Ever felt stumped by a problem that seemed impossible to solve? Let me take you on a rollercoaster story of love, compassion, and ultimately, a triumph of creative problem-solving - it's a story to inspire any heart. Our adventure centers on Mark, an endearing young boy faced with significant mental challenges, and his family's dog, who unfortunately, grew increasingly hostile towards Mark. As a certified expert in canine behavior, I found myself embroiled in the heart of this complex dilemma that involved more than just dog behavior - it was a situation steeped in unique human dynamics as well.

Against a backdrop of mounting challenges, something extraordinary unfolds - an answer to our seemingly insurmountable problem delivered through the prism of a prayer and a most unexpected source. This episode stands as a testament to the fact that solutions often come from the least expected places. 

Marvel at how, in the end, it all came down to understanding, empathy, and an innovative approach to problem-solving. This is a story that underlines the power of perspective and how sometimes, the simplest solutions might just be the most effective.

About Scott Sheaffer
Scott Sheaffer, CCBC-KA, CDBC, CPDT-KA, is a certified dog behavior consultant who has worked with thousands of dog owners and their aggressive dogs. Scott specializes in the assessment and treatment of fear, anxiety, aggression, and phobias in dogs six months and older.

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Scott Sheaffer's Dog Behavior Articles

Disclaimer
If your dog is aggressive toward humans, consult an experienced, certified canine behavior consultant immediately and ensure your dog cannot harm anyone. This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional guidance. Scott Sheaffer and USA Dog Behavior, LLC, are not liable for outcomes resulting from the advice provided.

Are you scratching your head, wondering why your dog turns into a ball of fury with strangers, while being a cuddly teddy with the family? Prepare yourself for a truth bomb - your furry friend is not protecting you or your family, but it's fear that triggers such aggression. Join me, Scott Sheaffer, in an enlightening discussion that uncovers the mystery behind dogs' aggressive behavior towards people outside your family.

In this episode, we dive into the world of canine fear, the role of negative reinforcement, and the concept of social learning in escalating your dog's aggression.

Contrary to popular beliefs, larger breeds can also fear the most harmless humans, and we'll explore the reasons behind this fear. We also delve into the topic of dogs' friendly behavior with family members and the concept of distance-decreasing behaviors.

We also touch upon whether this fear-driven aggression can be treated. So, tune in to understand your furry friend better and make your dog ownership experience more rewarding.

About Scott Sheaffer
Scott Sheaffer, CCBC-KA, CDBC, CPDT-KA, is a certified dog behavior consultant who has worked with thousands of dog owners and their aggressive dogs. Scott specializes in the assessment and treatment of fear, anxiety, aggression, and phobias in dogs six months and older.

Facebook
Training Videos
Scott Sheaffer's Dog Behavior Articles 

Disclaimer
If your dog is aggressive toward humans, consult an experienced, certified canine behavior consultant immediately and ensure your dog cannot harm anyone. This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional guidance. Scott Sheaffer and USA Dog Behavior, LLC, are not liable for outcomes resulting from the advice provided.

I'm your podcast host, Scott Sheaffer, and in this episode, I'm going to help you better understand the roles of a dog trainer and a certified dog behavior consultant. I'll walk you through how to find the right professional to help you with your dog's aggression or other behavioral issues. We're going to go global, exploring the requirements for dog behavior professionals around the world. I'll be revealing some shocking truths about the virtually unregulated dog training profession worldwide.

You'll get a breakdown of how to identify the qualifications of a dog behavior consultant and why it's vital to follow their advice once you've selected who you are going to work with. I'll be sharing some tips on making the right choice in selecting a professional, including things to avoid, like the use of aversive techniques such as shock and prong collars.

Subscribe to this podcast on any popular podcast player to hear new episodes on dog aggression and other behavior issues with dogs.

