ANIMAL BEHAVIOR

Canine Aggression

Don’t Label the Dog!

Identify the ______________…correctlyWork with the animal, don’t ___________them.Understand that some animals may need

extra help and more patienceUnderstand that in some cases, there is

_______________________________ for aggressive behavior.

What is Aggression?

Defined: ________________________________________________________________________ ________________ Aggression: Attempt to gain resource at

expense of another. Food, bed, toy, etc…

________________ Aggression: Directed toward perceived threat. (Dog feels like a victim.) Fear, territorial, pain, etc…

Not all aggressions are clearly one or the other Some may start as offensive and end as defensive

aggressions.

Most Common Aggressions LVTs will Encounter

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Use the Dog’s Body Language

Good indicator of dogs ________________Can interact more safely with patientProvide education to owners in order to keep

them and pet safeNot ALWAYS ________________

Each dog has their own quirks

Fear Aggression

________________ human directed aggressionBody language of a fearful dog:

Avoid eye-contact and be Whale-eyed Lower ears/tail Submissive “C” OTHERS?

Fear Aggression can lead to dangerous situation May injure self trying to ________________ May become ________________ if no escape allowed

Fear Aggression

Physiological signs ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________

Causes of Fear Aggression

Fear of other ________________Fear of unknown ________________Fear of strange noisesUnknown ________________Unknown ________________

Dealing with Fear in the Hospital

____________ to bring dog in If dog is fearful, have owner stay put with pet in car

They can call and let receptionist know they are in the car waiting.

________, ________, ________ If dog is comfortable in exam room, stay in exam room If dog is better behaved away from owners, go to “the

back” (treatment area)________________

When introducing yourself, what approach should you take?

Pain Induced Aggression

Similar to _______ aggressionCause is _______to identifyMay cause “___________” behaviors if repeated________________ is key in clinic

Pain Aggression

Dog is reacting to a stimulus that is unpleasant Examples:

Pain Aggression

________________ behaviors Dog who gets nails trimmed and is repeatedly

“quicked” will often be reluctant to have feet touched. Dog with chronic ear infections may become reactive

when head is touched Horses who are repeatedly or incorrectly “ear-

twitched” often become head-shy or difficult to halter.

Dealing with Pain Aggression

___________________: Sometimes making a noise or tapping an animal on the forehead will distract them from the unpleasant act.

____________________: If the dog enjoys “belly-rubs”, you may be able to counter-condition the dog to the positive behavior while performing blood-draws, etc…

____________________: When the dog behaves

appropriately, reinforce that behavior. (This is situation-dependant, and NOT always effective.)

Redirected Aggression

Redirected aggression is often a problem during times of high ________________. Another stimulus starts issue and it is eventually

directed at human. May be product of busy waiting room, startling noise,

or dog fight.

Combating Redirected Aggression

Minimize ____________ in dogs environmentHave alternate entrances for knowingly

difficult animalsHave alternate entrances for felinesBe on the alert for situations that start off

benign and escalate

Territorial Aggression

Most commonly seen in ________________with owners present

May be seen during ________________May be seen with animals who are kenneled

regularly

Combating Territorial Aggression

Remove pet from exam room if protectingPlace dog in lower kennel if boardingPlace dog in a low-traffic area to reduce

additional stressMinimize additional stresses to animal.

Have all supplies together before restraining Don’t “hem and haw” with them. (Know what you’re

doing and then DO IT!)

Food-Related Aggression

Caused by several factors ________________ ________________ in home Presence of other _______/_________

Food Aggression

Feed animal showing aggression in _________ area. Confine to small room or crate while eating.

Work with animal after meals by using small amounts of food taken from _________. Important that dog doesn’t have to compete with

others Encourage gentle behavior:

Don’t let dog “grab” food from you Ask dog to sit before offering food Hide most of food in hand so dog has to carefully remove.

Play Aggression

Often starts as an error in __________ judgement Play with hands Wrestling Encouraging young dogs to continue behavior that

can lead to aggression.

Usually ________________ to humans or other animals, but has the potential, if behavior escalates.

Idiopathic Aggression

This is aggression with no known _____________ Is often ______________&__________________

Use caution with specific breeds known for unpredictability. “________________” would fall in to this category. ________________ “________________” Doberman Pinschers

Summary

Remember that all animals have potential for aggression

Just because a dog “doesn’t bite”, doesn’t mean it can’t!

The more observant you are, the safer everyone will be.

Always keep your head “in the game”Better to be safe than sorry!