Aggression
Potential Causes for Reactivity (Shyness, Anxiety, Fear, and Terror) in a Dog
By Don Hanson< Updated 22MAY22 > < A short link for this page – https://bit.ly/Causes-Reactivity > Reactivity in a dog is one of the most common reasons I see clients with behavioral concerns about their dog. Frequently, this is triggered by fear. Fear occurs on a continuum from mild shyness or timidity to anxiety, fear, and ultimately … Continued
Read moreShared Blog Post – Behavioral Euthanasia: Making the Hard Decision
By Don Hanson< Updated 05MAY22 > Considering whether or not euthanasia is appropriate for a pet is never easy. However, it can be even more complicated when behavioral considerations are a primary factor in the process. Dr. Christine Calder, a veterinary behaviorist, recently addressed this topic in an article entitled Behavioral Euthanasia: Making the Hard Decision in the … Continued
Read moreHelping Your Dog Thrive – Brambell’s Five Freedoms
By Don Hanson< A version of this article was first published in 2018 as a five-part series in the January, February, March, April and May 2018 issues of Downeast Dog News > < Updated 1FEB20 > < A short link to this page – https://bit.ly/Brambells-1-5 > < Click to download or print a PDF file containing all … Continued
Read moreDo I Need a Dog Trainer or a “Behaviorist”?
By Don Hanson< A version of this article was published in the November 2019 issue of Downeast Dog News> < Updated 09FEB21 > < A short link to this page – https://bit.ly/WWM-Trainer-Behaviorist > Dogs do not come with written instructions, and whether you have an 8-week old puppy, a six-year-old rescue dog, or anything in between having a … Continued
Read moreShared Blog Post – the dodo – Cesar, When You Hit A Dog You Pay The Price
By Don Hanson< a short link to this post – https://bit.ly/dodoDW-Holly > If you found this post because you have a dog that is guarding their food or is doing any type of resource guarding or other form of aggression, I strongly encourage you to seek professional help from a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant ( click to … Continued
Read moreRemedial Socialization – Bring the Junkyard Home
By Don HansonOBJECTIVE: To help a neo-phobic dog habituate to novel objects in their environment. Dog/handler teams are appropriate for this exercise when: The dog is well bonded with and trusting of the handler. The handler is very sure that this exercise will work. If there is any doubt, consult with a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) … Continued
Read moreRemedial Socialization – The Watch the World Game
By Don HansonThe original idea for this protocol was developed by Laura Van Dyne CPDT-KA, The Canine Consultant LLC, Carbondale, CO. OBJECTIVE: To help a neo-phobic dog habituate to novel people in novel environments Dog/handler teams are appropriate for this exercise when: The dog is well bonded with and trusting of the handler. The handler is … Continued
Read moreThings I Wish I Had Known Before I Selected My First Dog – Gus, the Dominance Myth, An Alpha Roll, and a Damaged Relationship
By Don Hanson< Updated 2JAN19 > < A version of this article was published in the September 2018 issue of Downeast Dog News > < A short link to this article on my blog – https://bit.ly/Things-Gus-Dominance > In a recent interview, I was asked a series of questions about how to choose a dog trainer. One of … Continued
Read moreHow Can I Tell When My Dog Is Anxious or Fearful?
By Don HansonAs a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) I work with clients with dogs with a wide variety of anxiety related issues. In some cases, the dog has a minor fear towards a particular type of person, and other times the dog might be terrified. Most people recognize the latter, but many see a dog that … Continued
Read moreDangerous Dogs! – What Shelters, Rescues, Prospective Adopters, and Owners Need to Know
By Don Hanson< Versions these articles were published in the MAY 2017 and JUNE 2017 Issues of Downeast Dog News> <Updated 11JUN17> These articles have been updated since they were published in the Downeast Dog News. I have added material at the end which discusses an incident which occurred in Virginia Beach, VA on June 1st where … Continued
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