About Scott Sheaffer
Scott Sheaffer, CCBC-KA, CDBC, CPDT-KA, is a certified dog behavior consultant who has worked with thousands of dog owners and their aggressive dogs. Scott specializes in the assessment and treatment of fear, anxiety, aggression, and phobias in dogs six months and older.

Facebook
Training Videos
Scott Sheaffer's Dog Behavior Articles

Disclaimer
If your dog is aggressive toward humans, consult an experienced, certified canine behavior consultant immediately and ensure your dog cannot harm anyone. This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional guidance. Scott Sheaffer and USA Dog Behavior, LLC, are not liable for outcomes resulting from the advice provided.

Ever wonder what role your vet might play in your dog's behavioral health? Join us as we navigate this often under-explored terrain with certified dog behavior consultant, Scott Sheaffer. This episode is a valuable resource for every dog owner, as Scott enlightens us about the role your vet could play in managing and treating your dog's behavioral issues. It's not all about medication either - Scott emphasizes the power of teamwork and the implementation of behavior modification exercises.

We dive into the importance of clear communication with your vet, and how physical issues can sometimes manifest as behavioral changes in dogs. Prepare to have your perspective broadened as we explore the possibility of seeking second opinions and how it can aid in your dog's treatment plan.

Walk away with practical advice on tackling a visit to the vet with a fearful or aggressive dog, and how to discuss these issues effectively with your vet. This episode is packed with actionable insights and tips that will help you manage and understand your dog's behavioral issues better.

About Scott Sheaffer
Scott Sheaffer, CCBC-KA, CDBC, CPDT-KA, is a certified dog behavior consultant who has worked with thousands of dog owners and their aggressive dogs. Scott specializes in the assessment and treatment of fear, anxiety, aggression, and phobias in dogs six months and older.

Links:
11 Ways You Can Reduce Your Dog’s Fear, Anxiety and Stress at the
Veterinarian’s Office

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Training Videos
Scott Sheaffer's Dog Behavior Articles

Disclaimer
If your dog is aggressive toward humans, consult an experienced, certified canine behavior consultant immediately and ensure your dog cannot harm anyone. This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional guidance. Scott Sheaffer and USA Dog Behavior, LLC, are not liable for outcomes resulting from the advice provided.

Imagine the heartbreak of bringing home a new dog, only to face relentless aggression and fear instead of love and loyalty. This is the reality Ashley faced with her shelter-adopted dog, Bark Twain. Today, we unravel Ashley's emotional journey from despair to hope, exploring the challenges of owning a fearful dog and the isolation it brought into her life. Listen as we recount the pivotal moment that changed everything for Ashley—discovering an article by host Scott Sheaffer that identified Twain's aggression as fear-based, not malice-driven.

Through Ashley's story, we discuss practical steps like desensitization and counter-conditioning that transformed Twain from a ticking time bomb into a beloved companion. This episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone dealing with similar issues, offering empathy, hope, and actionable advice.

Whether you're struggling with an anxious pet or looking to educate yourself on humane dog training methods, you won't want to miss this heartwarming and informative conversation. Join us to learn how understanding and proper training can turn even the most challenging pet behaviors around.

View this Episode on YouTube:
Ep. 42 Ashley's Story, Turning Her Human-Aggressive Dog Around

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Resources:
Scott Sheaffer's Free & Premium Training Videos
Scott Sheaffer's Dog Behavior Articles
Book an Online or In-Person Session with Scott

About Scott Sheaffer
Scott Sheaffer, CCBC-KA, CDBC, CPDT-KA, is a certified dog behavior consultant who has worked with thousands of dog owners and their aggressive dogs. Scott specializes in the assessment and treatment of fear, anxiety, aggression, and phobias in dogs six months and older. For more information about Scott, see USADogBehavior.com.

Disclaimer
If your dog is aggressive toward humans, consult an experienced, certified canine behavior consultant immediately and ensure your dog cannot harm anyone. This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional guidance. Scott Sheaffer and USA Dog Behavior, LLC, are not liable for outcomes resulting from the advice provided.

