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Should You Avoid Dog Parks Before Your Puppy is Fully Vaccinated? | USA Dog Behavior, LLC
When it comes to puppy socialization, the advice can be confusing: should you prioritize behavioral development or protect your puppy from potential health risks? This article explores the pros and cons of taking your puppy to public spaces like dog parks before their vaccinations are complete. We'l
Do Dogs Get the Winter Blues? | USA Dog Behavior, LLC
As the days grow shorter and temperatures drop, many of us feel the weight of the winter season. But have you ever wondered if your dog might feel the same way? While science hasn’t definitively proven that dogs experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) like humans, there’s reason to believe they
The Problem with Shock Collars in Dog Training | USA Dog Behavior, LLC
Have you ever wondered why some dog trainers still cling to shock collars like they’re a magic solution for all behavior issues? I wonder about this all the time. I don’t understand it, because we now know better. Animal behavioral science has progressed significantly in the last 25 years, especial
Decoding Fear in Dogs: How Territory and Triggers Shape Their Behavior | USA Dog Behavior, LLC
Discover how a dog’s territory and fear triggers shape their behavior. Learn why dogs are more reactive to strangers at home, what they find scary, and how to help them feel safe. This guide provides practical tips and insights for dog owners dealing with fear-based behavior issues. Explore more on
Can Your Anxiety Fuel Your Dog's Fear? Uncovering How Our Stress Impacts Our Dogs | USA Dog Behavior, LLC
Wondering if your anxiety impacts your dog? Discover how a dog owner's stress can influence their pet's behavior, especially with anxiety-prone dogs. Learn tips to break the cycle, create a calmer environment, and build confidence for both you and your dog. A must-read for dog owners aiming to impro
Why Punishing Dog Aggression Backfires in the Long-Term | USA Dog Behavior, LLC
Punishing aggressive behavior in dogs may seem to work in the short term, but it often makes the problem worse over time. In this blog, I explain why punishment only suppresses aggression temporarily and how it can lead to more dangerous behaviors. Learn how to address the root cause of your dog's a
Ever Wonder What Dogs Think About All Day? Here’s the Answer | USA Dog Behavior, LLC
Ever wonder what dogs think about all day? Discover how dogs focus on maximizing pleasure and minimizing discomfort, living moment by moment. This blog delves into canine instincts and behaviors, offering insight into the primal drives behind your pet’s actions. Learn how these ancient instincts sha
4 Predictors of Success When Working with Dogs with Behavior Issues | USA Dog Behavior, LLC
After working with thousands of dog clients, I’ve found there are four key dog owner perspectives that can predict the likelihood of success in working with dogs with behavior issues. I see the importance of these four elements of successful treatment in every case I work with. They’re all essential
Why Do Dogs Rarely Bite at Full Strength? | USA Dog Behavior, LLC
Dog bites are bad. Period. However, many people don’t realize when dogs aggressively bite humans, they almost never do so at full power. Why don’t dogs bite with all of their strength? The answer is in the surgical bite skills and the motivation dogs bring to how they bite.
Can You Tell Your Aggressive or Fearful Dog That Someone Is Safe? Unpacking the Truth | USA Dog Behavior, LLC
Learn how fear-based aggression can manifest in unexpected ways, even in seemingly harmless situations. Discover practical tips for managing your dog's anxiety and ensuring safety for both you and your pet. This blog post shares a personal experience and offers guidance on seeking professional help.
