From the University of Pennsylvania
comes an interesting new study that actually looks at how an owner’s aggressive behavior affects a dog’s aggressive behavior.
Not too surprisingly, lead researcher Megan E. Herron notes:
“Our study demonstrated that many confrontational training methods, whether staring down dogs, striking them or intimidating them with physical manipulation does little to correct improper behavior and can elicit aggressive responses.”
Just recently, a fellow trainer was asking on a list about best ways to help a toy breed dog who had been biting. The history presented highlighted that this little dog was physical hurting (had health issues that were painful), did not know a great deal (so had limited options for interacting and responding in good ways), and was being “corrected” for defensive snaps with more serious aggression from the owner.
Despite this trainer’s attempts to help this dog, despite the dog improving in the hands of someone who took the time to teach the dog and stop acting aggressively themselves, this little dog was put to sleep a few days ago by the original owner for “unprovoked aggression.” A heartbreaking outcome of owner aggression and confrontational “training” techniques. (
So sorry, CK —)
The U of P study has some interesting highlights:
- Number one reason owners take their dogs to veterinary behaviorists: aggressive behavior
- 43% of the 140 owners involved in the study had “hit or kicked the dog for undesirable behavior
- 31% had used an “alpha roll”
- 30% had used a “stare down”
- 29% had used a “dominance down”
- 25% of the dogs on which the above were used responded with their own aggression (I’m surprised it’s not more; speaks to dogs tolerating a lot from humans)
Go here to read a review of the study , which was published in Applied Animal Behavior science.
Since common sense and empathy for fellow beings are sometimes insufficient to demonstrate the folly of using confrontational techniques (especially with aggression!), perhaps simply proving the point with this study and many others will eventually open people’s eyes.
Sad but true that while
we’d resent being trained in a confrontational and abusive way, it remains not only accepted but popularized.
Ask me why I cancelled my National Geographic subscription . . .
In sad memory of a pair of bright eyes that asked for understanding and education, that warned she would not tolerate being attacked in the name of “teaching her” — and for that light now gone out. May her life’s lessons do their work. Rest in peace, little one. You deserved better.
Courtesy of
www.suzanneclothier.com....
While not all CGC training can be done at home, these are basic instructions to build upon once you are safe to return to the public. Read on for step-by-step instructions for working with your dog at home to prepare for the CGC test.
Item 1: Allowing a Friendly Stranger to Approach
Socializing your dog to all kinds of people from an early age will go a long way to passing this test. You can also encourage your dog to focus on you by teaching a “Watch Me” cue. The following steps will help you add distractions once your dog understands the basics:
Item 2: Sitting Politely for Petting
Socialization is an important component of passing this test. So is teaching your dog to control his or her emotions during greetings. Train your dog to sit and relax while being petted with the following steps:
Item 3: Accepting Grooming and an Examination
Handling exercises will help your dog become comfortable with touch. Sensitive dogs can benefit from counterconditioning, a technique that changes a negative emotional response to a positive one. The following steps will help:
Item 4: Walking on a Loose Leash
To train loose leash walking, never letting your dog earn a reward for pulling. Your dog should only get to walk when the leash is slack. Try the following steps:
Item 5: Walking Politely Through a Crowd
This is another test of loose leash walking skills, but now there are distractions. To pass this test, when possible include other people, other dogs, and exciting things to smell in your advanced loose leash walking training. The “Let’s Go” cue can be used to tell your dog to keep moving. It can also be helpful to teach a “Leave It” cue that lets your dog know when something is off-limits.
Item 6: Sitting and Lying Down on Cue and Staying in Place
Lure-and-reward training is a great method for teaching sit and down to your dog. These are the basic steps:
When teaching stay, be aware of the three Ds – distance, distractions, and duration. Try the following steps:
Item 7: Coming When Called
For a successful recall, your dog should think coming to you is exciting and rewarding. Never use the recall cue to end your dog’s fun. Start training in a quiet area with no distractions. The following steps will help build a strong recall:
Item 8: Reacting Politely to Other Dogs
If your dog is nervous around other dogs, an exercise like the one in item three can help your dog become more comfortable. Simply start with your dog far enough away from the other dog that he or she isn’t upset. Reward your dog in the presence of the other dog. Slowly decrease the distance.
If your dog gets overly excited by other dogs, use dogs as part of your distraction training. You can also use the “Leave It” cue and/or the “Watch Me” cue to get your dog’s focus on you rather than the other dog.
Item 9: Reacting Calmly to a Distraction
A well-socialized dog will be a more confident dog which is helpful for passing this test. You can also desensitize your dog to distractions similar to what the evaluator will use for the test (a dropped food dish, a jogger moving past the dog, etc.). Start with the distraction at a low enough level that your dog doesn’t react. Follow these steps:
Item 10: Reacting Calmly to Supervised Separation From the Owner
An important step for passing this test is alone time training. Teach your dog to be comfortable away from you with the following steps:
The AKC is here to help dog owners adapt to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Find answers to all your coronavirus concerns, plus at-home activity ideas, training tips, educational resources, and more at our ‘Coping With Coronavirus COVID-19′ hub.
Courtesy of American Kennel Club