“If we can’t manage it, we can’t change it.” ~ Michael Shikashio, CDBC with Aggressive Dog. This is a conversation I have with all of my behavior case dog training clients…for these very reasons. Aggressive dog behavior is like any other behavior that is strengthened by reinforcement. If it works to get a consequence of value to the animal, it will continue and even strengthen over time.
Remember, behavior is a tool that animals use to get consequences. Consequences are the drivers of behavior. However, antecedents (what comes BEFORE the behavior – either right before such as proximity or a sound or sight or in the distance such as inadequate rest or mental stimulation, or pain) are the setting events that impact that behavior getting in motion.
Each and every time a behavior is practiced, it runs the great risk of getting reinforced. The reinforcement is either getting closer to or more of something the dog wants, or distance or removal of something the dog (or any other animal) finds aversive.
From the dog’s perspective, if tight muscles, hard stare, leaning away, don’t work to get the unwanted ‘thing’ farther away, then the dog will need to escalate to get distance. Maybe a low growl will work. Maybe it won’t. Then maybe a snarl will work. But maybe it won’t. So then the dog may try to lunge. If that still doesn’t work then maybe that dog will bite. And THAT just may work for that dog.
That dog is going to be more likely to just go for the bite next time since clearly all the other less dramatic attempts to get distance do not work.
This is why it is SO very important to have as an early step in any behavior modification plan – management (or prevention). If we are going to have any shot at success in changing behavior (and the underlying emotions that are at the root), we’ve got to stop that animal from rehearsing those feelings and behaviors.
Part of your role here is to learn how to understand dog communication. Being able to recognize those early signs of stress in your dog will allow you to take steps early in that ladder of emotional escalation to help your dog feel safe. Among what you can do are moving your dog farther away, getting your dog out of that environment or you moving away.
How can you manage to prevent your dog from experiencing those feelings? It will depend on your dog.
Below are just a few examples:
If your dog reacts to other dogs he sees when you walk on the street, avoid walking on the street and opt for other types of exercise and other places to enjoy outdoor time together. (See my post on walking a reactive dog)
If your dog reacts to young children running around and you are going to be having a party for your child, consider having your dog outside the home or at least in another area of the house with white noise and something else to do.
If your dog is at risk of lunging at or biting your vet, you may want to talk to your vet in advance about possible situational medication that can help and practice Fear Free training in cooperative care to minimize anxiety and stress at your veterinary visit.
Management to prevent practice is just one step in modifying your dog’s aggressive behaviors
But it is a very important step and one that should not be overlooked. Remember, you can not change behaviors and emotions that are being regularly practiced.
I also want to note, this strategy of preventing practice of any undesirable behaviors goes for ANY behavior you want to change. If your dog practices pulling on a leash, choosing to do anything but coming to you when called, or barking at you for attention…those actions are happening because they are effective for your dog.
Management is important for changing these behaviors too while you work helping your dog to get his needs met using more acceptable behaviors.
