Experienced Dog Training Options in Clarkston & Lake Orion, MI

An aggressive dog — not to be confused with a reactive dog — has already attacked another animal or has bitten a person. There are many causes for aggression, but this problem often begins at home. The pup decides that it needs to take over the role of a leader in your family (or Alpha in the pack, the Alpha in the eyes of your dog).

Once a dog has started down this path, it is going to take a lot of work, time, and commitment on behalf of the owner—you—to turn the tables. When you take the alpha role, he will be relieved that he no longer needs to decide what is good or bad and will begin to relax.

The key to becoming the Alpha in your family is knowing how to assert yourself as the pack leader. To become the Alpha, you will learn to be a trainer and be consistent (relentless) in your training, constantly presenting your pup with new scenarios to confirm yourself as the decision-maker in every situation.

Other causes for the development of aggression in dogs may be seclusion, neglect, taunting, baiting, and — last but certainly not least — torture. 

In many cases, an aggressive dog is a scared dog. Consistent, intense training makes the difference. These dogs can learn to trust your decision-making and begin to relax.

If you have an aggressive dog, the training you will receive will significantly increase your confidence in handling dogs, and your pup will feel that confidence. Your training will improve your ability to identify situations that your dog is uncomfortable with and teach you how to avoid them/train for them. The training will help you manage your aggressive dog.

By definition, a reactive dog reacts to his surroundings in ways that we (humans) consider inappropriate. The following scenarios are examples of reactive dogs: 

• While walking your leashed pup down the sidewalk, he railroads off into the grass, trying to chase the squirrel that just appeared from behind a tree.

• Your dog rages at another dog behind a fence while out on your afternoon walk.

• Walking up a trail, you see a couple with a dog coming from behind the trees and brush. Your first thought is to grab your pup and find a secluded offshoot so, as the couple passes you, the embarrassment of having to hold back your “seething demon” does not overcome you.

• While talking to a loved one on the phone, your furry friend goes werewolf at the living room window because a pedestrian just passed your yard. The conversation is frustratingly put on hold as you fruitlessly attempt to tell your pup that all is OK.

A timid dog is one that lives in a state of anxiety and fear due to a lack of socialization during crucial developmental stages, genetics, or a post-traumatic response. These dogs lack the confidence to enjoy new experiences, people, and/or other dogs. 

Training is essential in helping your dog overcome his fear and bring him a higher quality of life. This is done by showing your dog that you are leader material and that they can trust you to help them make decisions that will keep them safe and comfortable. 

We build confidence by using several exercises that challenge your dog to step outside his comfort zone and conquer obstacles requiring them to climb, jump, or walk over strange surfaces. Here, they learn that even though they perceive a situation as nerve-wracking, following their handler’s guidance will lead to a strong feeling of accomplishment since we pair these exercises with praise and delicious rewards. 

This is only a glimpse at the beginning of the long road to a more confident dog overall. Despite the long haul and work associated with helping a timid dog come out of its shell, it is one of the most rewarding processes to be a part of. Once your dog can confide in you as their protector and leader, they can begin to enjoy life outside of their home and learn that there’s nothing to fear from new people or dogs.