Aggressive German Shepherd: A Cesar911 Case Study
Aggression is a common problem in dogs, and can be very concerning for owners. In some cases, it can even lead to the owner considering giving up their beloved pet. This is the case for Evan, who reached out to Cesar Millan for help with his Aggressive German Shepherd mix, Amigo.
In this episode of Cesar911, we see how Cesar helps Evan and his two friends, Robo and Adam, deal with Amigo's aggression. Through this case study, we can learn more about aggressive behavior in dogs and how to address it.
The Source of Aggression German Shepherd:
The first step in addressing aggression in dogs is to understand that it is just a symptom of a bigger issue. In the case of Amigo, Cesar observes that he is displaying signs of fear and anxiety when Evan's friends come around. This fear leads to aggression as Amigo's way of protecting himself.
Understanding your dog's body language and recognizing the warning signs is crucial in addressing aggression. For example, when Amigo's ears are back, tail is low, and eyes are focused on his target, it's a clear indication that he feels threatened.
The Importance of Boundaries:
In addition to understanding your dog's body language, setting boundaries is essential in dealing with aggressive behavior. Dogs are pack animals, and they need a strong leader to establish rules and boundaries for them.
In the case of Amigo, Cesar uses a wooden crate to test his behavior when Evan's friends are around. He notices that when the two friends are tense and stiff around Amigo, it makes him nervous and causes him to act out aggressively.
To address this issue, Cesar has Evan leave the room while he works alone with Amigo. However, Evan is instructed to watch on a monitor so he can see how Cesar corrects Amigo's behavior.
The Correcting Process:
Cesar uses a variety of techniques to correct Amigo's aggression, such as calm and assertive energy, a "tsst" sound to get his attention, and using a leash to guide him. These actions help to establish Cesar as the pack leader, and in turn, calms Amigo down.
When Amigo displays aggressive behavior towards an object, Cesar shows Evan how to correct him without using physical force. He simply makes a "tsst" sound and moves the object away from Amigo. This teaches Amigo that his aggressive behavior will not be tolerated and will not get him what he wants.
The Importance of Exercise:
As with all dogs, exercise is crucial for their physical and mental well-being. In the case of Amigo, Cesar observes that he has a lot of pent-up energy due to a lack of exercise. This excess energy manifests itself as aggression towards Evan's friends.
To address this issue, Cesar takes Amigo on a walk to help release his energy and calm him down. This shows Evan the importance of providing regular exercise for his dog.
The Outcome:
After working with Cesar, Evan is able to introduce his friends back into his garage without any aggressive behavior from Amigo. The key takeaway here is that understanding your dog's needs and providing the right boundaries and exercise can drastically improve their behavior.
Conclusion:
Aggression in dogs can be scary and overwhelming for owners. However, it's important to remember that it is just a symptom of a deeper issue. By understanding your dog's body language and providing clear boundaries and exercise, you can address aggressive behavior and have a happy and well-behaved dog like Amigo.
If you're dealing with an aggressive German Shepherd, don't give up hope. Seek help from a professional like Cesar Millan, who can guide you through the process of addressing your dog's behavior and creating a harmonious relationship between you and your furry companion. Remember, with the right techniques and boundaries, any dog can learn to overcome their aggression.
