Aggression Bytes

The Trouble With Thresholds

At threshold. Over threshold. Under threshold. Common terminology in the dog behavior world, but what do they mean and are they useful or accurate ways to measure a dog's emotional state?

Stranger-Directed Aggression for Professionals starts March 30th! For information and registration:

https://www.serenitycanine.com/sda

Counterconditioning And Aggression

For decades, behavior consultants have been told that counterconditioning is the gold standard for changing behavior, especially aggression. But is that actually what the scientific literature says? Join Lisa as she talks about why counterconditioning may not be as effective as we're told.

Stranger-Directed Aggression for Professionals starts March 30th

Sources

1. Pavlov, I. (1916) An Analysis Of Some Complex Reflexes In The Dog; And The Relative Strength And Tension Of Several Centeres., Lectures on Conditioned Reflexes, Chapter XXV
2. Lindsay, S. Handbook of Applied Dog Behavior and Training, Vol 3, Chapter 8
3. Spaulding, K. Making the Most Out of Counterconditioning, sciencemattersllc.com
4. Wood Brown, L. ClickerExpo Luminos: High Stakes, Effective Strategies: Counter-Conditioning as an Effective Procedural Choice for Aggression, clickertraining.com
5. Rogers, N. Behavioral “Freudian Slips” – The Neuroscience Of Maladaptive Avoidance Habits, aggressivedogs.com

Behavior Plan Pitfalls & How To Avoid Them

Are you getting discouraged with clients not following your plan or losing them to the "other" trainers? Is the problem client compliance...or could it be your behavior plan? In this episode, Lisa looks at common mistakes all consultants make at some point (including her) and how to avoid them.

1. Stranger-Directed Aggression Starts March 30th
2. Mentoring Services

Bonus: Listener Question - Is Stranger-Directed Aggression Protective Behavior?

A listener asks if dogs that display stranger-directed aggression are being "protective," like so many of our clients think. Lisa answers and shares a story of a scary incident that involved her childhood dog and a would-be predator.

Stranger-Directed Aggression 3-Part Series for behavior pros - Starts March 30th

Stranger-Directed Aggression: Assessing Risk

Many behavior consultants use a common bite scale to determine whether or not to take certain cases. In this episode, Lisa discusses why that's not an accurate assessment of risk and shares details about the dog who launched her journey into the world of dog behavior.

The 3-part online series, Stranger-Directed Aggression for Professionals, starts March 30th. Listen to this episode for a code to save 20% off registration (ends 3/1).

Resources

• Stranger-Directed Aggression 3-Part Series - Starts March 30th. 
• Language of Dogs, Sarah Kalnajs
• Canine Behavior, Barbara Handelman

Let’s Talk About Meds

When do you refer a client to their veterinarian for behavior meds? How do you know if they are working? Where is the line when it comes to discussing meds? In this episode, Lisa discusses the tricky subject of behavior medications and our role as behavior consultants.

Resources

Stranger-Directed Aggression Series

Behavior Medications: First Line of Defense or Last Resort?

Blackwell's Canine and Feline Behavior

Muzzle Meltdowns

Explore the five components of muzzle training and how to break them down to prevent early mistakes from becoming big meltdowns later.

Stranger-Directed Aggression For Behavior Professionals Starts March 30th!

Teaching A Chin Rest

Muzzle Training: Movement

Django: Muzzle + Chin Rest

Arousal and Aggression

Have you ever heard a dog's behavior described as "arousal"? What IS arousal, anyway? Lisa discusses what arousal is, what it looks like, and what it means for aggression cases.

Links:

Mouthing, Mounting & Mischief Webinar

LA Animal Services Employee Mauled By Dog