When trainer Marie Selarque started a class specifically for aggressive dogs two years ago, she held the first class in her home with one assistant.

Now she runs a the class in a 900-square-foot yard with behavioral specialists Jan Czaja and Karen Hashimoto, and the team has helped more than 20 dogs overcome aggressive tendencies.

She calls her class "Leash Lungers Anonymous."

The trainers, each with a fanny pack filled with chicken, duck and liver treats, help owners manage difficult dog problems.

Selarque makes it clear that aggression is not a bad thing. "It's a means of survival and a way to express a fear or anxiety. So what we do is teach the dog to be more tolerant of certain situations."

What makes a dog aggressive? All three agree that it's important to determine what promotes aggression. "Purely aggressive dogs are extremely rare," says Selarque. The trainers state that fear and lack of socialization are the biggest factors. Their class teaches dogs how to play nicely and interact with others.

Their classes are not just made up of breeds that make headlines. When asked what's the most popular breed in class, Hashimoto states, "In general, anything with teeth." Czaja added, "It's not the typical bull breeds that I get calls about."

Selarque nodded. "They can even be little fox terriers and dachshunds."

During orientation, the trainers meet with the owner only. They explain what their responsibility is and what they expect from the students in terms of compliance and safety.

"They get a clear idea of what to expect. We don't want them to think we are going to turn Cujo into Fluffy," said Hashimoto.

The second meeting is a private class. The trainers assess the dog without any interruptions. Lastly, there are five public sessions with other dogs.

Although most dogs are young when they come to Leash Lungers Anonymous, Czaja said, "Even if we get a 12-year-old dog, we can do things to help."

At Tails of Hawaii in Mapunapuna, the trio work in a 900-square-foot yard. Dogs are assigned to a rest area or "cubbyhole" at each corner for quiet time while the other students are training.

Only positive reinforcement is used. Leash popping, yelling or spritzing water in the face are not allowed. "Any type of correction-based training is negative and detrimental to dogs recovering from fear-based aggressive behavior," Selarque said.

On their first day of public class, Shirley Ann Cheu of Kahala brought her 10-month-old German shepherd, Leia. The Cheus got Leia a month ago, and she doesn't play well with other canines.

"She's not friendly with other dogs. For a dog that's home alone, it's nice to have friends. There's a park nearby with a group of German shepherds getting together and I want her to play with them. I want her to realize that all dogs are not going to bite her," says Cheu.

Puna, a black Lab mix, has trouble with people. He's in class to learn not to bite. He sat in his cubbyhole area gobbling treats generously given by Hashimoto. He was learning that being around different people and acting calm is good.

The trainers keep class positive and upbeat. The dogs, one by one, go through a variety of exercises and are rewarded with treats and praise. Voices are gentle and reassuring.

Selarque's goal in every case is to help the dog and human team find a better life and balance. "If an owner is willing to change, the dog, in most cases, will also."