You are probably here to see if your dog’s problem can be fixed. While dog aggression is rarely “cured”, because all dogs have the potential to behave aggressively, the majority of dog aggression is treatable. One example, the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine (VHUP) behavior clinic has a very high success rate with great improvement in more than 75% of all aggressive animals; 90% of aggressive patients improve to the extent that the owners are happy to keep them.
The majority of dog aggression is treatable
But be aware of any trainer who insists he can “fix” your dog, make your dog’s aggression completely disappear, or uses word like “cure” as they may be trying to fool you into using their services. The causes of aggression and therefor the outcome of treatment is complicated. What we should be aiming for is improvement and safety. However, that is not to say we can’t have a stress free enjoyable life with our dog!
Veterinary behaviorist, Dr. Dodman writes. “The truth is that getting a handle on aggression once is has progressed to a biting stage is not always easy, but with patience and understanding, some inroads can be made with the consistent application of dominance-control strategies.” [1]
There are five main factors that contribute to the success of treatment
- Owner compliance to the treatment program
- The age of the dog at the onset of aggression
- Predictability of the outbursts
- Duration of the condition
- The pattern of the behavioral changes in response to environmental, behavioral and pharmacological intervention.
Therefore the earlier the problem developed, the less predictable the outbursts (and this could change once the owner is taught how to recognize the signs), the longer the condition has existed, and the more frequent, intense the rate and extent of the outburst, the worst the prognosis. [2]
You make the difference
However,the most critical factor determining success is your compliance to the treatment program and the extent of your effort. That means following the directions you have been given, and not “cheating” or rushing the dog too fast, or putting your dog into situations where he or she will become aggressive. Therefor it will help to think about factors regarding commitment and paying attention. There are ways you can help yourself to prevent failure, by recognizing the pit falls that can occur and be seeking support.
Temporary relapses are common in households that believe their dogs are cured after behavior modification. Relapses can occur if you do not continue to reinforce the dog’s appropriate behaviors (what this means for each case will vary).
Learn more about treating dog aggression.
Seeking support
K9aggression has a Facebook page as well as a Yahoo! Groups support group you might consider joining.
You might be interested in
More about dog aggression in general
What is involved in treating dog aggression.
Footnotes
[1] Dog Behaving Badly, An A-to-Z Guide to Understanding & Curing Behavioral Problems in Dogs, Dr. Nicolas Dodman, p. 9, Bantom Books,1999
[2]Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Small Animals, Karen L. Overall, M.A., V.M.D., Ph.D. Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Behavior, Department of Clinical Studies,
