Search Results for: aggression

Many dog owners and families are affected by their dog’s aggression, be it to other dogs or people. But in almost all cases, people have the wrong perception of what aggression in dogs is really communicating and why it is happening. Dogs exhibit aggression in many ways, some of the more noticeable might be: Growling Lunging and barking Teeth bearing Biting These displays can be...

Many owners get frustrated by their dog’s over-excited or aggressive reaction to seeing another dog and are unsure of what to do about dog to dog reactivity or aggression. Dog to dog aggression is often a fear based response, where they see the other dog as a perceived threat, and may be based on past negative experiences, a lack of socialisation during their critical period...

Anxiety in dogs is very complex topic to both understand and address and is recognised as a cause of many behaviour and physical problems. It is a major mental health issue, just as it is for us humans and is not to be dismissed as something "they will just have to get over." From fear-based aggression to Separation Related Behaviours (also commonly known as Separation...

Dogs that bark and lunge at other dogs, people and a wide range of other environmental triggers around them are often viewed as being aggressive.  In most cases however, a reactive dog is 'acting out' due to fear and is using this dog behaviour to make the thing it fears go away. Having a reactive dog is a common dog behaviour issue A reactive dog...

Puppies are one big bundle of fun and energy with their happy smiles and wagging tails, but they also like to use their mouth - a LOT!, so knowing how to stop a puppy biting and mouthing everything and everyone can be tough. Unfortunately, owners tend to reinforce the behaviour that we think is “fun” by playing with them, even a puppy biting as they...

When a dog finds something valuable and fears that it is going to be taken away or they are invested in or possessive about it, they might stiffen, growl, lunge or even bite.  This is known as 'resource guarding' and often occurs around food or toys, but also items of clothing, certain chairs or places on the couch - anything that a dog values highly...

As a dog trainer, one of the areas I consider when treating dogs with behaviour issues, particularly anxiety and aggression, is their diet and other factors that could be impacting on their gut health. This is because we now have a much greater understanding of the gut-brain axis and how signals run both ways between the digestive and central nervous system. How poor gut health...

Independence training is important at all stages of a dog’s life to help build their confidence and comfort in being left alone. As a dog behaviourist, I am seeing many owners that are having problems with their puppies and even older dogs due to anxiety and a lack of proper socialisation, or even too much and inappropriate socialisation. Unfortunately, many puppies missed out on puppy...

Anxiety in dogs and cats is an increasingly common problem that both Veterinarians and animal behaviourists are treating these days, and can significantly impact their well-being if left unaddressed. That's why understanding the signs of anxiety in dogs and cats is essential for providing them with the care and support they need. It’s been estimated that over 40% of dogs and cats are now suffering...

Training tips for rescue dogs aren't necessarily that different to training a puppy or an older dog. However,  given you won't know the previous life experiences, good and bad, that your rescue dog has been through and how this may impact on their behaviour, there can be a few extra challenges. Why rescue dogs can be reactive Particularly, as past experiences may be influencing their...