Could deciphering your dog's subtle body twitches and tail wags be the key to addressing their deepest fears and aggression? This 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.

Episode Link(s):
Understanding Dog Body Language

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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
This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. If your dog is displaying aggression toward humans, consult an experienced and knowledgeable canine behavior professional who uses humane, non-aversive methods, and always take precautions to keep others safe.

Scott Sheaffer and USA Dog Behavior, LLC, are not responsible for any outcomes resulting from the use or interpretation of the information shared in this podcast.

We've changed the name of the Dog Aggression Answers podcast to "Grumpy Dogs: Overcoming Your Dog's Fear and Aggression." In addition to changing the name, we've added a YouTube channel if you'd like to watch me on video. See us at https://www.youtube.com/@grumpydogschannel.

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.

Episode Link(s):
Watch video on leash skills needed for leash therapy.

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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
This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. If your dog is displaying aggression toward humans, consult an experienced and knowledgeable canine behavior professional who uses humane, non-aversive methods, and always take precautions to keep others safe.

Scott Sheaffer and USA Dog Behavior, LLC, are not responsible for any outcomes resulting from the use or interpretation of the information shared in this podcast.

Can we ever truly "fix" fear and aggression in dogs, or is striving for improvement the best we can do? Join me, Scott Sheaffer, as we navigate the intricate nature of canine aggression and fear issues, dissecting the factors that impact the probable outcome of behavior modification in your dog. I'll unpack the seven crucial elements that can determine the course of your dog's progress, from the commitment of the owner to the challenges that come with the dog's age and history of fear and aggression.

Links:
Did you know there are 7 major types of dog aggression?
6 Types of Dog Bites

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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
This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. If your dog is displaying aggression toward humans, consult an experienced and knowledgeable canine behavior professional who uses humane, non-aversive methods, and always take precautions to keep others safe.

Scott Sheaffer and USA Dog Behavior, LLC, are not responsible for any outcomes resulting from the use or interpretation of the information shared in this podcast.

As I walked through the aisles of Home Depot recently, I witnessed a dog owner 'correcting' his anxious dog. The realization struck me that so many well-intentioned folks are led astray on how to manage and address their dog's fear and aggression.

This episode peels back the layers of commonly accepted, but misguided, dog training methods that dominate online forums and the advice from many dog trainers.

With each pop of the prong collar, it's clear we need to have an urgent discussion about why these punitive measures do more harm than good - and are even dangerous when done in venues like Home Depot.

Links:
Owners of dog that bit customer's face inside Home Depot identified, dog under quarantine
 
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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
This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. If your dog is displaying aggression toward humans, consult an experienced and knowledgeable canine behavior professional who uses humane, non-aversive methods, and always take precautions to keep others safe.

Scott Sheaffer and USA Dog Behavior, LLC, are not responsible for any outcomes resulting from the use or interpretation of the information shared in this podcast.

When Dogs Roll Over for "Belly Rubs," What Does it Really Mean?

In my latest episode of Dog Aggression Answers, 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. 

This behavior, known as 'submissive rolling' is classified as a 'calming signal' or 'appeasing behavior' and is one of the ways dogs indicate discomfort or fear, akin to a human's gesture of raising hands in surrender. This is a misunderstanding where humans interpret this as a desire for physical contact, which can actually exacerbate the dog's fear.

Further in the podcast, I explore the factors that influence a dog's reaction to strangers, including the size and gender of the person, their movements, and how they engage with the dog. Dogs often find men more intimidating due to their size and their more mechanical types of movements. Interestingly, dogs may react more positively to people who show indifference or less interest in them, as their lack of engagement with the dog can be less threatening.

My advise to dog owners on how to manage interactions between their anxious dogs and strangers: my key recommendations include instructing people not to look at, touch, or talk to the dog and to maintain a distance, especially if the dog shows signs of fear or stress. This approach can significantly improve the dog's comfort and behavior.

Links:
If Your Dog is Aggressive to People, Never Stop Doing These 2 Things

Facebook

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.

Disclaimer
This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. If your dog is displaying aggression toward humans, consult an experienced and knowledgeable canine behavior professional who uses humane, non-aversive methods, and always take precautions to keep others safe.

Scott Sheaffer and USA Dog Behavior, LLC, are not responsible for any outcomes resulting from the use or interpretation of the information shared in this podcast.

Welcome to Dog Aggression Answers, where we show you how to address your dog’s aggression using scientific and humane methods. 

My name is Scott Sheaffer and it's my mission to help you understand your dog’s aggression and what you can do about it. In today's episode, you'll learn some important basic concepts to make your dog less stressed around strangers. You can implement these concepts with your buddy right now.
 
Some dogs seem to go on high alert when a stranger is in sight. On today's episode, I offer valuable insights into the world of canine fear and aggression towards people they don't know. We'll uncover the often-misunderstood signals dogs use to communicate discomfort and the crucial dos and don'ts for humans.

The revelation that most aggressive dogs only trust a handful of humans will change how you perceive their interactions with the world. Prepare to step into a journey toward creating a more peaceful existence for your four-legged companion and the strangers they meet along the way.

Facebook

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.

