Preventing Aggression in Dogs

February 9, 2011 By mike

Puppies are within their prime socialization period from 4 to 16 weeks

These are not treatments for aggressive dogs, these are steps that can be taken to avoid aggression in your dog.

-Never take a puppy younger than 8 weeks old from their mother.

– Socialize dogs when they are young. Between the ages of 4 and 16 weeks, puppies are very sensitive to forming important social bonds. You should introduce your puppy to different people, places and animals. This should be done in a gentle way, so your puppy remains happy and unafraid.

– Don’t encourage aggressive behavior. Don’t worry your puppy will grow into a good watchdog for your house. You don’t need to reinforce aggressive behavior to ensure your dog will be protective over your house when they are an adult dog.

– Start obedience training at 8 to 16 weeks, and continue training for the life of your dog.

– Neutering not only decreases a male dog’s likelihood of becoming dominant aggressive; it will also make him less likely to roam, mount, urine-mark, and fight with other male dogs. Although spaying is not likely to decrease aggression in a female, the health benefits and the pet-overpopulation crisis make it worthwhile.

Contact a behavioral trainer to assist in preventing aggression in your dog.

Redirected Aggression

February 8, 2011 By mike

Redirected Aggression can be a sign of deeper-seated Dominance Related Aggression

Has your dog ever turned on you when they are acting threatening to another person or animal, this is redirected aggression? This type of aggression usually occurs when a dog is trying to get to something and cannot, they redirect the aggression from the initial person, animal or object and attack for the closer person, animal or object.

Dominant dogs often redirect onto subordinates, whether animal or human, so if your dog redirects hostility, he may be showing signs of a deeper-seated dominance-aggression problem. Contact a behavioral trainer to assist in diagnosing this form of aggression.

Dominance related aggression

February 7, 2011 By mike

Dominance related aggression should be addressed by a qualified behavioral trainer

Does your dog sometimes act like Doctor Jekyll and Mister Hyde? Does your dog seem moody at times? In some cases this could point to your dog displaying dominance related aggression.

Dogs are pack animals, and even with domestication there is no denying their natural instincts. In a pack of animals there is a hierarchy, or a canine social order. Often times this hierarchy is established by use of aggression displays. Dominance related aggression can be linked back to this natural canine social order. Dogs view their human family as part of their pack, and thus a hierarchy exists in the dogs mind. While most dogs will act subordinate to humans, some dogs perceive themselves as having a higher rank. This can lead to conflicts with the human pack.

Dominate aggressive dogs can be very friendly, until they feel challenged. While not understanding canine behavior humans who have dominate aggressive dogs can unwittingly challenge their dog. This leads to people believing that an attack is unprovoked. Some examples of situations that may provoke a dominance aggressive dog are:

– Assuming a dominant posture over your dog.

– Approaching or touching a dog while they are eating.

– Touching or pushing a dog that is sleeping (especially in their favorite bed).

– Taking an object away from the dog.

In these cases the dog may become aggressive by growling, snapping or biting. Physical punishment often makes situations worse, and can even exacerbate the aggressive episode.

Contact a behavioral trainer to assist in diagnosing this form of aggression.

Mike made me the Alpha Dog

February 6, 2011 By mike

I contacted Mike Dixon when I was just about at the end of my rope with my two terriers. One of them was attached to me at the hip and had severe separation anxiety and the other was aggressive and had bitten me on several occasions. When Mike stepped into my home, I noticed an immediate submission from my dogs. They respected him at first sight. Within the first 15 minutes of meeting my small aggressive terrier, Mike had already asked enough questions regarding behavior to pinpoint that the aggression was due to a urinary tract infection that my dog had had for quite some time. He suggested a great vet for us to take him to and soon after, Bo was a different dog. He was playing, he wagged his tail, he felt better. In addition, Mike worked with Bo regarding other small issues such as barking and crate issues. The bond between Bo and I is stronger than it has ever been. He’s a happy dog and he knows I am the Alpha between us two. I have had Bo for 6 years and have never seen him as happy as he is now after working with him and Mike.

As far as my terrier with separation anxiety, Mike had given me several rules to follow in order to help my dog become more independent. After following these rules, my dog has finally been able to relax more and think for himself.

I highly recommend Mike as a trainer. He is still there for us any time we have questions.

Sarah Music (Greater Cincinnati, Ohio)

Canine Separation Anxiety

January 18, 2011 By mike

If this is a familiar scenario contact us for some help.

Canine separation anxiety is a behavioral disorder where the dog experiences anxiety when they are separated from a person or persons. Dogs that experience canine separation anxiety can display behaviors that range from minor to excessive, many dogs go undiagnosed and untreated until the behavior has become excessive. Dogs that experience canine separation anxiety are in need of behavioral management and sometimes may even require medical intervention.

Some signs of canine separation anxiety, these can range from mild to severe. These behaviors will occur just after the dog is left alone:

Excessive howling, barking, and whining
Destructive behavior such as chewing or digging
Excessive salivation, licking, pacing or circling
Urination and defecation

Dogs that shows any of these behaviors should be evaluated by a Veterinarian and Behavioral Dog Trainer. If you have any questions about this behavioral disorder contact a Behavioral Dog Trainer.

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