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Dog owners often wonder if their own stress or anxiety might be affecting their dog's mood and behavior. After all, our pets are incredibly perceptive, and many people report that their dogs seem to pick up on their emotions. But just how much of an influence do our feelings have on them, especially when it comes to anxiety?
I get a lot of questions about handling aggressive behaviors in dogs, and one thing I hear all the time is, "When I punish my dog for being aggressive, it seems to work—at least for a while. Why does the behavior end up getting worse later on?"
I understand your dilemma. You’ve got a dog that’s snapping, growling, or worse, and you’re frustrated. You just want the behavior to stop. It’s completely natural to want to step in and do something about it, and punishment can seem like a quick fix. In the moment, it might feel like you’ve solved the problem because your dog stops what they’re doing. But here’s the thing—what seems like improvement now can backfire later.
Let me explain why.
William looked at me and asked a question that most dog owners probably think about but never seem to ask out loud. He asked, “Scott, you’re the dog expert; what do dogs think about all day?”
To divine the truth in that question, you might think that we need to be able to converse with dogs to discover what’s going on in their canine craniums.
After working with thousands of clients, I’ve found there are four key dog owner perspectives that can predict the likelihood of success in working with dogs with behavior issues. I see the importance of these four elements of successful treatment in every case I work with. They’re all essential and are reliable predictors of success.
Dog bites are bad. Period. However, many people don’t realize when dogs aggressively bite humans, they almost never do so at full power.
Can dog owners communicate to their dog that they don’t need to be afraid or aggressive toward specific people? I happened to run into one of these dog owners at our Bass Pro visit.
I was sitting on one of those uncomfortable benches in the shoe department trying on a couple pairs of boots when a 45ish kinda scruffy-looking man walked his medium-sized mutt within a couple of feet. The dog had raised hackles and immediately began to pull toward me and bark. You don’t need to be a dog behaviorist to know that this doggie was unhappy being near me. Don’t worry, I’ve learned not to take these things personally.
“Scott, I don’t know what’s wrong with my dog. She’s always nipping and growling at me. She keeps me from getting on my bed, won’t let me get near her when she’s eating, and hates it when I try to pet her. But, for whatever reason, she loves my wife.”
This was what I heard when first talking to Mark (not his real name) on the phone. He sounded very desperate, and I thought I had a good idea of what was going on with his dog, but my premature diagnosis turned out to be very wrong.
If you're struggling with an anxious or aggressive dog, you might find relief in the latest episode of the Grumpy Dogs podcast. In this episode, I delve into the world of behavior medications, specifically anxiolytics, and their potential to transform your dog's behavior. This episode provides a comprehensive look at how these medications work, why they aren't a one-size-fits-all solution, and how they can complement behavior modification techniques to yield improvement in many cases.
Is your dog sweet as pie off-leash, but turns into a barking, lunging maniac the moment you clip on the leash? This is a common issue many dog owners face, known as leash reactivity. This episode of the Grumpy Dogs Podcast aims to uncover the mystery behind this frustrating behavior and offer practical tips to manage it.
Can dogs truly feel remorse after they bite someone, or is it just our interpretation of their behavior? Uncover the reality behind canine emotions as I address common myths about dogs and their reactions to biting incidents. I'll dive into the instinctual behaviors of dogs, shedding light on how they respond to stress and fear.
How do your properly socialize your fearful or aggressive dog and make them more calm and sociable with other dogs and humans? Find out in this episode of the Grumpy Dogs Podcast with me. We'll explore the critical techniques you need to master for properly socializing dogs with fear and aggression issues.
About ScottScott Sheaffer, CBCC-KA, CDBC, CPDT-KA, is a dog behavior specialist. Scott specializes in the assessment and treatment of fear, anxiety, aggression and phobias in dogs six months and older. Learn More |
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Ever feel like you're at the end of your leash with your reactive dog during walks? I'm Scott Sheaffer, and in today's Grumpy Dogs podcast, I'm going to share the third step in the process that will change the way you and your pooch experience approaching dogs and/or humans while out on a walk that get your dog revved up.
Read MoreCould deciphering your dog's subtle body twitches and tail wags be the key to addressing their deepest fears and aggression? My latest podcast episode looks into the language of your loyal companion, giving you the tools to interpret their silent signals that can prepare you to work on your dog's fears and aggression. You'll learn to navigate their emotional landscape and guide them through recovery at their own pace.
Read MoreAverage Reading Time: 30 seconds
Today we are unveiling a transformative 12-part series addressing the fear and aggression your four-legged friend might be grappling with to other dogs or humans. In this first episode I'm going to show you how you can change your dog's daily leash walks into a powerful behavioral therapy session to treat reactivity toward other dogs and/or humans.