Have you ever wondered why your dog can't seem to stop barking? What if I told you that understanding your dog's barking can offer insights into their emotional state? That's right! In a riveting conversation with seasoned dog behaviorist Scott Sheaffer, we unlock the mysteries of canine communication and dig deep into the root causes of nuisance barking. Together, we leave no stone unturned, setting the stage for a long-term solution to your dog’s incessant barking.

From aggression barking to play barking, we unravel the nuances that make each bark unique - its pitch, duration, focus, and even its connection to anxiety. But the conversation doesn't end there. Scott sheds light on whether dogs are aware of the annoyance their barking causes and how their focus impacts their barking. This captivating journey into the canine world is not one to be missed. So, join us as we offer fresh perspectives to help you better understand your beloved pet and their world of barks.

About Scott Sheaffer
Scott Sheaffer, CCBC-KA, CDBC, CPDT-KA, is a certified dog behavior consultant who has worked with thousands of dog owners and their aggressive dogs. Scott specializes in the assessment and treatment of fear, anxiety, aggression, and phobias in dogs six months and older.

Facebook

Training Videos
Scott Sheaffer's Dog Behavior Articles

Disclaimer
If your dog is aggressive toward humans, consult an experienced, certified canine behavior consultant immediately and ensure your dog cannot harm anyone. This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional guidance. Scott Sheaffer and USA Dog Behavior, LLC, are not liable for outcomes resulting from the advice provided.

Ever wonder why so many dogs seem to be a snarling menace? Brace yourselves as we navigate the increasingly complex world of dog aggression with dog behavior specialist, Scott Sheaffer, CBCC-KA, CDBC, CPDT-KA. We delve into the root causes from puppy mills favoring appearance over temperament, to the impact of increased urbanization fostering heightened territorial instincts and the role of overlooked medical issues. Discover the profound implications of this multi-faceted global issue and the social factors fueling its rise.

Join us as we step into the shoes of certified dog behavior consultant, Scott Sheaffer, who has worked with thousands of aggressive dogs. Listen in as Scott lends his valuable insights on understanding and effectively addressing dog aggression. Uncover the importance of early socialization, responsible dog ownership and the crucial role of certified behavior consultants in tackling this issue. This enlightening episode is a must-listen for any dog lover who is interested in the future of dog ownership.

About Scott Sheaffer
Scott Sheaffer, CCBC-KA, CDBC, CPDT-KA, is a certified dog behavior consultant who has worked with thousands of dog owners and their aggressive dogs. Scott specializes in the assessment and treatment of fear, anxiety, aggression, and phobias in dogs six months and older.

Facebook

Training Videos
Scott Sheaffer's Dog Behavior Articles 

Disclaimer
If your dog is aggressive toward humans, consult an experienced, certified canine behavior consultant immediately and ensure your dog cannot harm anyone. This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional guidance. Scott Sheaffer and USA Dog Behavior, LLC, are not liable for outcomes resulting from the advice provided.

Ever wonder why even the most adorable family pet can turn aggressive in certain situations? As a certified dog behavior consultant, I'm here to help you decode this in our episode on keeping kids safe around dogs. We underscore the importance of supervision, not just indoors but outdoors as well, where children may encounter unfamiliar dogs. We discuss some surprising statistics about dog bites in the U.S and expose the massive underreporting of this issue.

In the second part of the discussion, we delve into the fundamental rules for child safety around dogs. We alert parents to overlooked signs of dog aggression like licking lips, ears back and wagging tail - yes, a wagging tail. Hugging dogs, getting face to face with them or disturbing them while they're asleep or resting – we caution against these seemingly harmless actions.

As adults, it's our responsibility to recognize these signs and supervise kids when they're around dogs to ensure their safety. You won't want to miss this eye-opening conversation. Tune in and let's navigate the complex world of dog behavior together to create a safer environment for our children.

