Ever feel like you're at the end of your leash with your reactive dog during walks? I'm Scott Sheaffer, and in today's Grumpy Dogs podcast, I'm going to share the third step in the process that will change the way you and your pooch experience approaching dogs and/or humans while out on a walk that get your dog revved up.
Could deciphering your dog's subtle body twitches and tail wags be the key to addressing their deepest fears and aggression? My latest podcast episode looks into the language of your loyal companion, giving you the tools to interpret their silent signals that can prepare you to work on your dog's fears and aggression. You'll learn to navigate their emotional landscape and guide them through recovery at their own pace.
Average Reading Time: 30 seconds
Today we are unveiling a transformative 12-part series addressing the fear and aggression your four-legged friend might be grappling with to other dogs or humans. In this first episode I'm going to show you how you can change your dog's daily leash walks into a powerful behavioral therapy session to treat reactivity toward other dogs and/or humans.
Average Reading Time: 30 seconds
In my latest podcast episode, I tackle a question many dog owners grapple with: Can a dog's aggression truly be fixed? It's a complex issue, and I've laid out a comprehensive checklist to help guide you through understanding and addressing aggression and fear in your dogs.
Average Reading Time: 1 minute, 14 seconds
In our most recent episode of the podcast, we delve into a commonly debated topic among dog owners and trainers alike: Is socializing your anxious, reactive, or aggressive dog in busy public places like Home Depot a wise decision? Scott shares his expert insights and a recent personal encounter that shed light on this practice's effectiveness and potential risks.
Average Reading Time: 1 minute, 3 seconds
In my latest episode of the Dog Aggression Answers podcast, I delve into the complexities of canine aggression, focusing on the mixed signals dogs exhibit, like rolling over for a belly rub while simultaneously displaying aggression towards certain people. I explain that a dog's decision to roll over is often a sign of fear or submission, not an invitation for affection.
Average Reading Time: 47 seconds
In today's Dog Aggression Answers podcast episode, you'll learn some important basic concepts to make your aggressive (or fearful) dog less stressed around strangers. You can implement these concepts with your buddy right now.
Average Reading Time: 1 minute, 30 seconds
Did you know that using shock and prong collars on dogs is banned and illegal in many parts of the world? There's a reason that localities and entire countries have taken this action. My latest episode of the Dog Aggression Answers podcast will tell you where they are currently banned worldwide and some of the reasons why.
Average Reading Time: 1 minute
In the latest eye-opening episode of the Dog Aggression Answers Podcast, host, Scott Sheaffer, CBCC-KA, CDBC, CPDT-KA, delves into a critical yet often misunderstood aspect of canine behavior: dog bites. This episode is not just a regular discussion; it’s an essential guide for anyone frequently interacting with dogs, whether you're a dog owner, trainer, rescue worker, veterinary professional, pet sitter, or groomer.
Average Reading Time: 1 minute, 1 second
Finding the Right Dog Collar for Aggressive and Reactive Dogs
Struggling with a reactive or aggressive dog? Tune into the Dog Aggression Answers podcast for essential guidance. In my latest episode, Mastering Leash Control: The Best Collars for Aggressive and Reactive Dogs, I provide a detailed ranking of eight common dog collars, revealing their pros and cons.
Average Reading Time: 1 minute, 15 seconds
Unveiling a Tale of Empathy and Understanding
In our newest episode of the Dog Aggression Answers podcast, we delve into a story that tugs at the heartstrings - a tale about a dog, a mentally disabled child, and a journey of understanding and empathy. This episode, titled, The Story of a Dog That Attacked a Mentally Disabled Child, a Case That Will Give You Hope is not just a story; it's an exploration of the depths of human and animal relationships.
About ScottScott Sheaffer, CBCC-KA, CDBC, CPDT-KA, is a dog behavior specialist. Scott specializes in the assessment and treatment of fear, anxiety, aggression and phobias in dogs six months and older. Learn More |
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Disclaimer
If you have a dog who is aggressive and dangerous to humans, it is important that you immediately consult directly with an experienced and certified canine behavior consultant who specializes in dog aggression to humans. Take proper measures to ensure that your dog is never in a position to injure anyone. The information presented in these articles is for educational purposes only and is neither intended nor implied to replace the need for the direct involvement of an experienced and certified canine behavior consultant who specializes in dog aggression to humans. Scott Sheaffer and USA Dog Behavior, LLC, are not liable for any incidents or outcomes resulting from following the advice given in these articles.
Fake news is something everyone seems to be talking about in politics. However, there is another kind of fake news that directly impacts dog owners and lovers – fake dog news. It’s everywhere. Unfortunately, in some cases it causes dogs to needlessly suffer.
Read MorePeople rely on their veterinarian for their dog’s physical health. Vets can also be counted on to play a role in a dog’s behavior treatment plan. "I've found that the majority of veterinarians are helpful contributors to the treatment plan team."
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©Scott Sheaffer, CDBC, CPDT-KA, USA Dog Behavior, LLC
Many moderate to severe behavior issues I see in dogs require the use of behavioral medications as part of the treatment plan. It can greatly increase the success of behavior modification in some cases; it can also speed up the process.
These drugs are known as psychopharmaceutical, psychotropic or psychoactive medications and are the same drugs used in humans for the same issues. See my article, The Truth About Doggy Downers, for more information.
Common, and not so common, examples of these drugs used for dogs to facilitate behavior modification include fluoxetine (Prozac), trazodone (Desyrel), alprazolam (Xanax), clonidine (Catapres) and naltrexone (Vivitrol).