Read MoreAverage Reading Time: 30 seconds
In my latest podcast episode, I tackle a question many dog owners grapple with: Can a dog's aggression truly be fixed? It's a complex issue, and I've laid out a comprehensive checklist to help guide you through understanding and addressing aggression and fear in your dogs.
Read MoreAverage Reading Time: 1 minute, 14 seconds
In our most recent episode of the podcast, we delve into a commonly debated topic among dog owners and trainers alike: Is socializing your anxious, reactive, or aggressive dog in busy public places like Home Depot a wise decision? Scott shares his expert insights and a recent personal encounter that shed light on this practice's effectiveness and potential risks.
Read MoreAverage Reading Time: 1 minute, 3 seconds
In my latest episode of the Dog Aggression Answers podcast, I delve into the complexities of canine aggression, focusing on the mixed signals dogs exhibit, like rolling over for a belly rub while simultaneously displaying aggression towards certain people. I explain that a dog's decision to roll over is often a sign of fear or submission, not an invitation for affection.
Read MoreAverage Reading Time: 47 seconds
In today's Dog Aggression Answers podcast episode, you'll learn some important basic concepts to make your aggressive (or fearful) dog less stressed around strangers. You can implement these concepts with your buddy right now.
Read MoreAverage Reading Time: 1 minute, 30 seconds
Did you know that using shock and prong collars on dogs is banned and illegal in many parts of the world? There's a reason that localities and entire countries have taken this action. My latest episode of the Dog Aggression Answers podcast will tell you where they are currently banned worldwide and some of the reasons why.
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In the latest eye-opening episode of the Dog Aggression Answers Podcast, host, Scott Sheaffer, CBCC-KA, CDBC, CPDT-KA, delves into a critical yet often misunderstood aspect of canine behavior: dog bites. This episode is not just a regular discussion; it’s an essential guide for anyone frequently interacting with dogs, whether you're a dog owner, trainer, rescue worker, veterinary professional, pet sitter, or groomer.
Read MoreAverage Reading Time: 1 minute, 1 second
Finding the Right Dog Collar for Aggressive and Reactive Dogs
Struggling with a reactive or aggressive dog? Tune into the Dog Aggression Answers podcast for essential guidance. In my latest episode, Mastering Leash Control: The Best Collars for Aggressive and Reactive Dogs, I provide a detailed ranking of eight common dog collars, revealing their pros and cons.
Read MoreAverage Reading Time: 1 minute, 15 seconds
Unveiling a Tale of Empathy and Understanding
In our newest episode of the Dog Aggression Answers podcast, we delve into a story that tugs at the heartstrings - a tale about a dog, a mentally disabled child, and a journey of understanding and empathy. This episode, titled, The Story of a Dog That Attacked a Mentally Disabled Child, a Case That Will Give You Hope is not just a story; it's an exploration of the depths of human and animal relationships.
Read MoreAverage Reading Time: 1 minute, 28 seconds
Dogs are often considered a man's best friend, offering unconditional love and companionship. However, many dog owners find themselves puzzled and concerned when their usually lovable pet turns aggressive towards strangers. In this podcast episode of the Dog Aggression Answers podcast, Scott Sheaffer delves into the world of canine fear and aggression, shedding light on why dogs behave this way.
Read MoreAverage Reading Time: 1 minute, 34 seconds
Dog behavior can be complex, often requiring professional intervention to ensure the safety and well-being of both the pet and its owners. In this podcast episode, Scott Sheaffer, a certified dog behavior consultant, provides a guide to understanding the world of dog behavior consultancy.
Read MoreAverage Reading Time: 1 minute, 29 seconds
Understanding the role your veterinarian plays in managing and treating your dog's behavioral issues is crucial for every pet owner. In our recent podcast episode, Scott Sheaffer, a certified dog behavior expert, provides valuable insights into this under-explored area.
Read MoreAverage Reading Time: 1 minute, 31 seconds
Understanding your dog's barking can offer deep insights into their emotional states. In our latest podcast episode, Barbara Sheaffer sits down with seasoned dog behaviorist Scott Sheaffer to unlock the mysteries of canine communication. We leave no stone unturned in our quest to provide a long-term solution to incessant dog barking.
Read MoreAverage Reading Time: 1 minute, 38 seconds
In recent years, an alarming rise in dog aggression has been observed globally, raising questions about the root causes and potential solutions. Our latest podcast episode, featuring dog behavior specialist Scott Sheaffer, CBCC-KA, CDBC, CPDT-KA, delves deep into this multi-faceted issue, offering expert insights and effective strategies to address it.
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When dealing with dog behavior issues rooted in fear, two factors often stand out as the biggest variables: the dog’s territory and the things it finds scary. Let’s unpack these two and see how they impact your dog’s behavior—and what you can do about it.