Interesting thoughts on dog to dog aggression

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/issues/4_12/features/5417-1.html?s...

[Jay, Lola and Colonel Esau]

Agree - and I don't think it negates genetics, because all or virtually all DNA carried by dogs today is the result of breeding decisions made by people.  Breeding for agression can be purposeful, as is the case with breeds used for herding or protection - or it can be a byproduct of breeding for other qualities, as is the case with terriers and other small dogs that were designed to chase rodents and other animals.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Thank you for making this point, Nancy.  I believe genetics plays an important role in temperament.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I belong to another group that works with people who have dogs with severe issues (such as dog aggression) and are thinking that they have to give up their dog.  The group's purpose is to help provide these owners with training/behavioral strategies to try before the dog is given to a shelter or euthanized.  Members of this group had a pretty interesting reaction to this article.  They reminded me of the fact that too often the people who find themselves in this situation have used a treat based "positive only" training method.  They have not taught their dog about "consequences" which is very different from punishment.  They also noted that way too often it's these same "positive only" trainers throwing up their hands and recommending euthanasia rather than trying a different approach.  Just to be clear they were not saying there is no place for positive reinforcement (with treats or any other "reinforcer"), just that this is not the "only way" and training is not a "one size fits all".   It was a very interesting discussion with some good food for thought.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Sounds good. Sounds easy. Sounds simple. Good luck with all of that :)
Take some cookie treats for yourself. You'll need them to reward yourself during the months and years of trying

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Joanne, I think the best reinforcement when dieting is cupcakes and chocolate chip cookies.  My personal motto is let's just skip to the important part of a diet - the treats!