Taming violent dogs is definitely an issue that demands attention and resolve. If your dog turns aggressive with someone, you could be subject to large fines and your dog would run the risk of being put to sleep if found to be a public menace. These are all consequences of an aggressive dog that can be easily avoided if treated in a timely manner. Pet owners can tell at a relatively young age whether or not their dog fits the category of a violent dog. His personality, combined with the breed of the dog would be enough to go on.
There are a number of different reasons why a dog may turn violent. One of the most common triggers of violence and aggressiveness in dogs is the lack of security. Feeling uneasy and uncomfortable with his surroundings amounts to stress and sense of insecurity in the dog, this translates into violent behavior as a form of expression. Treating a dog for aggressive behavior cannot be performed just by anyone. A certified dog trainer with some experience in aggressive behavior is required, not just any handler used to training dog obedience classes. Remember the trainer will have to face a potential attack to himself, for which you cannot be made liable. Violence in a dog not only includes biting, but also barking and chasing people around. For these reasons mentioned above, pet owners are best advised to go with a certified professional, and not take this endeavor lightly, as to prevent any unfortunate incidents from happening.
Your first stop when looking for a trainer for your violent dog is your veterinarian. He is likely to have references of experienced handlers who can take on the job of taming your dog. However, these services do not come cheap; it will cost you a considerable amount more than the regular trainers charge. Considering that authorities in obedience school are reluctant to accept any dogs with aggressive behavior, a trainer will have to work solely with your dog. Additionally, most people are not qualified, or willing to face a violent dog, especially if it’s a grown one. Lastly, consider the consequences of not making the expense; you may end up paying a lot more in the end.
The person responsible for the animal should be aware of the latest training methods available. Being informed will prevent you from falling into scams that pretend to do the job, when all they want is your money. Some people may have the ability to portray aggressive dog training as an easy task, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. A professional trainer will always be mindful of the dangers involved, and approach the task with all necessary precautions. He will also value if the pet owner has been diligent in asking for help in the early stages of the dog’s life, as opposed to getting help for a fully grown German Sheppard.
The primary goal should always be on the forefront of your efforts, which is to turn your dog into a loving animal who can share happy moments with friends and family. With this in mind, all the pieces will surely come into place.