Dealing with Aggression and Assessment of Dogs. Presented by: Tristan Flynn, CPDT-KA

Transcription

1 Dealing with Aggression and Assessment of Dogs Presented by: Tristan Flynn, CPDT-KA

2 About the Presenter Tristan Flynn, CPDT-KA is a certified pet dog trainer and professional member of the association of pet dog trainers. He is the co-owner of Jollytails in Halifax, a facility that features dog daycare, grooming, training and retail sales. Tristan regularly supervises over 60 dogs a day in daycare, performs temperament assessments for both Jollytails and the NS SPCA and has worked with aggressive dogs using a number of modern training methods. He teaches both the C.L.A.S.S program, puppy school and reactive dog classes. Tristan has worked with some of the top trainers in the world including Dr. Ian Dunbar, John Rogerson, Dr. Sophia Yin and Brenda Aloff. Tristan hosts his own dog behavior radio call in show, The K9 Connection, weekly on News 95.7, News 88.9 and News 91.9 which can be heard across the Maritimes.

3 Contents - Behaviorism What is Aggression (Uses, Bite Levels) - Types of Aggression - The Rise of Aggression - Prevention of Aggression - Dealing with Dog-Dog/People Aggression - Leash Re-active Dogs - Basic Commands Things all dogs should know - Testing / Temperament Assessments - What can Shelters / Rescues do? - Questions?

4 Behaviorism 101 CLASSICAL CONDITIONING IS ALWAYS PRESENT WHEN WORKING WITH OPERANT BEHAVIOR

5 Operant Behavior

6 Behavior Thoughts - Emotions are classically driven and immune to Operant conditioning (Punishment cannot remove fear) - Primary reinforcement for animals: Safety, Food, Sex - Secondary reinforcement: Play, Praise, Conditioned items (toys) - Dogs not do not things for: Respect, Alpha s / Status - Reinforcement is what the animal wants in that situation, not what you want to give it. (goes for punishment (GSD vs Sleeve, Dog vs Fence) - Teaching calm behavior is impossible when fight / flight response is triggered.

7 Aggression Rehabilitation Why not punishment? The most common reaction from owners is to jerk on a dogs leash / use corporal punishment when they aggress or react to other dogs. This is not effective treatment because it: Classically conditions the dog to learn that other dogs predict pain Doesn t teach the dog another behavior to perform (left in a vacuum) Punishes the behavior without addressing the emotional state. (Fear cannot be punished, only supressed) Punishment will only work in the presence of the punisher

8 8 Rules for Using Effective Punishment 1. The punishment must be something the animal dislikes and something the animal does not expect. If it is expected, it will not decrease the behavior in the absence of the punisher 2. The punishment must suppress behavior. (This is, in fact, the very definition of something that is a punisher.) If something is being used for punishment, but it does not suppress behavior, it s ineffective and often just plain abuse. 3. The punishment must be of the perfect intensity. Too much and there will be negative fallout. You ll end up hurting your relationship with the animal and losing more than just that behavior. Too little and the punishment will only serve to desensitize the animal and build resistance. 4. The punishment must happen immediately after the behavior it is to be associated with. Otherwise, a clear enough association between the wrong behavior and the punishment will not be made.

9 8 Rules for Using Effective Punishment 5. The punishment must be associated with the behavior, but not with the trainer. Otherwise, the trainer becomes part of the punishment and the animal starts fearing and disliking the trainer. 6. The punishment must happen every time the behavior occurs. If punishment does not happen every time the behavior occurs, the behavior gets put on a variable schedule of reinforcement. Depending on the behavior and how often the punishment actually occurs, the animal could decide that performing the behavior was worth the risk of getting punished. (This is why we MUST understand why the behavior is occurring instead of punishing) 7. There must be an alternative for the animal. 8. Punishment must never be used to the extent that punishment outweighs positive reinforcement* (from the animal s perspective, not yours!) If you can t follow all 8 of these rules, you re probably better off avoiding the use of punishment. *Aversive training for Military dogs in the Netherlands comprises only 1/1000 th of the training.

