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44 Aggression

45 Aggression most common behavior problem in dogsMany types of aggression Some innate Some due to learning history Some due to interaction Most can be treated

46 Territorial AggressionWild canids ARE territorial. live in certain area, defend this area from intruders. Wild canids are highly territorial: drive outsiders away from their territory Some dogs display the same tendencies. bark and charge at people/animals encroaching on their home turf. often valued for this level of territorial behavior. some dogs take this a step farther: attack and bite any intruder Territorial aggression can occur along the boundary of house /yard /room Male and female dogs are equally prone to territorial aggression. Puppies rarely territorial. Territorial behavior usually emerges at adolescence early adulthood; one to three years of age.

47 Protective AggressionDogs = social species: If one member in danger, the others rush to defend: this is protective aggression Pet dogs protect “their” pack….family members or friends Sometimes only for those more vulnerable than themselves. Little kids or her litter of puppies. New baby is s “threat” to her people parents (think of the sounds that baby makes!) Both male and female dogs equally prone Puppies are rarely protective; emerges in adolescence or adulthood, at one to three years of age.

48 Resource Guarding Dogs have left over evolutionary instinct to compete for food, nesting sites and mates to survive. Food or food bowl (sometimes even water bowl) Toys People Resting spots Usually easy to identify because only aggressive when has something s/he covets. some dogs hide cherished things around the house; guard them from unsuspecting people or animals May even resource guard people! Male and female dogs are equally prone to possessive aggression IS common in both puppies and adults.

49 Rules of Possession for DogsIf it's mine it's mine if it's yours it's mine if I like it is mine if I can take it from you it is mine if I am playing with something ALL of the pieces are mine if I think it is mine it is if I saw it first it's mine if I had it then put it down it is still mine if you had it then you put it down it is now mine if it looks like the one I have hidden or already ate, it is mine

50 Fear Aggression When afraid of something: 3 step (fear, flight, fight) process Avoid situation Escape: get away from it: Aggression if cornered Can be afraid of a person/animal/thing Note: when “aggressor” turns back, may attack! “I’ll get you before you get me!” avoid turning your back on a fearful dog. Fear aggression is characterized by rapid nips or bites: bite and then run away. Aggression may not begin with clear threats or warning It is the fearful posture, retreat or running away and avoidance that IS the cue! Male and female dogs are equally prone to fear aggression Common in both puppies and adults.

51 Defensive Aggression Defensively aggressive dogs motivated by fearinstead of trying to retreat, they decide that the best defense is a good offense. Exhibit a mixture of fearful and offensive postures. may initially charge at a person/dog who frightens them, barking and growling. Then show avoidance/escape Defensively aggressive dog often delivers the first strike. Only if victim retreats does defensively aggressive dog abort attack. Male and female dogs are equally prone to defensive aggression. Slightly more common in adults than in puppies Older dogs have more confidence Have had time to develop this defensive strategy

52 Frustration-Elicited AggressionFrustrated dogs can lash out with aggression. Dog that is excited or aroused by something but is blocked from approaching it can become aggressive, particularly toward the person or thing holding her back. E.g.,: frustrated dog might turn around and bite at her leash or bite at the hand holding her leash or collar. Male and female dogs are equally prone Occurs in both puppies and adults.

53 Redirected AggressionLike frustration-elicited aggression Occurs when dog is aroused by or displays aggression toward a person or animal, and someone else interferes. dog redirects aggression from the source that triggered it to the person/animal who has interfered. Freud’s displacement! E.g.: people who break up dog fights are often bitten Or when two dogs are barking at someone from behind a fence, one will turn and attack the other. Male and female dogs are equally Occurs in both puppies and adults.

54 Pain-elicited AggressionTypical reaction to pain Very critical to carefully handle dog in pain, even if she’s your own. bite with little warning, even if the reason you’re touching her is to treat her. Also: improper use of certain pieces of restraint equipment can inflict pain on a dog and prompt a pain-elicited bite Idiopathic Rage syndrome Male and female dogs are equally prone Can occur in both puppies and adults.

55 Sex-Related AggressionMore likely in male dogs More likely in adult dogs (1 to 3; even IF neutered) Even though neutered, may still occur intact male dogs will still vie for the attention of females in heat, females will still compete for access to a male. Data show that neutered males start fights with intact males! Intact male dogs challenge, fight with other male dogs, even when no females are present. May occur with 2 males or 2 females living together in the same household.

56 Predatory Aggression Canids = predators: chasing and grabbing fast-moving things. running people, people on bicycles and inline skates, and cars. Other pets, wildlife and livestock. Some dogs bite and even kill if they manage to catch the thing they’re chasing; others the chase is more important than the catch Predatory aggression very different from other classifications of aggression Rarely any warning before an attack. : Comes “out of blue” Elicited by innate predatory cue: Child running! Sometimes the sound of a baby crying/movement of lifting a baby out of a crib can trigger predatory aggression in dogs. Equal in males and females More likely in adults, but may begin to observe early on in pups

57 Social Aggression Occurs in animals who live in social groups-certain rules in order to minimize conflict between group members.  WILD Canid  species: adopt type of hierarchical order that influences which group members get food, resting spots, mates first Not have to constantly fight for status; know place in hierarchy Dogs lower down on the totem pole know to wait until the higher-ups have had their share before taking their turn. relationships frequently reinforced by displays of ritualized aggression. Ritualized Aggression: aggressive threats to remind others of their place in the pack. RARELY actual aggression more common in males than in females More common in purebreds than in mixed breeds. Puppies rarely socially aggressive with people, can be with other dogs, particularly littermates. usually develops in dogs between one to three years of age.

