Dog Aggression

Our aggression intervention programs use modern, effective desensitization and counter-conditioning techniques that are fast and effective.

Aggression is a self-reinforcing behavior in dogs. Every time a dog bites someone, it becomes more likely that the dog will bite again. Left untreated, both the frequency and the intensity of the attacks will increase. The dog will not “grow out of it.” Dog aggression will not go away on its own, and it cannot be “punished” out of the dog. In fact, punishment can make aggression much worse.

We can help rehabilitate your dog using classical and operant conditioning protocols that work in harmony with your dog’s natural drives, to help get the fastest possible results.

Here are some emails from Canine Dimensions clients:

“Other trainers had given up on Dewey, but we decided to keep trying. Phil was the first trainer who was able to explain to us why Dewey had bitten. He said that in Dewey’s case the biting was based in fear. He gave us specific things we could do to help manage the situation, but more importantly, he gave us things we could do to help change Dewey’s frame of mind. Dewey is much happier and much more relaxed now – and so are we! His whole attitude has changed. He acts differently when people pass by outside. We have taught him to sit politely in his place when people come to the door. We definitely see a positive change in Dewey.”

“I just wanted to drop you a note to thank you for the new Sophie! She is a totally changed dog thanks to you. It’s been six months since we began the training and we have not had a single incident. We are following the program to the letter and it has really paid off.”

“As you know we’ve been working with Max every day practicing the exercises you gave us. Although things have always gone smoothly during these planned practice sessions, I always had it in the back of my mind that I hoped this really would work if we were actually faced with a situation like the ones where Max had growled at us in the past. Well yesterday it happened. Lori accidentally knocked the remote control off the coffee table and Max grabbed it and ran off. But this time I calmly approached him, just like we had practiced, and said “OUT” and he instantly dropped it! No growling!!! Needless to say we are now even more motivated to continue the training. We finally found something that is working for us. Thanks again for everything.”

Here are a few simple steps you can take in the meantime:

Don’t make excuses for the behavior. It is often useful to study the “ABCs” of aggression (Antecedent, Behavior, Consequence), but this does not mean that one can excuse or accept the behavior.
Safety first! Provide close supervision of the dog at all times, especially around children.
No physical punishment.
Require that the dog defer to you (usually with a simple “sit” command) for everything it wants – food, toys, going outside, etc.
Ignore all demands for attention made by your dog. Dogs should be given lots of love and affection, but they should never be permitted to demand play, petting, toys or attention.
Avoid situations which have triggered previous attacks.
Do not tie the dog outside for extended periods of time.
No rough play, chase, keep away or other inappropriate games.