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.
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.
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.
You’ve noticed that your dog appears to like some people more than others. Even if your dog sometimes shows aggressive tendencies toward people, he or she might not be bothered with certain people. Why is this?
Read MoreSome dog behaviorists, behavior consultants and behavior specialists will not take their personal dogs to dog parks – ever. I am not one of those people. If you use some common sense and follow the guidelines below, you and your dog can both have a fun and stimulating time at the dog park.
Read MoreI’ve witnessed too many dogs unnecessarily suffer because of misunderstandings about dog behavior. These misunderstandings are seen everyday in dog owners and even some dog trainers. It’s just a lack of knowledge about dogs for the most part; the following might shed some light on some of the most common misconceptions.
Read MoreHere is a list of 4 items presented in order of least important to most important of things that can greatly improve your veterinarian’s relationship and effectiveness with your dog.
Read MoreThere are 15 principles in the dog behavior world I find myself repeating on a daily basis. Understanding and acknowledging these truths will greatly improve the relationship we have with our dogs. I’ve outlined these concepts below.
Read More“When should I euthanize my dog?” is a question I’m frequently asked. I make it my policy to never tell dog owners if or when they should euthanize their dog. Please remember, no one can make this decision for you – not a dog trainer, not a behaviorist, not a veterinarian, no one. This is a decision that is ultimately best made by a loving owner.
Read MoreSome dog owners feel they shouldn’t have to reward their dog for doing certain expected behaviors. They tell me they’re already paying for their dog’s vet bills, food and housing – that should be enough to get their dog’s loyalty.
Read MoreDogs can become fearful of many things through no fault of their own. Examples include: noises, riding in cars, touch, veterinarians, animate and inanimate objects, etc. The list is virtually endless.
Read MoreThere are numerous laws regarding dog bites. One that is important for dog owners to be aware of is known as the "one bite rule". Simply stated, the one bite rule means that dog owners have limited liability the first time their dog bites a human (this rule does not apply to dog-dog bites).
Read MoreThe state of affairs in defining and regulating service dogs is in flux to say the least – it’s the Wild West. Governmental entities, including the federal government, are looking at ways to more tightly control the definition and use of these dogs.
Read MoreThere are probably a number of reasons why the population growth rate of California has continued to decline over the last 30 years (1). Excessive government regulation is one of the reasons that is frequently cited.
Read MoreIt sounds so convenient. Just ship your dog to a dog training facility for two weeks and she’ll come back the dog you’ve always envisioned. If only it was that easy.
Read MoreAnimal professionals such as behaviorists, groomers, daycare workers, rescue workers and veterinarians should be concerned for dogs’ welfare in all areas (e.g., general health, behavior, nutrition, preventive medicine, environment).
Read MoreRescue dogs are great. They come in every flavor and each has quite a story to tell. My Great Pyrenees, Luke, is a recent rescue (from SPIN rescue) and I’ve had other rescues.
Read MoreMost people think of dog aggression as a one-dimensional diagnosis for a dog that is presenting with behaviors such as barking, growling, biting, lunging, etc. The reality is more complicated.
Read More“What should I do if an off-leash dog approaches?” is a question that I’m asked more frequently since Antoinette Brown was killed by several loose dogs in Dallas, Texas in May of 2016. It’s understandable that most people want a straightforward and uncomplicated one-size-fits-all answer. Unfortunately, it’s not that simple.
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Navigating the choppy waters of canine territorial aggression just got smoother. Our latest discussion zeroes in on the strategies needed to manage dogs with a keen sense of trepidation when it comes to visitors coming into their home.