Dog aggression article

[Judith and Addie]

I just read a short article about the seeming increase in dogs with aggression issues. It looks interesting so I thought I would share.
https://positively.com/victorias-blog/the-dog-aggression-epidemic/

[Susan and Bentley]

Great article, I agree 100%.  We use a trainer that believes in positive reinforcement only.  They also shared the article about The "pack leader" theory being  debunked by the scientists who created the theory.  Bentley has some anxiety and fear issues, but instead of backing off and goes on the offense.  We have worked a lot with him using positive reinforcement and he's doing so much better.  I think anything else would have made him more fearful, mistrustful, and really aggressive.  He still has an issue with dominance guarding but we recognize that is not "aggression" and are working on that as well, with positivity and lots of love!

[Judith and Addie]

It sounds like you are doing very well with Bentley and he is lucky to have you as his mom.

Bentley is a cutie. It looks like he has the same kind of coat as my Addie - lots of curls.

[Susan and Bentley]

thank you!  and yes, he's a mix of curls and waves so we keep him on the shorter side.

[Deb's Yarrow and Schatzi]

Valuable information. Thanks for sharing.

[Gail and Bailey]

Interesting article.  Thanks for sharing.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

I am so sick of the  ' Alpha - Pack Leader' misconceptions! aka, in many situations, abuse by an owner who has no idea what they are doing.  Thank  you for posting

This is the big one! Traditional training methodologies and so much of what people see in the media paint a very different picture of dog behavior than what modern science tells us. Dominance is a concept that continues to be misused and misunderstood by dog trainers who believe that we are in a constant battle with dogs over who is the "alpha" or the "top dog." The "pack leader" theory was actually debunked by the very scientists who created the theory while studying captive wolves.

The current reality is that many behavioral issues that are actually rooted in fear and insecurity are being misdiagnosed as "dominance" issues, creating the potential for some extremely dangerous consequences. 

[Deb's Yarrow and Schatzi]

Well said, Joanne. In fact I truly believe that Shiloh's fears are the direct result of someone ignorantly trying to establish 'dominance' over her in the first few tender months. They managed to bully her into shaking in a corner whenever anyone tried to approach. This was some 'lovely', high income family with two adorable children. How do I know? Their name was on the spay certificate so I did some research. I know the upscale area of Calgary they live in. Anyway, people say someone must've beaten her. But I think, because she is super sensitive that they just 'dominated' all the spontinaety, confidence and joy out of her. Happy ending is that now she is one of the happiest, most loving dogs I've ever met.
Scientists are now proving that our canine companions descended not from wolves but from much smaller, less aggressive canines. I love Victoria Stillwell and I believe Cesar has an amazing gift especially with 'dangerous' dogs which he generally finds to be more fearful than aggressive. The problem is that even though his programs always begin with 'Do not attempt the training methods...', people still think they can do what he does even though they do not have his impeccable timing and perfectly calm energy. Once somebody adds anger and frustration to what Cesar 'appears' to be doing, it turns into bullying and abuse. And I wish Ms Stillwell would see that instead of demonising Cesar.
And now I'll step down from my apple crate. Wait. I guess that Cesar should stick to his new gentler program, Leader of the Pack, in which he helps people learn how to gently work with shelter dogs. We don't need any more of the other stuff people obviously can't emulate in a healthy, loving way.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

And Well said to YOU also, Deb

I guess that Cesar should stick to his new gentler program, Leader of the Pack, in which he helps people learn how to gently work with shelter dogs. We don't need any more of the other stuff people obviously can't emulate in a healthy, loving way.

[Susan and Bentley]

I couldn't agree more.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Good article.  Thanks for posting,