Scott's 60-Second Video Dog Tip: Do Dogs Protect Their Owners?
A question I'm asked all the time is whether dogs protect their owners. Get the answer in this 60-second video.
Read MoreIn 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.
A question I'm asked all the time is whether dogs protect their owners. Get the answer in this 60-second video.
Read MoreThe question as to whether or not you should repeat a command to a dog is one I am asked all of the time. Put a group of dog trainers together and ask them this question and you won’t get 100% agreement. For this article I will use the word “command”, but dog behavior consultants and specialists almost exclusively use the word “cue” for a number of reasons.
Read MoreThings had changed for Patches (not his real name) by the time I saw him. But let me start at the beginning. Patches is an All American dog of many breeds it seems – and he is beautiful. The original owner had to surrender Patches to a rescue organization because of her failing health. She could no longer take care of Patches.
Read MoreThere are things in life you have to experience to understand. Your first love. A first child. Your once-in-a-lifetime dog. If you have to ask, “What’s a once-in-a-lifetime dog?” you haven’t had one yet. And, by the way, you only get one. The Dog Gods deem it so.
Read MoreDog owners sometimes notice their dog appears sad or listless and wonder if dogs can get depressed in the same way that humans get depressed. The short answer to this question is “yes”. Dogs can get depressed in ways that are similar to human depression.
Read MoreYou’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.
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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.