Canine Aggression

by DAREN WARD
dogshrink

Guidelines for safe interaction when dealing with dog on dog aggression.

The majority of canine aggression is rooted in fear, this fear could be attributed to a previous negative experience in the history of the dog, whether it be an incident where the subject was attacked by another dog or person, or a lack of previous exposure to other dogs or people has led to the subject being unable to deal with social interaction, the use of aggressive tactics enabled the subject to escape such encounters.

The most unhelpful of activities with such a dog is to encourage or force it to meet the stimulus that triggers the aggression, whether sociable or not, as the subject has not learnt that its previous behaviour is not acceptable, its display of aggression on each occasion can only reinforce such behaviour and therefore such reinforcement makes that behaviour more likely in the future.

Below are listed some immediate points to ensure that the safety of the subject, owner/s and others is assured, and the incidence of further expressions of aggression are kept to a minimum, and therefore such behaviour is no longer reinforced.

It must be made clear that aggression is an extremely difficult behaviour to modify, a large amount of effort and patience is required and no quick remedies are available to treat such a behaviour.

The dog in question must at all times be kept on a secure lead and collar, preferably a head collar attached to a lead and normal collar, to ensure complete control of the animal. This applies to environments where other dogs/ persons may be evident.
No off lead exercise in areas where it may be likely other dogs may be present or appear.
No forced encounters to be made between the subject dog and another, unless under the direction of the behaviourist.
No forms of negative punishment or harsh handling to be used when dealing with situations that may incite potential aggressive responses. The use of negative methods could only serve to further stress the animal and possibly lead to an increase in the intensity of the aggression and the frequency of it.
The administration of a prescribed modification program so that the underlying root of such behaviour can be desensitized leading to the animal learning to deal with future encounters with another dog in a more appropriate manner.

Some of these points outlined are given so that further aggressive encounters can be avoided safely, the formulation and execution of a suitable behaviour modification program is essential for the rehabilitation and welfare of the animal.

www.dogshrink.co.uk

Article submitted Monday, July 20, 2009 & read 100 times.

Leave your comments through Blogz:

» left by Teresa Ortiz (2 years 292 days ago.)

Hi Daren, welcome to searchwarp. This is a well-laid out and informative article. Very helpful for dog owners and for others to be aware of this kind of behavior in dogs they encounter. Good job. Keep sharing! Blessings to you! Teresa
Respond to this comment

7-0-1-0-2-ADSO

Most Recent