Lately, we have been getting TONS of questions about aggression issues.  These questions have led to some great articles on other topics, but it looks like aggression in general is a very broad and vague topic.  If you have questions about aggression, we have an excellent series about the different types, how they manifest, and how to treat or manage them.  You can find the articles that address aggression (both as part of the series and recent questions about it) here.

As a guide to help you decide whether your dog has some aggression issues, check out the questions below and keep track of how many apply to your canine family: Continue Reading

Last September, a reader adopted what they think is a Rottweiler/German Shepherd mix puppy from a rescue at approximately eight weeks of age.  Throughout most of her puppyhood, she had a very timid personality, and she was always extra cautious of people and inanimate objects, but she was always very playful with and intrigued by other dogs.  Now, the family is starting to notice some behavior at 1 ½ years old that is disturbing to them. Continue Reading

It seems like you have a wonderful dog, you have given him a great home, but when you go out to the off leash dog park, things change, right?  Being off leash is truly a fantastic feeling.  Running around with the wind blowing through your hair as your ears flap in the wind is almost as much fun as riding in the car with our head hanging out of the window.  However, such a fantastic joy as it is, being off leash is ALWAYS a privilege.  This is something that needs to be earned. Continue Reading

There are times when you have conversations with “dog” people that know little or nothing about dogs or their behavior.  They are often looked to for suggestions and advice because they hold a position of influence.  Oftentimes, they will dispense advice throwing words around that they may have overheard in a conversation.  Some of those words or phrases can be dangerous in the hands of untrained, uneducated individuals.  Phrases like fear aggression are among those that are dangerous.  They think that because they were thinking fast enough to throw out that phrase, it will impress people, increasing their influence among those they encounter.  Some of these people do not have a clue as to what fear aggression actually is, let alone what can be done to modify or manage it. Continue Reading

Recently, we received a concerned mother’s e-mail about some activity that would concern most pet parents.  I have copied the most concerning and embarrassing issues for you to read as well.  Due to the embarrassing nature of the problem, I have redacted the puppy’s name to protect his identity.

I’ve recently noticed, as my puppy [redacted] is now about 8 months, he’s doing something which is causing a bit of concern. We have an 8 month old kitten, Maya, (has yet to go into heat and has not been spayed yet), and the two of them have grown up around each other most of their lives, so they get along wonderfully and are great friends. Lately, I’ve noticed that while [redacted] & Maya are playing, he’s been trying to mate with her, and the frequency has been increasing over time. Continue Reading

A longtime dog owner wrote me recently, inquiring about a possible fear aggression issue with her pet.  Fear aggression is a scary issue to deal with, because when it does present, the provocation is typically an everyday action.  Before pursuing any behavioral or training issue, the first thing necessary is to take your dog to his vet.  It is especially important that you go to YOUR vet, as the long-term relationship will help him diagnose any issue.  Your dog needs a clean bill of health from his Doc to see if there is anything physically wrong with him before you attempt to change his behavior.  We are unable to tell you when we are in pain, so getting the vet involved is imperative. Continue Reading

Dominance Aggression:
Hackles will be raised, teeth barred, tail may be up or back, body & legs stiffen, lips are drawn back, growling, eyes fixed on target.

Fear Aggression:
Body and head lowered, ears are back close to the head, tail is down or may be tucked between the legs, growling, lips are drawn back, teeth barred, hackles raised, nose wrinkled.

Continue Reading

Every dog has something called anal sacs or anal glands located at the five and seven o’clock position inside the anus. These are sometimes referred to as “scent glands.”  To a dog, every other dog on the planet has scent glands with a different smell.  This is why we smell each other’s butt when we meet, rather than shake hands.  This is how we identify each other.  We also use these glands to mark territory or to signify a scary event, like when humans poop their pants in fright.  To a human, the fluid secreted from the anal glands has quite a different smell.  Mom says it REALLY, REALLY STINKS!!

When a dog does a Big Busy, or poop if you have not read my guide to potty training, it should cause some pressure on the anal sacs and empty them. Sometimes this does not happen, and it may cause the anal glands to become impacted.  When you go to the groomer, they may be able to assist in expressing the fluid built up as a part of your dog’s bath. Continue Reading

Don’t act surprised, because people fight too.  Naturally, dogs don’t worry about the same things as people, and they fight about different things than people do. Thank Goodness!

It is an ugly thing to see a fight between dogs.  Obviously, the best way to avoid a dog fight is to stay away from situations where a dog fight is likely to occur.  Unfortunately, avoidance is not always possible though. So, here are my tips should you find yourself in a situation where a dog fight is likely or occurring. Continue Reading

I guess the reporter that was bitten by President Bush’s Scottish Terrier, Barney, does not own a dog.   One of the things that I preach constantly is that a human should never reach over the head of a dog right away, in order to pet it.  We do not like that.  Once we lose sight of that hand, we do not know where it is going or what the person intends to do with it.  In the cases of some dogs, especially with strangers, their first reaction is to bite, and be sorry about it later. Continue Reading