CANINE
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tions at all times and never leave an aggressive dog unsupervised. What play area does your dog have and do you engage with him on a daily basis in games and training? Is there an area where he can just be a dog, where training can take place and games like ball and Frisbee can be played? Dogs need mental stimulation and engagement with their owners in various activities, whether that means trick training, problem solving mental activities or simply a game of Frisbee. Consider where the dog’s safe zones are. Are there places where noise is minimal, where stress levels are low and sleep is encouraged? Music does soothe the savage beast. A safe zone is a place where a dog can go for at least an hour a day to unwind, refresh, be peaceful and be devoid of any overly stimulating action.
Avoidance
The more you avoid an aggressive dog's triggers, the less he will practice aggressive behaviors and the stronger non-aggressive behaviors will become. If you can prevent all aggression-related activity and replace it with reward-based activity, you can have a better prognosis for changing your dog's behavior. Management of whom he meets, when he meets them, where he goes, why he goes and what he learns is all up to you as his owner. If a dog's behavior cannot be changed, then management will have to be a lifetime consideration to prevent aggression for the sake of zero liability. With aggression, behavior modification is a wise decision. Behavior modification replaces bad behavior with good behavior. Working with a qualified behaviorist, veterinarian behaviorist or behavior trainer is a vital part of the toolbox. Management and prevention are a big part of the process. There are many steps to working with an aggressive dog and number one on your list should be to consult with a qualified professional. Managing your dog's stress levels is essential to managing his aggressive behavior. n Diane Garrod BSc is a certified Tellington Touch Practitioner (CA1), ATA Certified Treibball Instructor and holds certificates in Theriogenology, Science in Writing and Animal Behavior. She is the owner of the Canine Transformations Learning Center.
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BARKS from the Guild/July 2014
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