58 Family members or Strangers?Must determine whom your dog is aggressive towards common for dogs to behave aggressively toward unfamiliar people. 60 to 70% of all pet dogs bark threateningly at strangers and act unfriendly when around them. Aggression toward unfamiliar dogs widespread.: 90% or more Less common for dogs to direct aggression toward family members/pets Children are most problematic, especially child family members Some dogs aggressive only to a certain category of people. veterinarian or groomer, mailman Wheels: wheelchairs or individuals using canes and walkers. In some cases Races or genders of people Ages of people Often due to experience!!!!! \ May occur at any age or with any sex of dog.

59 Many issues in understanding AggressionComplexities involved in aggression are poorly understood and hotly debated by behavior experts: When consulting a professional, make sure you’re comfortable with her treatment recommendations. Data show that techniques for instilling fear and respect in dogs don’t work: such as alpha rolls, scruff shakes; hanging a very good chance that your dog will get worse rather than better—and you might get bitten in the process. Punishment RARELY appropriate, only when it’s well planned and limited in application, used in conjunction with a reward program. All other options have been explored

60 Aggression Risk FactorsSize of the dog  Age  of the dog Bite history   Severity  of the bite: Dunbar bite scale Identifying Triggers: Predictability  of who targeted Frequency of interaction with targets identify triggers and treat Or keep away Ease of motivating/redirecting your dog  

61 Are some breeds more aggressive?Yes and no Goes back to risk factors Size, age and sex Hunting, herding tendencies Training and experience individuals still carry their ancestors’ DNA in their genes, which means that members of a particular breed might be predisposed to certain types of aggression. neither accurate nor wise to judge a dog by her breed. Far better predictors of aggressive behavior problems: dog’s individual temperament history of interacting with people and other animals.

62 Blackshaw, 1991 According to Blackshaw: most common dogs to bite resulting in an INJURY (in England) are: Bull Terrier (16%) German Shepherd (15%) Cattle dog breeds (9.2%) Terrier Breeds (9%) Labs and Goldens (8%) Poodle and Cocker Spaniel (5.7%) Rotweiler (4.6%)

63 Different reasons why bite:Goes back to type of aggression Herding dogs Hunting dogs Ancient breeds more likely to bite outsiders and family Types of aggression Dominance: 31.6% Territorial: 29% Predatory: 12.3% Intermale: 12.3% Sibling Rivalry: 7.9% Fear biting: 6% Idiopathic rage: 0.9%

64 Interesting to review American list:German Shepherd (12%) Rottweiler (7.5%) Cattle dog (4.7%) Chihuahua (4%), Labrador (3.8%) Dobermann (3.4%) Cocker Spaniel ( 3.2% ) Bull Terrier ( 3.1% ) Boxer (3%) Poodle (2.9%) Border Collie, Golden Retriever and Staffordshire Bull Terrier (all 2.8%), Australian Silkie Terrier (2.3%) Collie varieties (2.2%) Maltese and Welsh Corgies (both 2.1%) Dachshund and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (both 2%) Shetland sheepdog ( 1.4% ).

65 In Summary: Aggressive response provoked by MANY thingsThat a dog perceives as threatening or unpleasant Taking food away Taking a chew bone, toy or stolen object away Disturbing the dog while she’s sleeping Physically moving the dog while she’s resting Hugging or kissing the dog Bending or reaching over the dog Manipulating the dog into a submissive posture (a down or a belly-up position) Lifting or trying to pick up the dog Holding the dog back from something she wants Grooming, bathing, towelling or wiping the dog’s face Touching the dog’s ears or feet Trimming the dog’s nails Jerking or pulling on the dog’s leash, handling her collar or putting on a harness Verbally scolding the dog Threatening the dog with a pointed finger or rolled-up newspaper Hitting or trying to hit the dog Going through a door at same time as the dog or bumping into the dog

66 Who to get for help Always Work with Your Veterinarian or Vet Behaviorist! Rule out health conditions Don’t be afraid of drugs as a helper Always Work with a Professional Behavior Expert Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB or ACAAB) Veterinary behaviorist (Dip ACVB) Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT) in your area. If you choose to employ a CPDT, be sure that the trainer is qualified to help you.

67 Can aggression be “cured”Not “cured”, but treated behavior modification techniques may reduce or eliminate under certain circumstances But still dealing with instinct and learning history no guarantee that an aggressive dog can be completely cured. Pet parents responsible for their dogs’ behavior and must take precautions to ensure that no one’s harmed. Sometimes, only solution is euthanasia What is best for dog What is safe for dog