Dogs Behaving Badly

Training days on canine aggression for owners and dog trainers.

Many dogs lack social skills and some can be downright anti-social towards each other as well as people. Those dogs might have had bad experiences which have influenced how they behave, but its rarely that simple. The dog's genes, early rearing and what he has learned all kick in to influence his behaviour.

Dogs, like people, are social animals. Like us, they have developed a wide range of signals which make it clear when they are upset, angry or fearful. If they put in the position where they can't cope, or are 'attacked' (by aggressive trainers, owners or dogs!) they will tell you through those signals. They can range from a very subtle turning or moving away, to more obviously aggressive behaviours like growling and snarling. If those signals are ignored, or punished, they can lead to a bite.

The Dogs Behaving Badly days are aimed at helping owners and dog trainers gain some insight into how and why a dog becomes aggressive. And with that insight, be better able to predict, pre-empt and prevent aggression from occurring. Once a dog has bitten, the prognosis can be poor, and the Dogs Behaving Badly days also address the difficult issues about the future for the dog that has bitten including some techniques for their rehabilitation. Whereever possible work with dogs, with genuine problems, will be incorporated into the day.

The Dogs Behaving Badly programme is to be developed into a more comprehensive series of workshops on aggression issues.

For current Dogs Behaving Badly day courses check here.