10 Punishment Fallout What happens if you ignore the 8 rules? Escape Avoidance Behavior (flight / fight response triggered) Increased Aggression Overall Apathy in training (will work only hard enough to avoid punishment) Generalized fear of the training environment (may include all environments) Learn helplessness (nothing I do matters, shock experiments caused dogs to give up even when knowing how to escape) Loss of trust

11

12 Posted outside a Children s Daycare in Halifax. Does it apply to dogs to?

13 What is Aggression General Definition: Hostile or violent behavior or attitudes toward another. General goal is distance decreasing or making subject disappear. - Refers to a wide range of behavior (warnings, bite, attack) - Mostly used for communication among social species. (Ritualized, Dog talk ) - Hard wired into almost all species (fight / flight). - Seemingly on the rise in dogs (Why?)

14 Dr. Ian Dunbar Bite Scale Level 1: Harassment, no skin contact Level 2: Tooth contact on skin, no puncture Level 3: Skin punctures, 1-4 holes from single bite (all punctures shallower than length of canine) Level 4: 1-4 holes, deep black bruising w/ punctures deeper than length of canine (dog bit & clamped down), or slashes in both directions from puncture (dog bit and shook head) Level 5: Multiple bite attack w/ deep punctures, or multiple attack incident Level 6: Killed victim and/or consumed flesh

15 Types of Aggression Territorial Aggression (home guarding) Protective / Maternal (guarding owner, puppies, false pregnancy) Possessive (resource guarding food, objects, resting spots) Fear (fight / flight) Social / Dominance (status conflicts, inter-male / female) Frustration-Elicited (reactive dogs, leash / fence issues) Re-directed (usually frustration related) Pain-Elicited (normally easily resolved / managed) Predatory*(instinct related, not really true aggression, not solvable ) Idiopathic (rage syndromes, unexplained..)

16 Types of Aggression Most likely / popular cause of Aggression? Fear Frustration Stress Aggression is not a reflection of Dominance, Dominance by definition means voluntary submission Is Aggression on the rise? I think the answer is yes.

17 Why is Aggression on the Rise? 1) Poor socialization, isolation of dogs in society, ignoring critical period of socialization (3-13weeks) (Fear) 2) Poor or abusive training methods, lack of proper animal husbandry (Frustration aggression creates aggression) 3) Lack of regulation in animal industry (trainers, tools, owners, breeders, kennels etc). Terrible tools and mis-use. 4) Wrong breed choice for lifestyle working dogs are not always pet dogs 5) Multi dog homes (Behavior modeling) 6) Poor nutrition

18 Poor Socialization Poor socialization, isolation of dogs in society, ignoring critical period of socialization (3-13weeks) (Fear) European Societies have less aggression because dogs are welcome in many places. Pet owners true understanding of socialization is lacking (meeting 100 people, many types of dogs and play-styles, making sure experience is positive) Vaccination fears (young puppies kept home)

19 Poor Training and Lack of Regulations 1) Anyone can be a dog trainer no official body with power has led to lack of respect for proper training information (Vet vs. Trainer) 2) Media advancing poor information (TV trainers, Youtube (show BO video views)) 3) Breeders lacking education (breeding aggression, fostering aggressive environments) 4) No Regulation of training equipment (Shock Collars, Prong Collars, Electric Fencing, Crates). Ban in many countries on these tools. (No crates in England) 5) Poor screening by breeders and rescues (not all!) (breeder test) Breeder Test: In the UK 22 breeders were contacted by someone posing as a buyer. The buyer claimed he had 2 kids bugging him for a dog and lived in an apartment and worked and the dog would be alone for 8 hours per day. He also claimed to know nothing about the breed he was inquiring about. He also asked if could adopt 2 dogs from the same litter to keep each other company.

20 Breeder Test Results 22 Breeders 11 KC registered, 11 not Only 4 breeders refused to sell at all (basset hound, Irish Wolfhound)- both pointed out why breed was unsuitable and one breeder said to not get a dog at all. 8 registered and 7 non registered all agreed to conditions 2 breeders claimed 2 dogs were better than 1 Only 4 breeders refused to sell 2 dogs 7 breeders said they would not take the dogs back Working dogs are not for everyone, Breed research is critical as a buyer breeders need to help with this!

21 Multi Dog Homes When multi dog ownership in an area increases, aggression seems to increase (Rogerson on India) If a 8-12 week old puppy, who has never spent much time with humans but lots of time with other dogs comes to a home with a person and a dog, who do you think they will relate to better? Dog models behavior of other dog, not owner, damages bonding. You can test this Getting 2 nd dog before 1 st is trained! (Doesn t really apply if you re a pet expert instead of just an owner!)

