TulsaPets Magazine November 2023

26 TulsaPets • November / December 2023 the ways dogs communicate fear, anxi- ety, and intentions leading to aggression. Examples of body posturing are stiff body, piloerection (goosebumps, fur standing up), lip licking, air puffing, whale eye (staring with the whites of the eyes showing), pac- ing, baring teeth, growling, hypervigilance, and hovering over the other dog. Oher Aspects of Aggression Anxiety and fear are often precipitators of aggression. There is a very neurochemical component to anxiety, fear, and stress. Treatment involves understanding the neu- rochemical changes that occur with learning and repeated exposure, and treatment is about becoming more humane. The neu- rochemical shift that drives social maturity would make interdog aggression worse. Challenges between family dogs can in- clude blocking access to a bed or crate; lying on or in front of a couch or chair (blocking access); shoving past the other dog to get out or in a door or car first (doggie doors); stealing the other dog’s food, biscuits, toys, or chews; using halls, doorways, and steps to control the other dog and his access to areas or to escape from them; ritualized displays, including when the challenger approaches the other dog nose to shoulder; staring; bullying or pushy behavior; vocaliz- ing; frank aggression. Basket muzzle training is important in maintaining a safe environment. All dogs should be conditioned to wear a muzzle, and that will require patience and practice. Muzzling is not meant to be a punishment. Look at muzzle training as a predictor of peace in your home. When your dogs are ready to be reintroduced, the muzzles will help to do that safely. It is important to attempt to determine which is the victim dog (the one which exhibits defensive aggression) and the aggressor (the one which is offensively aggressive). Behavior modification can be very helpful even without correct identifi- cation of victims versus aggressors, but it is helpful. You will be much more successful in preventing, anticipating, and fixing the problematic interactions if you understand each dog’s relative role. It is important to remember that to a dog, the best defense is to be offensive. If you have more than two dogs, one dog might take on the role of the mediator dog. The mediator might be watchful of the oth- er dogs and choose to accompany one dog. The mediator might try to separate the two dogs, often blocking the view of the two problem dogs. In addition, female dogs are more likely to become aggressive with each other than male dogs. It is very useful to implement a positive reinforcement and a learn-to-earn system, redirecting your dog with a look-and-focus cue, touch, or other alternative. Go-to-spot or mat training will help your dogs to relax. Aggression between household dogs is managed by recognizing and when possible avoiding triggers and by controlling the behavior of both dogs through training based on positive reinforcement. Anticipat- ing what could happen or likely will happen between your dogs is key to the effectiveness of the behavior treatment plan. The dili- gence and ability of the owners to follow the plan is also imperative. It takes compliance and effort. It is also important for owners to have realistic goals. There is hope, and there are many success stories! Happy tails, Karen Three Oaks Animal Behavior Counseling LLC The Family’s Pet Physician Surgery • Dentistry • Boarding Daycare • Spaying/Neutering Cold Laser Therapy Office Hours : M-F 7:30-6:00 Dr. Sandra Rawlings Dr. Jonathan Stout 2732 E. 15th Street Tulsa, OK 74104 Fax: 712-2760 (918) 712-2750 JACOX ANIMAL HOSPITAL Mention this ad for a FREE tooth brushing or specialty shampoo 918-933-6060 In Scissortail Square • 41st & 129th E Ave