Aggressive Dogs
Aggression, or reactive behaviour, as it is often called, is a behavioural problem which should always be addressed by an expert. If you try to reprimand your dog yourself, by smacking it, all this will do is cause further aggression - aggression breeds aggression! This applies whether it is reactive behaviour towards another dog or to a human.
Aggression Breeds Aggression!!!
The vast majority of aggression cases could have been avoided if the dog had been taken to puppy class, been exposed to bite inhibation exercises and on-going socialization and the owner was properly educated on how to train their dog to become a well behaved member of the family unit by the incorporation of house rules and basic exercises. However, in the case where a dog did not attend puppy or adult classes, it is still not too late to undergo behaviour modification. The most important thing is that it is addressed as soon as possible - don't wait for the dog to have bitten twice before seeking help - a bite is a bite and professional help must always be sought immediately. The longer you leave it, the harder it will be to make the changes and the more dangerous the situation becomes.
Seek professional help immediately!
The modification that is undertaken will depend on the severity of the bite and how long the behaviour has been happening. The first thing that will occur is that the behaviourist will get details of the occurrance of the bites and the circumstances surrounding the behaviour, and a comprehensive questionnaire will need to be completed. After this has been analyzed by the behaviourist, you may be asked to take the dog to your vet to ensure that there are no medical reasons for the behaviour occurring.
Thereafter, the behaviourist will make an appointment and the behaviourist will observe the interaction between owner and dog/s and then a 'plan of action' will be undertaken. Behaviour modification for aggression normally takes more than one appointment and this will depend on how fast the dog responds to the modifications and the work that the owner puts in to rectify same.
In cases of aggression I always include the Tellington TTouch modality. The addition of this modality tends to make the behaviour modification easier on the dog as well as the owner, as it teaches the dog to think rather than react and also helps to lower the tension levels. (link to Tellington TTouch)
For further help on aggression/reactive behaviour, contact Scotty on:-
082 928 0102 : 011 882 7198 : scotty@scottysdogs.co.za