Research and interview check lists

Because you want the best help for your dog, we have put together a series of check lists and questions designed to help you to find a trainer or behaviorist qualified to deal with dog aggression: someone who can truly help you help your dog.

We hope that they will encourage you to be proactive and objective about who you find to help you and your dog... Consider joining an online support e-group to help you as you go through this process.

But before you look for a trainer, consult your vetrinarian to rule out any medical causes ofyour dog's aggression. Up to 50% of aggression problems have underlying medical causes.

Veterinary Behaviorist, behaviorist or trainer?

If you have a serious problem, we currently recommend contacting the behavioral department at the nearest veterinary college and asking for a referral for a veterinary behaviorist in your area (this might take some research to find out who is the best person to contact). Remember, a veterinary behaviorist is not the same as a behaviorist or behavior specialist - anyone can call themselves a behaviorist or trainer. Not anyone can call themselves a veterinarian.

Veterinary Colleges - Asia

Veterinary Colleges - Americas

Veterinary Colleges - Europe

Veterinary Colleges - USA and Canada

After an initial consultation, you might choose to work with a trainer. The behaviorist may be able to recommend someone, or you may have to find one who is willing to work with the program set out by the behaviorist.

Anyone can call themselves a behaviorist, specialist or trainer. There are many variations in how people to choose to work, and the methods they use. The competition and opposition among trainers can be political. While a trainer is ideal in working with you hands on, finding one who knows what they are doing and can find a way to work best with you and your dog is not easy. While there are many great trainers, only some are qualified to deal with aggression. Some can deal with a dog who is simply being bratty, or who has learned to be aggressive, but many trainers are not qualified to deal with more serious situations, despite their claims. Your best bet is to get recommendations from people who are familiar with those working in the dog training industry.

You could consider consulting a veterinary behaviorist, and other dog organizations for recommendations.

Doing your research

Questions for the consultant

Questions for the referral

Questions regarding the Board & Train facility *

Questions regarding classes **

Things to consider before you make your decision

After speaking to the consultant

What to observe when visiting the Board & Train facility *

Warnings

* Board and Train

Board and train refers to sending your dog to a person's house, or facility to be trained and/or treated for aggression. While we suggest you avoid sending your dog away for a variety of reasons, you should avoid board and train treatment particularly if your dog is dominant aggressive [1]. The number one reason why you should not send your dog away is that you cannot be sure of what will happen to your dog. Dog aggression sometimes justifies some to use inhumane treatments according to some trainer. The number two reason, is your own role. You need to commit yourself to treatment. You both need to learn how to trust each other again. This can only happen if you are part of the process. You also need to learn how to read your dog's signals long before the aggression occurs and this takes practice and experience.

However, sometimes people feel the need to get their dog out of the house if they have young children, or some stressful situation and feel this is their only option. If this is the case for you, you should understand that you will still need to do as much work when your dog returns than if he never left in the first place. However, often in the process of your learning, the dog may back to his previous behavior.

This should not be considered just because it seems easier to have some one do the work for you.

** Classes

Classes are great for learning general things, such as obedience training, etc. You can often learn by watching how others work with their dogs. However, many obedience classes will not accept aggressive dogs, so ask about this before signing up. Classes that offer help for problem dogs may be helpful to a degree, however, every dog/owner situation is unique, and you may not get the individual time you need.

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References

[1] "He has to learn to be subservient to you,, in your home, not to a stranger in a distant kennel" p. 116 The Dog's Mind - Understanding Your Dog's Behavior, Bruce Fogel, D.V.M., M.R.C.V.S. Howell Book house, New York 1990

K9aggression.com is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of aggressive dogs, their owners and those around them. By providing education, inspiration and support through online communication we hope to promote responsibility, action, and understanding.