22 Nutrition - Kibble only recently appeared in developing countries, aggression also following - Corn used in dog food because its cheap, can limit serotonin in large amounts. Corn might be the primary food almost all dogs eat (not natural). Shown to reduce Serotonin in the brain and lead to impulse control issues. - Much we don t know about nutritional effects on behavior, brain development. - Not getting the right amount of food / nutrition can lead to resource guarding, frustration, general grumpiness.

23 Prevention of Aggression (Fear) Causes Lack of socialization Traumatic Event Genetic Predisposition Classical Conditioning (owner caused, accidental) Prevention Meet parents if possible, check social-ability Puppies should be in home environment, handled daily Meet 100 people by 12 weeks of age (Dunbar) Be exposed to many sights, sounds, dogs, children. Use Classical Conditioning (Yin Socialization Chart)

24 Prevention of Aggression (Frustration) Causes Lack of positive based training to restraint (leash) Unclear messaging from owner to access (leash greetings, etc) Unsupervised Practice of frustration (electric fence, windows, shelters) Misuse of Positive Punishment Prevention Use positive training to teach leash manners, leave it cues Avoid barriers and practice of reactivity Avoid leash greetings in general On leash / off leash do not mix Proper exercise / diet No mass confinement

25 Prevention of Aggression (Dominance / Status) Definitions and considerations People often cite dominance as a primary cause of aggression not true! Dominance priority access to resources. Status social hierarchy arrangement usually related to breeding. Status displays are intraspecific and usually between same sex, unaltered dogs. While harmful aggression can result, usually is ritualized and normal behavior. Dominance refers to resource allocation, therefore can include people. Submission: Voluntary attempt to defuse aggression

26 Prevention of Aggression (Dominance, Status) A normal looking status display among 2 adolescent (well socialized and familiar) intact males of the same age. Play Bear / Mav

27 Female Status Displays

28 Prevention of Aggression (Status, Dominance) Causes Scarce resources will result in competition behaviors (breeders food type/allocation/large litters) Natural in all social species Prevention Classical conditioning / teaching of sharing Altered males compete less Status displays usually only happen over multiple interactions. Status displays are normal! Dominance (see resource guarding)

29 Prevention of Aggression (Resource Guarding - Dominance) Causes Scarce resources (poor diet, limited resources) History of loss (human thieves ) Generally a natural behavior Prevention Provide plentiful resources, avoid competition Teach sharing, drop it, leave it, off cues Never use force in gaining access

30 Prevention of Aggression (Predatory / Instinctual) Causes Genetic / Breed specific Not true aggression Prevention Healthy outlets for behavior (greyhound lure coursing study) Impulse control Solid training foundation (Premack) Management

31 Aggression Causes and Prevention Final Thoughts Dunbar Video

32 Aggression Rehabilitation

33 Aggression Rehabilitation Prerequisites: Safety first! Use harness, head collar, muzzle if required. All must be conditioned prior to use Proper diet (avoid corn and cheap kibbles) Exercise and enrichment (Toys, kongs, sniffing Not treadmills) Vet checkup (pain, idiopathic, thyroid, drugs) Avoid excessive confinement Impulse control and relaxation exercises Basic Cue Training

34 Conditioning your Equipment Donaldson Video

35 Aggression Rehabilitation Key concepts All efforts must be made to prevent the dog from exhibiting the behavior you are trying to get rid of. This means never pushing the dog to a level at which the problem behavior occurs and thus: All training occurs sub threshold (the level at which the problem behavior occurs) until a different behavior or association is shown. You must only increase the difficulty once a clear change has been demonstrated. If the dog goes over threshold (displays the problem behavior) immediately move back to sub threshold and continue working. Watch for signs of stress as you may need to retreat several steps back to make up for your mistake. Threshold (aggression) Awareness stage and training point. Too far from stimulus

36

37 Aggression Rehabilitation Dog-Dog and Dog-People Method 1 Using Classical Conditioning to pair other dogs / people with rewards, thus changing the dog s emotional state to show that other dogs / people are a predictor of good things instead of fear. This is referred to as Desensitization and Counter Conditioning. Method 2 Using Operant Conditioning to shape different, non-aggressive behaviors while using distance as a reward (treats optional). This is seen in the C.A.T(Constructional Aggressive Treatment) and B.A.T (Behavioral Adjustment Therapy) approaches.

