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.
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.
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.
After aggression, the most common serious behavior issue I deal with is separation anxiety. Simply stated, separation anxiety in dogs is anxiety that dogs experience when they are left alone. You probably won’t be surprised to learn that humans can suffer from separation anxiety too.
Read MoreToday’s article is about a form of anthropomorphism (i.e., treating dogs like humans) that drives me crazy. It’s the habit that some dog owners get into of being shocked and disgusted when their dog does normal “dog things.” Breed of dog and price paid for the dog don’t impact these behaviors – much to the dismay of some frustrated dog owners.
Read More“Socializing” is a term you frequently hear in the world of dog training and dog behavior. Socializing your dog sounds like something we all want to do for our dogs; it sounds like something good.
Read MoreDog aggression in all of its forms is the most common behavior issue I see. One of the most important things that owners of moderately to severely aggressive dogs want to know is, “What are my options?” After working with many of these dogs, I’ve learned that there are really only five options – some better than others.
Read MoreYou may not be aware of this, but Cesar Millan is a highly controversial person in the world of professional dog training and behavior consulting. For full disclosure, I am not an adherent of Mr. Millan’s approach to dog behavior (see my article, Why I'm Not a Big Fan of National Geographic's Dog Whisperer).
Read MoreWe all consciously and unconsciously let long-held beliefs get in the way of learning new things. The following is an example of this that I often see in the world of dog training.
Read MoreIs your dog aggressive to people and/or other dogs? You’re not alone. It’s the most common serious behavior issue I see in dogs. Dog owners react differently to their dog’s aggression.
Read MoreYou wear that special t-shirt when watching your favorite sports team play; you’ve found that if you don’t, they lose. This is known as superstitious behavior and we all do it. Sometimes we do it intentionally, and sometimes we do it unconsciously.
Read MoreYou’ve probably read numerous stories about what breeds of dogs are most frequently involved in bites to people. Let’s flip that around and see who is most likely to turn up at the hospital with a dog bite wound. Before reading any further, remember that any dog can bite anyone at any time.
Read MoreThis is a question I am asked almost every day. An owner’s dog will lunge and bark at dogs when he is on-leash, yet seems to enjoy being around other dogs while off-leash at a dog park. There are three main components in answering this question: root cause, physical environment and response. I’m going to address these three elements individually.
Read MoreI’m going to reveal a secret technique (well, not so secret anymore I guess) that I use when I evaluate dogs with behavior issues. That technique is a question I ask the dog’s owner as part of my assessment, “How do you discipline your dog?”
Read MoreThe AKC (American Kennel Club) lists the 10 breeds shown below as America’s current most popular dog breeds. Do you notice something interesting about this list?
Read MoreDo you always take your own advice? Of course you don’t and neither do many dog trainers and behavior consultants. Below is a list of things that many dog professionals frequently do with their own dogs that they might not necessarily advise their clients to do.
Read MoreWe’ve all heard the proverb, “Before you abuse, criticize or accuse a man, walk a mile in his moccasins.” If you are ever inclined to question the folks who run our municipal animal shelters because they sometimes have to euthanize dogs, please consider the following.
Read MoreIn the hierarchy of problematic dog behaviors, certainly dogs biting humans is at the top. Let’s define “dog bite” before we go any further. There is a misbelief that a dog bite is not really a dog bite until there is serious injury. The reality is that anytime a dog’s teeth come in contact with a human as an act of aggression, it is considered a bite.
Read MoreFrom 1924 - 1932 experiments were conducted on humans at a Western Electric factory (Hawthorne Works) near Chicago. Henry A. Landsberger coined a term, "Hawthorne effect", that summarized his findings from these experiments.
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Unlock the mystery behind your dog's sudden growls and watchful eyes when guests arrive. Our latest episode offers a deep dive into the realm of territorial aggression in dogs, and why your four-legged friend might be more on edge in the sanctity of your home than in the great outdoors. Explore with us the trifecta of triggers that provoke this protective stance: the craving for security, the shock of unexpected visitors, and the perceived lack of escape routes. We don't just lay out the problem; we arm you with strategies to identify and quell these behaviors before they escalate to dangerous levels.