Disclaimer
This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. If your dog is displaying aggression toward humans, consult an experienced and knowledgeable canine behavior professional who uses humane, non-aversive methods, and always take precautions to keep others safe.

Scott Sheaffer and USA Dog Behavior, LLC, are not responsible for any outcomes resulting from the use or interpretation of the information shared in this podcast.

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. This episode will tell you where they are currently banned worldwide and some of the reasons why.

Ever wonder if the tools you're using to train your dog could be doing more harm than good - especially in the area of behavioral issues like aggression? Prepare to have your views on canine discipline challenged as I, Scott Sheaffer, take you through a thought-provoking journey examining the contentious use of shock and prong collars in dog training.

This episode ventures beyond the surface of traditional methods and digs into the psychological repercussions that such devices may impose on our dogs. You'll gain insights into the global perspective on these tools and discover where they've been outright banned—a testament to the shifting tides in animal welfare and behavior understanding.

The conversation doesn't stop at the theoretical; it inludes actionable advice for handling dog aggression. I address a common dilemma many dog owners face: the dreaded 'brakes on' moment when your dog locks eyes with another canine. You'll learn why the conventional approach might not be effective and uncover alternative strategies to maintain peace without instilling fear or pain.

This is more than just a discussion—it's essential information for any dog owner looking to foster a harmonious relationship with their pet through compassionate, science-based training techniques. So, leash up and prepare to take a walk on the enlightened side of dog training with me as your guide.

Facebook

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.

Disclaimer
This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. If your dog is displaying aggression toward humans, consult an experienced and knowledgeable canine behavior professional who uses humane, non-aversive methods, and always take precautions to keep others safe.

Scott Sheaffer and USA Dog Behavior, LLC, are not responsible for any outcomes resulting from the use or interpretation of the information shared in this podcast.

Ever wonder why some dog bites are more dangerous than others? We've got you covered in this episode. In this intriguing exploration, Scott Sheaffer takes a deep dive into the world of canine aggression and bite analysis. We unravel the layers of the Ian Dunbar dog bite scale, a tool used by behavior professionals to understand the severity of dog bites—from harmless air biting or growling to the most severe types of bites.

This understanding is crucial for anyone dealing with dogs, as it guides us in shaping the right behavior modification approach and fosters effective communication among dog professionals.

We further step into the disturbing realm of increasing canine aggression, moving from the initial levels to the more dangerous levels of bites. Level four, five and six bites normally indicate a pattern of intentionally aggressive behavior - meant to harm the victim instead of just warn. These involve deep punctures, potential lacerations, and signify not just a loss of bite inhibition but a clear intent to harm. At times, these can even lead to behavioral euthanasia.

By the end of our discussion, we leave no stone unturned in making you aware of the seriousness of dog bites, especially those scaling higher levels. So, join us for this insightful episode and transform the way you understand, analyze and manage dog bites.

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Training Videos
Scott Sheaffer's Dog Behavior Articles

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.

Disclaimer
This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. If your dog is displaying aggression toward humans, consult an experienced and knowledgeable canine behavior professional who uses humane, non-aversive methods, and always take precautions to keep others safe.

Scott Sheaffer and USA Dog Behavior, LLC, are not responsible for any outcomes resulting from the use or interpretation of the information shared in this podcast.

Ever wonder why your aggressive dog isn't responding in the way you'd like to traditional shock or prong collars? Maybe it's because they're not the most effective or humane choice. Join us on the Dog Aggression Answers podcast as we set out on a quest to find the ultimate collar that can provide a constructive and humane solution for your dog's aggressive tendencies.

From shock collars to head halters, we dissect the pros, cons, and hidden truths of each - grading them based on their efficacy and kindness to our canine companions. We also cover the indispensable role of proper collar adjustment and leash control in behavior modification. As we tackle this controversial topic, we debunk the myths surrounding quick fixes and guide you toward a realistic approach to managing your dog's aggression or reactivity.

Unveiling our top picks for the best collar, we lay out compelling reasons that make certain types of collars the most effective and humane option for aggressive and reactive dogs. No gimmicks or magic, just a conscientious choice of tools to aid in your pet's behavior treatment process.

So, tune in for insights that could reshape your dog training philosophy and keep your pet's well-being at the forefront. This episode is a must-listen for any dog owner seeking answers to their pet's aggression issues.

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.

Social Media and Other Links:
Understanding Dog Body Language (this is the free video mentioned in the episode on reading dog body language)

Facebook

Training Videos
Scott Sheaffer's Dog Behavior Articles 

Disclaimer
This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. If your dog is displaying aggression toward humans, consult an experienced and knowledgeable canine behavior professional who uses humane, non-aversive methods, and always take precautions to keep others safe.

Scott Sheaffer and USA Dog Behavior, LLC, are not responsible for any outcomes resulting from the use or interpretation of the information shared in this podcast.

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.

Facebook
Training Videos
Scott Sheaffer's Dog Behavior Articles

Disclaimer
This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. If your dog is displaying aggression toward humans, consult an experienced and knowledgeable canine behavior professional who uses humane, non-aversive methods, and always take precautions to keep others safe.

Scott Sheaffer and USA Dog Behavior, LLC, are not responsible for any outcomes resulting from the use or interpretation of the information shared in this podcast.