38 Counter Conditioning and Desensitization Counter Conditioning: Changing an existing association by pairing an aversive stimulus with a desirable stimulus. - Most used method of aggression rehab - Generally easy for regular owners to perform - Should also be used as a preventative 1) Prevent aversive stimulus at sub threshold 2) Dog notices presence of aversive stimulus 3) Immediately present desirable stimulus 4) Repeat at decreasing distances / environment 5) Establish CER (conditioned emotional response)

39 Counter Conditioning and Desensitization (Look at That Game or LAT) 1) Have the aggressive dog on leash and introduce another dog at a distance far enough away so he sees the dog, but doesn t go over threshold (fixates too long, barks, lunges etc). 2) Click and reward heavily the moment he sees the other dog. Continue to click and reward each time he looks and sees the dog. 3) Continue at this distance until he dog is performing the behavior of looking at the dog, then looking back for the reward. Now he understands the game and you can reinforce the behavior of choosing to look at the dog, then back at you instead of just clicking when he sees the dog. 4) Decrease distance between the dogs. Only move closer once the dog is showing a clear break away from looking at the dog and to the handler for reward. Reward this behavior with treats, praise and games.

40 Countering Conditioning to Chickens Yin Video

41 Counter Conditioning in Action Less Stress Video

42 Jollytails Reactive Dog Class Why a Reactive Dog class? Difficult problem requires more than one trainer visit. Requires teaching handling skills and techniques. Need regular support from expert but also other owners with same problem! Allows you to attend class with your dog by using specialized barriers and moving at your own pace. Not all leash aggressive dogs are aggressive off leash (sorry owners, you re likely the issue!!)

43 Jollytails Reactive Dog Class Space to work on passing dogs, working with stuffed dogs all under control and individually Will allow auditing spots Max 4 dogs per class

44 Jollytails Reactive Dog Class What will you learn? Relaxation exercises (around other dogs and in general) Timing and mechanics of counter conditioning and trials with stuffed dogs, decoy dogs, fellow reactive dogs Walking exercises, loose leash walking, conditioning on the fly Cue behaviors such as targeting, leave it, find it, lets go Gradual progression to passing other dogs Interaction is NOT the goal.

45 Resource Guarding Correction Milan Video What do you think of this method? Do you know what happened to this dog?

46 Resource Guarding Correction Tristan Video

47 Assessment of Aggression What can Rescues and Shelters do? - Perform detailed temperament testing (SAFER) - Work with Certified trainers (APDT professionals, ask their methods first) - Measure previous history in detail (Dunbar bite levels, document actual behaviors and situations) - Promote educational materials and websites

48 Behavior Assessments Prevent adoption of aggressive dogs (Public safety) Identify at risk dogs (Make educated adoptions and recommendations) Set up rehabilitation (Separation anxiety, Food/Resource guarding, Jumpy/mouthy) May or may not be a reflection of temperment but a snapshot in time of behavior. *Battersea dog rescue (UK) makes owners perform testing!

49 ASPCA SAFER - 10 minute assessment designed to predict future probability of aggression in dogs 6 months or older - Very detailed website and simple design with videos - Easy to follow assessment sheet with summary - 7 assessment items: 1. Look 2. Sensitivity 3. Tag 4. Squeeze 5. Food Behavior 6. Toy Behavior 7. Dog-Dog Aggression (not perfect, but a great start for those without access to a trainer)

50 SAFER Dog-Dog Test SAFER Video Leash Greeting Video

51 What can Shelters / Rescues do? 1) Prevent behavior (barriers, walking) 2) Use proper tools (no collars for pulling) 3) Practice Look at that, counter conditioning always 4) Shelter Training programs (CLASS) 5) Educate Educate Educate (provide resources!) 6) Attempt more complex methods if comfortable be honest with adopters!

52 Basic Commands Every dog should know how to: Leave it / dis-engage / target Walk on a loose leash Deference Sitting to say please Cat Test, Food Bowl Test, Dog Test DEMOS

53 Questions?

54 Books: Resources & References Mine! A practical guide to resource guarding, Jean Donaldson Aggression in Dogs Brenda Aloff Control Unleashed Lesley Mcdevitt Dogvinci Code John Rogerson DVD s: (Available at dogwise.com or tawzerdogvideos.com) Websites: (Ian Dunbars excellent dog resource site) (BAT Homepage) (information on the SAFER test) (an excellent overall behavior resource) (Yin Socialization chart and Ian Dunbar Book available for free) (Relaxation protocol) Dryton Michaels Channel - Canine Life and Social Skills rescue program