Dog Behavior

  • Two Essential Aspects Overlooked in Tackling Dog Aggression

    Two Essential Aspects Overlooked in Tackling Dog Aggression

    In the intricate realm of addressing canine aggression, two fundamental aspects often evade the spotlight, yet serve as the bedrock for effective intervention. While strategies like desensitization and counter-conditioning rightfully garner attention, their efficacy hinges on mastering these foundational elements. Embarking on a journey to understand and address aggression in dogs necessitates a keen appreciation…

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  • Why Reactivity is Often a Warning Sign for Aggressive Behavior in Dogs

    Why Reactivity is Often a Warning Sign for Aggressive Behavior in Dogs

    If you are learning about dog aggression, you could be forgiven for thinking reactivity is the same as aggression. It seems like the terms are often interchanged. However, there are differences: reactivity in dogs refers to an overreaction to a stimulus, such as another dog, a person, noise or even touch. On the other hand,…

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  • Why is my dog acting like that?

    Why is my dog acting like that?

    In many cases we intuitively understand why our dog acts the way they do. They’re hungry, and stranger has come to the door, they want attention, they want outside and so on. But in the case of behavior problems, particularly aggressive behavior it may be a little more tricky. Dog aggression in particular can be…

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  • Do I need help for my dog?

    Do I need help for my dog?

    Aggressive behavior in dogs occurs on a continuum. It can range from being completely normal and appropriate for the situation to abnormal and inappropriate. A problem can evolve slowly over time or it can seem to appear suddenly and without warning. It may occur with other behavior issues such as anxiety, or it may be…

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  • Does Gut Bacteria Play A Role In Dog Aggression?

    Does Gut Bacteria Play A Role In Dog Aggression?

    Studies have found that disruptions in the gut microbiome, such as an imbalance in the ratio of beneficial to harmful bacteria, can lead to various health problems, including behavioral issues in dogs. In particular, some research has suggested that alterations in the gut microbiome may contribute to aggression in dogs. One possible explanation is that…

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  • Are Dogs More Judgemental Than We Think?

    Are Dogs More Judgemental Than We Think?

    Research suggests that dogs are capable of making judgements based on our behavior. Is this something we can adapt for our shy, reactive or aggressive dogs or do they even have the same ability? Dogs Judge Unhelpful People Third-party social evolutions of humans by monkey’s and dogs it suggests that dogs actually negatively evaluate unhelpful people.…

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  • Why Dog Bites Happen More Often During Holidays [Infographic]

    Why Dog Bites Happen More Often During Holidays [Infographic]

    Dog bites are a very common occurrence during the holidays. One key reason is that everyone—including your dog—is stressed.  Here are just some of the things you want to consider for the holidays. Stress is a precursor to aggression We all experience stress from time to time. A certain amount of stress (called Eustress) is…

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  • 5 TREATMENT METHODS TO AVOID IN DOG TRAINING

    5 TREATMENT METHODS TO AVOID IN DOG TRAINING

    Unfortunately there are still many trainers using aversive methods to train dogs. Adverse methods are focused on the end behavior and ignore the emotional state of the dog. Not only is it unnecessary, the emotional state of the dog should always come first. But when it comes to trying to deal with or treat aggression…

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  • Which Medication Should be Used for Dog Aggression?

    Which Medication Should be Used for Dog Aggression?

    Which medication(s) your dog will respond best to for aggression or anxiety to depends on the diagnosis, because aggression is only a symptom of an underlying problem, not a diagnosis in and of itself, as well as your dog’s individual physiology. A medication that works for one dog, may not work for another. Prescription medication…

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  • 5 books for the dog lover on your list

    5 books for the dog lover on your list.  Yes, you can put yourself on that list! We talk a lot about dog-training on this site, but we wanted to offer a break from that to find books about dogs that would truly feel like a gift.  The following 5 books come from quite different…

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