Total Dog Magazine

Tag: dog on dog aggression

  • Dog Aggression Toward Other Dogs

    Dog Aggression Toward Other Dogs

    In the video above you get the chance to sit in on a dog training consultation as well as observe some hands on, specific techniques used in rehabilitating a dog with aggression toward other dogs.

    Dog on dog aggression is a serious problem.

    Responsible, sensible owners understand and recognise this and they try to seek the help of experts in order to do something about it.

    It’s widely accepted by most modern dog trainers that the most effective way to solve dog aggression toward other dogs is by way of positive reinforcement techniques.

    Again, in the video this is stressed and emphasised.

    What The Experts Say About Dog on Dog Aggression

    Genetics, early socialization or the lack of exposure during the critical period of social development, and traumatic experiences, shape how your dog interacts with other dogs. Play between dogs should be a 2-way street. They should take turns chasing each other–neither dog being a bully or a target.

    Dog/dog aggression can be a dangerous problem for you, your dog, other dogs, and anyone who tries to break up a dog fight.

    Behavior modification techniques that include: desensitization, behavior adjustment therapy (BAT), functional rewards, Feisty Fido and clicker training will help you and your pup have a safe and happy summer together.

    Source: Victoria Stilwell’s Positively website:
    http://positively.com/2011/07/02/dogdog-aggression/

    Effective home management: teaching the dog to allow the humans in the household to make the right decisions for him. If it is not happening in the home, it certainly is not going to happen in the real world, especially if the dog considers it a “dangerous” environment. Foundation behaviors are taught via clicker training, so that after the dog learns to think in the environment, he might perform the desired behaviors. Foundation behaviors include: sit, down, heel, stay, targeting, holding an object, kennel up on audible cue, come and sit front, leave it, come when called, and get behind.

    Create a “thinking” dog: I am convinced that when Ben saw another dog, he reacted involuntarily. Once in this cycle, he could not stop, even when my husband picked him up off of a dog and brought him into another room. Ben still kept reacting as if nothing had changed. In order for a dog to look at his owner for direction, he needs to be able to make that deliberate decision to do so. He needs to be able to think in that environment.

    Source: Karen Pryor (clicker training expert)
    http://www.clickertraining.com/node/64

    Aggression itself is usually defined by canine behaviorists as “the intent to do harm”. Many dogs show “displays of aggression” such as barking, growling, or snapping in the air, which are considered distance-increasing actions, those that intend to get the person or dog to move away from the dog. Some dog-aggressive dogs display aggression that is mainly defensive, and they harm another dog only if they perceive that they have no option. Yet, other dogs may develop dog-aggressive behaviour due to medical reasons, such as hormonal imbalances.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dog_aggression

  • 3 Unusual Ways to Correct Aggression in Dogs

    Dog aggression, be it dog on dog aggression and especially dog aggression toward humans should ALWAYS be referred to a canine behaviour professional. Without exception. Here we present three less discussed techniques that may be worth discussing with your dog trainer as part of a tailored canine aggression correction programme.

    1. Have your dog’s teeth checked out.

    Ever heard the phrase ‘don’t mess with a tiger with toothache’? No? Perhaps I just made it up right now. Anyway, the point is, as anyone who’s ever had toothache will know, having dental problems can make even the mildest mannered person turn in to a raging, short tempered ticking time bomb. Have your dog’s teeth carefully examined by your vet.

    2. Neutering.

    Let’s make one thing clear. Neutering does NOT cure dog aggression. Behavioural therapy does.

    OK, worth repeating. Having your dog ‘fixed’ as a means to cure dog aggression is the equivalent of making a burglar have a haircut as a means to stop them breaking in to homes. Dog aggression is something to be tackled from a behavioural stand point.

    3. Understanding Dog Aggression.

    Possessive aggression is centred around a dog’s food, toys, treats, or any article that the dog may have stolen from you and this aggression should not be handled primarily with compulsion (negative reinforcement). It should be handled with positive conditioning.

    [scrollcheckpoint title=’Are You Being Lied To?’ direction=’right’]One of the biggest dog training myths has been exposed. If you are having problems with your dog, click here to read!

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    Then you have territorial aggression, fear aggression and there’s more besides. Learning to understand and recognise the motive for your dog’s aggression and to work with your dog trainer on providing the most appropriate remedial training is key.