small children with they run, sometimes even people on bicycles or even cars that are passing by.

When a dog displays symptoms of predatory aggression such as ignoring all commands when they are in the middle of a chase, it is important to have the ability to regain control of your dog. This can be accomplished with a behavior modification program. It is important to find a behavioral trainer that is experienced in dealing with predatory aggression. Typically speaking an obedience trainer will not have the knowledge or resources to manage this type of aggression.

Preventing Aggression in Dogs

February 9, 2011 By mike

Puppies are within their prime socialization period from 4 to 16 weeks

These are not treatments for aggressive dogs, these are steps that can be taken to avoid aggression in your dog.

-Never take a puppy younger than 8 weeks old from their mother.

– Socialize dogs when they are young. Between the ages of 4 and 16 weeks, puppies are very sensitive to forming important social bonds. You should introduce your puppy to different people, places and animals. This should be done in a gentle way, so your puppy remains happy and unafraid.

– Don’t encourage aggressive behavior. Don’t worry your puppy will grow into a good watchdog for your house. You don’t need to reinforce aggressive behavior to ensure your dog will be protective over your house when they are an adult dog.

– Start obedience training at 8 to 16 weeks, and continue training for the life of your dog.

– Neutering not only decreases a male dog’s likelihood of becoming dominant aggressive; it will also make him less likely to roam, mount, urine-mark, and fight with other male dogs. Although spaying is not likely to decrease aggression in a female, the health benefits and the pet-overpopulation crisis make it worthwhile.

Contact a behavioral trainer to assist in preventing aggression in your dog.

Redirected Aggression

February 8, 2011 By mike

Redirected Aggression can be a sign of deeper-seated Dominance Related Aggression

Has your dog ever turned on you when they are acting threatening to another person or animal, this is redirected aggression? This type of aggression usually occurs when a dog is trying to get to something and cannot, they redirect the aggression from the initial person, animal or object and attack for the closer person, animal or object.

Dominant dogs often redirect onto subordinates, whether animal or human, so if your dog redirects hostility, he may be showing signs of a deeper-seated dominance-aggression problem. Contact a behavioral trainer to assist in diagnosing this form of aggression.

Dominance related aggression

February 7, 2011 By mike

Dominance related aggression should be addressed by a qualified behavioral trainer

Does your dog sometimes act like Doctor Jekyll and Mister Hyde? Does your dog seem moody at times? In some cases this could point to your dog displaying dominance related aggression.

Dogs are pack animals, and even with domestication there is no denying their natural instincts. In a pack of animals there is a hierarchy, or a canine social order. Often times this hierarchy is established by use of aggression displays. Dominance related aggression can be linked back to this natural canine social order. Dogs view their human family as part of their pack, and thus a hierarchy exists in the dogs mind. While most dogs will act subordinate to humans, some dogs perceive themselves as having a higher rank. This can lead to conflicts with the human pack.

Dominate aggressive dogs can be very friendly, until they feel challenged. While not understanding canine behavior humans who have dominate aggressive dogs can unwittingly challenge their dog. This leads to people believing that an attack is unprovoked. Some examples of situations that may provoke a dominance aggressive dog are:

– Assuming a dominant posture over your dog.

– Approaching or touching a dog while they are eating.

– Touching or pushing a dog that is sleeping (especially in their favorite bed).

– Taking an object away from the dog.

In these cases the dog may become aggressive by growling, snapping or biting. Physical punishment often makes situations worse, and can even exacerbate the aggressive episode.

Contact a behavioral trainer to assist in diagnosing this form of aggression.

Vet Recommended Dog Trainer

January 8, 2011 By mike

Mike Dixon is an excellent and professional trainer. His interaction with the dog’s and owners is superb and his skills are innovative and cutting edge. I personally use him to train my aggressive dog. Mike spent a few hours working with the dog aggressive issues and by the end of just one session; I was able to walk my dog with no pulling, lunging or showing aggression toward other dogs. By training with Mike Dixon and Tri-State Canine Obedience you will receive skilled and compassionate training. I exclusively recommend Mike Dixon and Tri-State Canine Obedience to all of my clients.

Michelle Quigley, D.V.M.

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