Any breed can cause trouble but the bigger breeds can create bigger damage. This is where I find a lot of what I call my red-zone cases.

Its important to recognize the power of a strong breed like the pit bull, the Cane Corso and the Mastiffs. These dogs are very powerful and can destroy anything in an instant.

Remember that these dogs don't dream of being in the news when they grow up. Dogs don't premeditate bad acts like people do. Bad things happen when powerful breeds (or mixes of powerful breeds) live with humans who like the breed but don't understand the animal in the dog.

In a larger breed, frustration will intensify what the animal can do. Many people consider the look or popularity of a breed before thinking about whether the dog works for their lifestyle. This is a recipe for disaster.

Wanted: Leadership
To control a powerful breed you need to become the dogs pack leader and establish rules, boundaries and limitations. You need to fulfill the dog as Nature intended him to be fulfilled.

Dogs become aggressive out of frustration and dominance. The frustration comes from a lack of exercise and the dominance comes from a lack of calm, assertive leadership.

I work with owners of many red-zone dogs. First I work with the owners to establish them as pack leaders and to understand the animal in their dog.

I also explain to the owners the importance of exercise. Physical activity burns the dogs excess energy and maintains his healthy state of mind. This is important because in order to talk to the mind you need to remove the energy from the body.

If you live with an aggressive dog, I urge you to find a professional dog trainer to work with you and your dog. Many so-called aggressive dogs can be rehabilitated with time and dedication, and we owe it to our dogs to try.

Next Step: A Success Story

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