Dog Pros Corner
A comprehensive look at what’s new in the field of dog training
Custody, Canines, and Care: Navigating Dog Behavior Challenges During Divorce
The most effective dog professionals demonstrate the same level of skill and patience with their human clients as they do with their canine ones. Dealing with aggressive dogs often involves
A Shift in Changing Non Fear-Based Dog Aggression: Part Two
In part one of this topic, I described non fear-based aggressive dogs, such as those dogs who have been selected for guarding and protection work, like terriers, and mixed breed
Dazzled by Science Part 11: Gabapentin for Behavioral Issues in Dogs – Is it any Good?
Despite minimal evidence of clinical efficacy for many conditions, gabapentin is one of the most prescribed drugs in both human and veterinary medicine. How did this happen? Gabapentin, The Medication
Two Points of View: Changing Non Fear-Based Dog Aggression
Most behavior professionals are aware that there is a schism in dog training when it comes to helping dogs with aggression. On one side are the people who believe that
R.E.S.P.E.C.T. & Kindness with Dog Training Clients
Spend any time on social media and you will sometimes come across a trainer’s post, such as “I am working with a client and you would not believe … ,”
Dog Behavioural Euthanasia: Stop Dreading the Conversation and Help People
Behavioural Euthanasia (BE) is an extremely serious decision, not to be undertaken without careful consideration and oversight from a veterinarian. As professional dog trainers, it can be difficult to raise
Dazzled by Science Part 10 – Game Changer Behavior Meds – Let’s Start with Trazodone!
We’ve previously talked about, “Long Game” medications – those that take weeks to months for a full effect. Long Game medications are useful for persistent behavioral issues without a specific
What Is an Aversive?
We’ve seen a lot of discussion lately in which the word, “aversive,” has been used to describe a variety of tools, actions, or experiences. As they say, “language matters,” and
Dazzled By Science Part 9 – Behavior Medications SSRIs and a Few TCAs
Last time we reviewed the scientific literature on the use of fluoxetine for behavioral disorders in dogs, the data suggests this medication is generally safe and effective. While any dog
Dog Training Client Compliance Doesn’t Have to Be a Tug of War
Do you struggle with dog training clients not following through or following up after consults, have unrealistic training expectations or want quick fixes to their dog’s problem behaviors? Professional dog
Predatory Behaviors In Pet Dogs
Much of the time, predatory behavior in pet dogs is unwanted. It is often seen as a common behavior problem, one that can be dangerous toward livestock, wildlife, and even
Our Favorite Products for Helping Dogs with Aggression!
Here are some great products for 2024 that we recommend! * AggressiveDog.com may receive a commission for the products listed. Your purchase helps to support the free and accessible content
Beyond the Gray Muzzle: Managing Behavioral Changes in Senior Dogs
Senior dogs are often known for their calm and quiet demeanors, lounging around on couches and slowing down to a much more relaxed pace. When we’ve shared our lives with
BIG FLUFFY WHITE DOGS – Look Before You Leap
Since we are often in a position to educate and influence other humans, I thought I might talk livestock guarding dogs (LGD). Across the US, LGD are being surrendered and
Dazzled by Science Part 8 – Behavior Medications – FLUOXETINE
I often hear complaints that “the vet only prescribed fluoxetine,” as if prescribing this drug is a “bad decision.” I also hear that “boarded veterinary behaviorists rarely prescribe fluoxetine,” as
The Alpha Roll Was NEVER for Breakfast
As an ethologist, there are subtle, nuanced, historical, scientific, and controversies over the use of the terms “alpha” and “dominance” in the pet dog world. However, as veterinarians and dog
Tiny Terrors: Why Do Toy Breed Dogs Have Such An Aggressive Reputation?
“Ankle biters. Napoleon complex. Small dog syndrome.” How often have you heard phrases and labels like these when describing toy breed dogs out in the world who struggle with
Dazzled by Science Part 7: Behavior Medications Continued
To understand how behavioral medications work in veterinary medicine, one must start with a general understanding of how the central nervous system (CNS) functions. The CNS consists of physical anatomic
The Elephant in the Tower
Recently, I had the opportunity to visit the Tower of London in the UK. Built in the 1200s, the Tower of London is a vast castle that served various purposes,
Dazzled By Science Part 6: Behavior Medications
Have you ever wondered how medications go from the lab to your dog? Chances are, when you pick up your prescription drug or give your dog their heartworm medication,
There’s A Tag In My Shirt!
Have you ever put on a shirt and had a scratchy tag annoy you? Or maybe the armholes are cut too tight. When we put on clothes, there are those
Dazzled By Science Part Five: Case Reports and Case Series
Dazzled By Science Part Five: Case Reports and Case Series Last time we talked about data “mining,” database research from a wide variety of sources, including university veterinary medical records
Stray Golden: Helping the Outsider Dogs
What to do when you come across a stray dog Dogs are present on every continent in the world except Antarctica. Depending on the location, dogs running at large
Expanding Communications in Training – Using Various Reward Markers
Reward markers are powerful tools in training – they bring clarity to the specific behavior(s) you want the dog (or any learner) to find reinforcing and repeat again. In addition,
Dogs Who Chase – What Can We Do To Help Them?
What is your strategy to stop your dog from chasing wildlife? Do you always keep your dog on a leash but long to let them off and give them more
What Are The Options For Dogs With Aggression?
Living with a dog who displays aggressive behavior is stressful and creates challenges. Dogs may show signs of aggressive behavior early on or develop aggressive behavior over time. Sometimes dog
Dazzled by Science! Part Four: Databased Research
DATABASED RESEARCH Last time we talked about surveys in research, now we’re going to grapple with databased research. A database is an organized collection of electronic data that can be
Dazzled by Science! Part Three: Quantitative Research
QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH Last time we talked about Qualitative research (collecting and interpreting non-numerical data, rarely used in behavior and welfare research) and quantitative research (involves numbers) which can be obtained
Dazzled by Science! Part Two: Quantitative vs. Qualitative?
Last time we talked about scientific manuscripts, their parts, and the process of getting something published. Now we are going to talk about different kinds of research and the different
Dazzled by Science! Part One: Out of the Dark Ages
Back in the dark ages, before the internet, there were a finite number of scientific journals. Most were associated with and published by scientific organizations. If you wanted to read
Managing Aggressive Behavior
Dogs display aggressive behavior from a variety of causes. Once you can identify the possible reasons for your dog’s aggressive behavior, you should start implementing solid management and safety strategies