About Scott Sheaffer
Scott Sheaffer, CCBC-KA, CDBC, CPDT-KA, is a certified dog behavior consultant who has worked with thousands of dog owners and their aggressive dogs. Scott specializes in the assessment and treatment of fear, anxiety, aggression, and phobias in dogs six months and older.

Links:
Stop the 77 (short video on child safety around dogs)
here)

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Training Videos
Scott Sheaffer's Dog Behavior Articles 

Disclaimer
If your dog is aggressive toward humans, consult an experienced, certified canine behavior consultant immediately and ensure your dog cannot harm anyone. This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional guidance. Scott Sheaffer and USA Dog Behavior, LLC, are not liable for outcomes resulting from the advice provided.

Have you ever wondered what's going on in your aggressive dog's mind? Are they just naturally mean or is there a deeper emotional struggle at play? This episode of Dog Aggression Answers reveals the misunderstood side of your dog's aggressive behavior. We focus not just on the obvious growling, lunging or biting, but we delve into the inner fears and anxieties that fuel these actions. Just like humans, dogs too have emotional lives. And the fear that triggers their aggressive behavior can lead to long-term stress impacting their overall health.

Join us as we uncover the parallels between the emotional lives of dogs and humans, and how fear and stress can affect their behavior and physical health. We also share insights on how to help your dog navigate stressful situations and improve their emotional wellbeing. This isn’t just about stopping the aggression, it's about understanding our dogs better and helping them lead happier, more comfortable lives. Remember, it’s not just about stopping your dog’s aggression, but also improving their emotional wellbeing. The change you want to see in your dog starts with understanding their fears. So tune in, and let’s make a difference in your dog's life.

About Scott Sheaffer
Scott Sheaffer, CCBC-KA, CDBC, CPDT-KA, is a certified dog behavior consultant who has worked with thousands of dog owners and their aggressive dogs. Scott specializes in the assessment and treatment of fear, anxiety, aggression, and phobias in dogs six months and older.

Facebook

Training Videos
Scott Sheaffer's Dog Behavior Articles

Disclaimer
If your dog is aggressive toward humans, consult an experienced, certified canine behavior consultant immediately and ensure your dog cannot harm anyone. This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional guidance. Scott Sheaffer and USA Dog Behavior, LLC, are not liable for outcomes resulting from the advice provided.

Ever wondered why your otherwise friendly canine companion growls, barks or shows aggression toward strangers? Do you attribute it to an innate instinct to protect you? Hold on to your leashes because this episode of the Dog Aggression Answers podcast is about to debunk some of those popular myths. Join me, Scott Sheaffer, as we shatter preconceived notions and dig deeper into the misunderstood behavior of canine aggression. We'll tackle everything from the concept of anthropomorphizing to various forms of aggression, all while trying to understand the world from your dog's perspective.

Are you ready to explore the parallel between resource guarding and a jealous boyfriend? You'll find that, and more, as we discuss fascinating studies, including one involving three dogs reacting to an intruder breaking into their homes.

How does an owner's demeanor influence a dog's level of aggression? We'll dive into that too along with insights on diagnosing canine behavior and how to manage and treat aggression.

Our goal is not to merely survive our living experience with our dogs, but for both owner and dog to thrive. Join us, and let's get to the heart of the matter, one bark/growl at a time.

About Scott Sheaffer
Scott Sheaffer, CCBC-KA, CDBC, CPDT-KA, is a certified dog behavior consultant who has worked with thousands of dog owners and their aggressive dogs. Scott specializes in the assessment and treatment of fear, anxiety, aggression, and phobias in dogs six months and older.

Facebook

Training Videos
Scott Sheaffer's Dog Behavior Articles

Disclaimer
If your dog is aggressive toward humans, consult an experienced, certified canine behavior consultant immediately and ensure your dog cannot harm anyone. This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional guidance. Scott Sheaffer and USA Dog Behavior, LLC, are not liable for outcomes resulting from the advice provided.