Dog Aggression Specialist

Dog Aggression:
a behavioural science

Angela has a unique approach to resolving dog aggression problems. Using natural learning, the emphasis is taken off 'handler control'. Remember, whilst people may inadvertently reinforce their dogs aggressive behaviour they do not create the problem.

Owners of dogs with aggression problems have enough to contend with without being told it's all their fault. If their dog did not have a problem then neither would they!

This unique approach allows the dog to use its own natural learning ability, enabling it to learn from the consequences of its own actions whilst its owner's relax and enjoy a cup of tea! Specialising in dogs with aggression problems, Angela's behavioural service offers total elimination of the problem behaviour. This is carefully structured through a rehabilitation programme.

Individual assessment of both dog and owner is essential. Once good communication is established, rehabilitation can begin!

Six Steps to Success

Assessment of Dog and Owner
The initial assessment usually takes about two hours. Before any form of training can begin, you need to get to know the person and dog are going to teach. All owners are different and so are their dogs!

Canine Communication
This is one of the first aspects covered. When you understand how dogs communicate with each other, communicating with and understanding them is so much easier. The correct assessment of each individual dog is essential, regardless of their problem. You need to ascertain the dog's learning and coping ability, which is essential, before any successful rehabilitation can begin.

Assessment of the owner's problem
Often you will find the problem that the dog is causing the owner is not a problem to the dog. The dog does not have a problem being aggressive! The dog has a problem, which is why they are aggressive. An example would be of a dog who is aggressive towards other dogs. Let's say the aggressive behaviour is fear based. The dog's problem is a fear of other dogs. The dog has learnt to cope with this by being aggressive.

The owner may not have been aware that their dog is fearful and probably has been for some time. The dog would have had had a problem long before the aggression came out. The owners only contact an aggression specialist when the behaviour becomes a problem to them . This is not criticising owners at all. Each person has their own specialised area. Mine is dog aggression but don't ask me to cook you a meal!

Assessment of the dog's problem
This is fairly straightforward, but can also be not quite what it seems. I have known many dogs who have a problem with life rather than with people or other dogs. Their aggression to other dogs or people is merely the end result of a generally stressed dog having to find some outlet for his feelings. This is very common.

For dog to dog aggression, I have five dogs that are used for assessment of dog with dog aggression. They have different roles and specialise in different 'subjects'. First they teach the dog, not by being aggressive towards them, that swearing is not allowed. Obviously if they do need to tell a dog to curb their language, they do - but with a smile. When the dogs has finished swearing, they teach the dog how to converse politely. Once a dog has learned Canine Etiquette , especially how to apologise, they soon settle down and learn how to communicate in a civilised manner. Thus losing their aggression.

Communication Classes
Still on an individual level, each client is taught specifically designed exercises that will eventually be used in the Communication Class sessions.

These will vary from dog to dog. These not only teach the dog how to cope in difficult situations but also enhances the relationship between the dog and owner. Their integration into one of these groups usually takes places after the first individual session

Integration into Communication Classes
This last step is covered in detail on the Communication Classes page.

***Long Distance Clients***

Angela works with clients from other areas of the country, usually referred to her by other behaviourist, trainers. Local accommodation is available for these clients.

Visits are over two or three days. visit here. For a two day visit, clients would spend about two to three hours on the first day, primarily assessing your dog as a person, their character and how they cope in life generally. The problem is then assesed. On the second day, your dog's progress will be assessed and the initial stages o your dog'srehabilitation programme will be designed. This second session, will last between one and a half to two hours On the third day if on a three day visit, your dog's prgoress will be further assessed further on a one to one basis before integrating them into a Communication Class.

***Video Assesments***

What you will be asked for is a video diary.In effect, is 'A Week in the Life of your dog', not just in the problem situation. e.g. how he is at home with just the family around, with visitors coming, when he is resting and when he is excited. In particular, close up of facial expressions but also needed is his body language as a whole.

You will be asked to fill out a questionnaire. From the video footage and the questionnaire, Angela will be able to assess your dog's character and how he feels generally, not only in the problem situation. Angela will then phone and/or email you to explain exactly why the problem is occurring and devise a programme for you that will resolve it. Up to three hours follow up advice by telephone and/or email is then offered. It is highly unlikely that more time than this will be needed.

This service is successfully being used by the The Dog' Trust and Guide Dogs for the Blind as well as other trainers/behaviourists around the country. It has also worked very well with overseas clients.

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