While curbing vicious behavior directed at people may require extensive training or even medication, it can still result in a dog that cannot be fully trusted around people. Aggressive behavior toward other dogs can be remedied using a series of obedience exercises and proper use of an electronic training collar. Known as counter-conditioning, the technique involves replacing the unwanted behavior with a more acceptable behavior and rewarding the dog for it. One of the keys to this training regimen, Benson said, is to place an emphasis on rewards and good behavior. You should never use the collar as a punishment for aggression, he warned.
Aggression often comes from dominance, territorial defense and fear.
Using the collar as a punishment can make the dog more fearful. But you also shouldn t comfort a dog that is showing signs of aggression, because then you are only reaffirming the behavior. When using the collar in this type of training, Benson said he prefers to place the dog in a stimulus-free environment. Common tools are a leash, remote collar and treats. Training often starts with teaching the dog to stop a low level stimulation by sitting.