This is the fifth of a five part segment, to help dog owners with insecure dogs that act aggressively to strangers. A practical guide to helping owners with dogs who rush and bark at people through windows, fences, at the front door and on leash.
Bite Prevention with Guests Read More »
This is Blog #4 in helping the dog who is barking and lunging at people.
Teaching a Dog to Sit, Stay will Improve His Emotional Control Read More »
In my last blog, I mentioned that changing your dogs behavior begins with good management which prevents him from practicing the unwanted behavior.
I will now explain how to change your dog’s response when meeting a stranger, using the processes of counter-conditioning and desensitization. Counter-conditioning means changing the negative association the dog has formed about people, and replacing it with a positive, happy association using something the dog loves. Desensitization means exposing the dog to the “stimulus” (in this case, a person) at a distance, far enough away that it does not provoke a fear response from your dog, and gradually reducing the distance to the person until the dog is relaxed with the person nearby. Subsequent training can continue as your dog remains calm, and is able to accept treats or play with toys.
Dog Aggression Towards Humans Read More »
For shy or fearful dogs, having a human move into their space is very scary, and it takes away their personal choice. In the Treat and Retreat game, we reverse this situation. Instead of adding social pressure to the dogs, we remove that pressure. This adds to the dogs feeling of control while also giving the dog another opportunity to make a choice. Removal of social pressure should always be part of the Treat and Retreat game, as a way to check how the dog is doing and help keep them under threshold. If a dog goes over threshold, they learn that snapping works, period.
How to Stop Aggressive Dog Barking at People Read More »
There are many ways to get behavior from an animal, for example you can hold your dog down when he jumps up on you, this may work for you, but the negative is that your dog may start barking more when guest arrive. Some dogs will become really wiggly and jumpy with strangers as a way of showing appeasement to the guest to ward off that scary punishment of being held down. This can also make your recall much more
3 Tips for Changing Your Dogs Behavior Read More »
Dog training is a process of shaping behaviors that are wanted by the human. With that in mind, why do so many of us reward unwanted behaviors? I have met many dogs who are still offering bad behaviors even at 2 or 3 years of age.
My Dog Barks and Jumps on Me! Read More »
Clients often say their dog bit without warning, however if you understood dogs body language, you would have seen signs that your dog was worried prior to the bite. Signs of Stress: Head lowered Tail tucked Lip licking Panting and Pacing barking Excessive salivation Ears pulled to the side or way back Hiding behind the
Bite Prevention – Warning signs Read More »
Management, as it relates to dog training keeps everyone safe. Management, does not teach your dog a behavior, in fact it often creates frustration and increases arousal. Using forms of management are useful when you need to prevent conflict, such as putting your dog in the bedroom when guests come over. Using effective management tools,
Dog Training vs Management Read More »
Do you ever wonder why your dog performs certain behaviors or motor patterns? I sure have! For example: Why does my dog roll on smelly things? Why does my dog shake his toy? Should I be worried if my dog stalks his playmate? Why does my dog guard his bones? Specific behaviors that are unique
Why Does My Dog Do That? Read More »
Why is my dog so aggressive to other dogs? This can usually be diagnosed with a detailed history: no play ever, hereditary, mother was sick or a guarder, or over socialized with aggressive or rough playing dogs. Cycle of On-Leash Aggression (created problem from humans), as described in the Culture Clash, by Jean Donaldson, “The Bully
Dog Aggression and Communication Signals Read More »
