How do dogs end up with Progressive aggression?
Progressive aggression is a neurological symptom that gradually increases with time. This neurological state is not caused by humans or circumstances. Progressive aggression can be found in any breed; it can slowly creep up in any dog regardless of health. That playful pet can start showing symptoms at any age usually you see it with adult dogs. The dog begins to start showing aggression at any point without any provocation. The dog itself doesn’t realize nor able to control it. There is nothing anyone can do to correct or control that behavior, it surfaces randomly. In the beginning it can happen only once in a blue but then gradually increases with more frequency.
Age, breed, sex, size has no direct relevance to it. This mental disease can start at any age. The pet owner will notice the changes, since their dog never exhibited those behaviors in the past. It becomes noticeable. Usually the behavior begins to show towards outsiders and gradually to its own family. A professional dog trainer or a veterinarian would be able to confirm it. Once it has been diagnosed that it does have it, you and your vet in collaboration with a professional trainer of your choice can see what the best avenue would be to take. This type of behavior can progress the frequency with time; the frequency can show in weeks, months or years. Pending what level it has reached; that will dictate the course of action, if there is any that can be taken. It’s not your fault, nor the dogs. Do not mistake normal aggressive behavior with the progressive aggression, your vet and a professional trainer will know.
Please note; harsh corrections are useless and a No No, it’s just the mental wiring beginning to go wrong.
Here are some of the stages & symptoms: they may just look at a person and without cause or provocation they will growl and snap. They become less tolerant, less patient and usually want to be left alone. They start showing dislike to those strangers which they use to like. Other times they might be lying down and as you pass by they will growl. Even the people the dog knew since it was a puppy will not make any difference. A dog’s progressive aggression is usually focused more towards people than other dogs; part reason is other dog’s sense that the dog is not well and leave them be. Harsh handling or harsh corrections does nothing.
This type of “progressive aggression” is not something you see often, but it’s still out there.
If you notice your dog is starting to show that behavior, see the vet and a professional trainer. If you see your dog exhibiting that behavior leave it alone till it subsides, or try to get his focus redirected to something else. Make sure he has subsided before you refocus to a more fun and inviting thing. The last thing you want your dog is to associate the aggression with a reward to stop. To snap them out of that behavior once they have calmed down use your car keys or a leash to invite them to go out.
It is very sad to see ones dog that was so playful and happy, and then to start exhibiting this type of mental issue.
Training isn’t hard as long as you are willing to put time and follow my formula to have success; Patience, Persistence, Consistency & Repetition.
If you still fail, it’s on you not your dog. You didn’t stick to the formula.
Have a woof woof of a month.
Harry Kalajian
M.D.T. With over 35 years experience
All Aspect of training, Behaviorist, Ethologist & Psychologist
Executive Dog Training Inc.
941-447-8234
www.executivedogtraining.com