In most cases, I work with your veterinarian to help control your dog’s anxiety using medication since anxiety is the root cause of most behavior issues such as aggression (all types except prey aggression – although I would argue that prey aggression is not really aggression at all), separation anxiety, inappropriate urination, fear and compulsive disorders.
When the subject of these medications comes up, the next statement from the owner is usually, “But I don’t want to change my dog’s personality.” I completely understand, but I encourage the owner to consider the following:
When dosed correctly, most of the medications have no significant sedating effect on the dog.
I remind owners that in some cases we want to modify the dog’s personality. This would be especially true in cases of aggression and fear issues.
It is not uncommon for clients to tell me that their dog’s temperament has changed in ways they didn’t expect after starting meds. They frequently reveal to me that, for the first time in the dog’s life, they are seeing their dog’s true character that now includes play, increased confidence and increased energy. Anxiety can negatively affect dogs in many ways.
Another question I get from owners is “How long will my dog need to be on these drugs?”
Normally I tell clients to consider an initial six-month trial period. During this period, it’s important to adjust dosages as necessary and possibly change medications if we’re not getting the desired results.
At the end of the trial period we can evaluate whether it is necessary to continue the medications.
While a small percentage of dogs will stay on these medications for an extended period, most can be tapered off these drugs as we begin to see the results of behavior modification.
The other question I often get from dog owners is, “How much will this cost?”
Fortunately, all of the medications used to help with behavior issues are available from local human pharmacies such as Walmart, Walgreens and CVS. As a result, owners are also able to shop for competitive pricing using tools such as GoodRX.com.
Just like with humans, the amount of medicine required varies according to the dog’s weight and the specific medication. I’ve found that the cost averages about $50 per month per dog when generics are used. Surprisingly, in many instances the cost for prescription medications is less expensive than lesser effective (or completely ineffective) over-the-counter supplements that frequently are nothing more than an owner placebo and a profit generator for the seller.
There is no reason to be afraid of these medications if they can help your dog work through a significant issue. Working with a certified dog behavior specialist as well as a veterinarian who understands and is experienced with these drugs can make this a not-so-difficult process for you and your dog.
As a full-time dog behavior specialist, I meet with dog owners, rescue organizations and veterinary practice employees almost every day. There are at least seven questions I am repeatedly asked by them. I’m surprised by some of them.
Read MoreYou and your spouse met a new couple at one of your kid’s soccer games a few months ago. At each subsequent game it becomes obvious that both families really get along. Before you know it, everyone is having dinner together.
Read More"It has to be one of the greatest ironies in veterinary medicine that all psychopharmaceutical medications are developed using animals…before being approved by the FDA for use in humans and only then used clinically in animals."
Read MoreVirtually every dog I see is not getting the respect it deserves from its owners. Let me explain why I feel this way. If you’ve brought a new dog into your home recently, you know what a hassle it is to incorporate this new guy into your life.
Read MoreWhen selecting a dog breed, it’s important to consider the time and resources available to you for the care of your new dog. While individual dogs are different, breeds can provide a good indicator of what your responsibilities will be with your new family addition.
Read MoreDo you ever get questions soliciting your expert advice but the questioner really has already decided what they’re going to do? One of those questions I frequently get is, “Scott, we’re thinking about getting a new puppy to help our 12 year old Lab feel young again. Is that a good idea?”
Read MoreThe following is an email I recently received: “Scott, we have a Border Collie mix named Brutus that was starting to show signs of aggression around people. We hired a highly recommended dog training company who taught us to show dominance to Brutus by using a prong collar and correcting him…”
Read MoreIt’s easy to find a really cute puppy from an enormous number of breeders these days, both legitimate breeders and puppy-mill breeders. Fact of Life: Once puppies reach about 16-20 weeks of age they start looking and acting like dogs; they grow up fast.
Read MoreEvery large city has animal ordinances (regulations) regarding the care, treatment and control of dogs. Violating these regulations can result in a citation or even criminal prosecution. I’ve worked with animal services in different cities and find that many of the local residents aren’t aware of some of the more obscure, but important, animal ordinances for their city.
Read MoreIt’s been my experience that many dog owners who have either dog or human aggressive dogs tend to underestimate their dog’s potential to hurt other dogs or humans. In addition to possible injury, there are also both civil and even criminal legal issues to consider.
Read MoreProper exercise is an important part of helping dogs with behavior issues such as aggression and separation anxiety. It’s also quite beneficial for a dog’s mental health even if he or she doesn’t have behavior issues.
Read MoreOne of the greatest unanswered questions for dog lovers is, “Does my dog love me?” For a real dyed-in-the-wool dog lover, this ranks right up there with, “Do dogs go to heaven?” Can dogs feel the same way about us as we feel about them? Can they actually love us?
Read MoreI see a lot of not-so-entertaining dog behaviors such as aggression, separation anxiety, resource guarding, compulsive behaviors, etc. I have to be honest; it gets me down a little sometimes. On the other hand, there are six normal and healthy dog behaviors that I really enjoy watching. Here are six of my favorites.
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In this latest podcast episode, an effective strategy for handling dogs that are reactive to dogs and/or humans is explored. This strategy uses dog parks as a key element in this behavior modification technique. The traditional concept of socialization is re-evaluated, with a focus on controlled exposure to triggers from a safe distance, such as outside the dog park fence. This approach avoids direct confrontation in hectic environments, which can worsen a reactive dog's anxiety.