animal behavior canine aggression. don’t label the dog! identify the ______________…correctly...
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ANIMAL BEHAVIOR
Canine Aggression
Don’t Label the Dog!
Identify the ______________…correctlyWork with the animal, don’t ___________them.Understand that some animals may need
extra help and more patienceUnderstand that in some cases, there is
_______________________________ for aggressive behavior.
What is Aggression?
Defined: ________________________________________________________________________ ________________ Aggression: Attempt to gain resource
at expense of another. Food, bed, toy, etc…
________________ Aggression: Directed toward perceived threat. (Dog feels like a victim.) Fear, territorial, pain, etc…
Not all aggressions are clearly one or the other Some may start as offensive and end as defensive
aggressions.
Most Common Aggressions LVTs will Encounter
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Use the Dog’s Body Language
Good indicator of dogs ________________Can interact more safely with patientProvide education to owners in order to keep
them and pet safeNot ALWAYS ________________
Each dog has their own quirks
Fear Aggression
________________ human directed aggressionBody language of a fearful dog:
Avoid eye-contact and be Whale-eyed Lower ears/tail Submissive “C” OTHERS?
Fear Aggression can lead to dangerous situation May injure self trying to ________________ May become ________________ if no escape allowed
Fear Aggression
Physiological signs ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________
Causes of Fear Aggression
Fear of other ________________Fear of unknown ________________Fear of strange noisesUnknown ________________Unknown ________________
Dealing with Fear in the Hospital
____________ to bring dog in If dog is fearful, have owner stay put with pet in car
They can call and let receptionist know they are in the car waiting.
________, ________, ________ If dog is comfortable in exam room, stay in exam room If dog is better behaved away from owners, go to “the
back” (treatment area)________________
When introducing yourself, what approach should you take?
Pain Induced Aggression
Similar to _______ aggressionCause is _______to identifyMay cause “___________” behaviors if repeated________________ is key in clinic
Pain Aggression
Dog is reacting to a stimulus that is unpleasant Examples:
Pain Aggression
________________ behaviors Dog who gets nails trimmed and is repeatedly
“quicked” will often be reluctant to have feet touched. Dog with chronic ear infections may become reactive
when head is touched Horses who are repeatedly or incorrectly “ear-
twitched” often become head-shy or difficult to halter.
Dealing with Pain Aggression
___________________: Sometimes making a noise or tapping an animal on the forehead will distract them from the unpleasant act.
____________________: If the dog enjoys “belly-rubs”, you may be able to counter-condition the dog to the positive behavior while performing blood-draws, etc…
____________________: When the dog behaves
appropriately, reinforce that behavior. (This is situation-dependant, and NOT always effective.)
Redirected Aggression
Redirected aggression is often a problem during times of high ________________. Another stimulus starts issue and it is eventually
directed at human. May be product of busy waiting room, startling noise,
or dog fight.
Combating Redirected Aggression
Minimize ____________ in dogs environmentHave alternate entrances for knowingly
difficult animalsHave alternate entrances for felinesBe on the alert for situations that start off
benign and escalate
Territorial Aggression
Most commonly seen in ________________with owners present
May be seen during ________________May be seen with animals who are kenneled
regularly
Combating Territorial Aggression
Remove pet from exam room if protectingPlace dog in lower kennel if boardingPlace dog in a low-traffic area to reduce
additional stressMinimize additional stresses to animal.
Have all supplies together before restraining Don’t “hem and haw” with them. (Know what you’re
doing and then DO IT!)
Food-Related Aggression
Caused by several factors ________________ ________________ in home Presence of other _______/_________
Food Aggression
Feed animal showing aggression in _________ area. Confine to small room or crate while eating.
Work with animal after meals by using small amounts of food taken from _________. Important that dog doesn’t have to compete with
others Encourage gentle behavior:
Don’t let dog “grab” food from you Ask dog to sit before offering food Hide most of food in hand so dog has to carefully remove.
Play Aggression
Often starts as an error in __________ judgement Play with hands Wrestling Encouraging young dogs to continue behavior that
can lead to aggression.
Usually ________________ to humans or other animals, but has the potential, if behavior escalates.
Idiopathic Aggression
This is aggression with no known _____________ Is often ______________&__________________
Use caution with specific breeds known for unpredictability. “________________” would fall in to this category. ________________ “________________” Doberman Pinschers
Summary
Remember that all animals have potential for aggression
Just because a dog “doesn’t bite”, doesn’t mean it can’t!
The more observant you are, the safer everyone will be.
Always keep your head “in the game”Better to be safe than sorry!