My Client With Asperger's: Completely Unable to Read His Dog's Aggression Signals | USA Dog Behavior, LLC
Mark, who has Asperger's, couldn't read his dog Mini's aggressive signals, causing risky situations. This case, shared by Scott Sheaffer, emphasizes the critical role of understanding both human and canine nonverbal cues in dog-owner interactions, especially when conditions like Asperger's are invol
Do Behavior Medications Work for Fearful and Aggressive Dogs? | USA Dog Behavior, LLC
If you're struggling with an anxious or aggressive dog, you might find relief in the latest episode of the Grumpy Dogs podcast. In this episode, I delve into the world of behavior medications, specifically anxiolytics, and their potential to transform your dog's behavior. This episode provides a com
Ep. 40 Why Your Dog is Aggressive to Dogs When On-Leash, but Not Off-Leash | USA Dog Behavior, LLC
Is your dog sweet as pie off-leash, but turns into a barking, lunging maniac the moment you clip on the leash? This is a common issue many dog owners face, known as leash reactivity. This episode of the Grumpy Dogs Podcast aims to uncover the mystery behind this frustrating behavior and offer practi
Ep. 39 Are Dogs Remorseful After Biting People? | USA Dog Behavior, LLC
Can dogs truly feel remorse after they bite someone, or is it just our interpretation of their behavior? Uncover the reality behind canine emotions as I address common myths about dogs and their reactions to biting incidents. I'll dive into the instinctual behaviors of dogs, shedding light on how th
Ep. 38 Dog Socialization, Myths vs. Reality | USA Dog Behavior, LLC
Confused about Dog Socialization? Get Expert Tips! This episode busts myths about socializing fearful or aggressive dogs. Learn how to use distance, treats, and body language to create positive experiences, not fear. Click to listen and gain the tools to transform your dog's behavior!
Ep. 36: Managing Your Dog's Territorial Aggression at the Front Door, Part 2 | USA Dog Behavior, LLC
Navigating the choppy waters of canine territorial aggression just got smoother. Our latest podcast discussion zeroes in on the strategies needed to manage dogs with a keen sense of fear when it comes to visitors coming into their home.
Why Is Your Dog Aggressive at the Door? Territorial Fear, Part 1 | USA Dog Behavior, LLC
Join Scott Sheaffer in discussing territorial aggression in dogs. Learn why some dogs react aggressively to strangers at home and discover effective strategies to manage this behavior. Gain insights and tips to improve your dog's response to visitors, ensuring safety and comfort in your home.
Ep. 34: Beyond the Fence, Using Proximity to Dog Parks as a Tool to Address Dog Agg | USA Dog Behavior, LLC
Explore effective training techniques for reactive dogs in dog parks with Scott Sheaffer's podcast. Learn about desensitization, counter-conditioning, and controlled exposure strategies to improve dog socialization and reduce anxiety. Gain insights into humane training practices.
How to Walk Your Reactive Dog Starting Today: Part 3/12 of Treating Your Dog's Fear and Aggression | USA Dog Behavior, LLC
Join Scott Sheaffer on the Grumpy Dogs podcast as he unveils key strategies for transforming tense walks with reactive dogs. Learn the 'circle' technique, how to observe your dog's body language, reward calmness, and effectively approach or detour around triggers. Discover how to make your strolls p
Part 1/12 of Treating Your Dog's Fear and Aggression: Turn the Leash Walk Into Therapy | USA Dog Behavior, LLC
Dive into the world of dog behavior with 'Grumpy Dogs' podcast. Join Scott as he explores overcoming dog fear and aggression, using daily walks for behavior modification, and humane methods for managing reactivity. Perfect for dog owners, trainers, and veterinary practices seeking practical, science
A Checklist: Can Your Dog's Fear and Aggression Be Fixed? | USA Dog Behavior, LLC
Explore how you might determine a prognosis for your dog's fear and aggression with Scott Sheaffer. Learn about behavior modification, the importance of owner commitment, and practical tips for improving your dog's behavior. Ideal for dog owners seeking humane solutions.
The Truth About Socializing Reactive or Aggressive Dogs at Home Depot | USA Dog Behavior, LLC
In our most recent episode of the podcast, we delve into a commonly debated topic among dog owners and trainers alike: Is socializing your anxious, reactive, or aggressive dog in busy public places like Home Depot a wise decision? Scott shares his expert insights and a recent personal encounter that
When Dogs Roll Over for "Belly Rubs," What Does it Really Mean? | USA Dog Behavior, LLC
Join dog behavior specialist Scott Sheaffer in this enlightening episode of "Dog Aggression Answers," where he unravels the complexities of canine aggression and fear responses. Scott delves into why dogs exhibit contradictory behaviors, such as aggression towards strangers coupled with su
If Your Dog Is Aggressive to People, Never Stop Doing These 2 Things | USA Dog Behavior, LLC
My name is Scott Sheaffer and it's my mission to help you understand your dog’s aggression and what you can do about it. In today's Dog Aggression Answers podcast episode, you'll learn some important basic concepts to make your aggressive (or fearful) dog less stressed around strangers. You can impl
Worldwide Debate on Shock and Prong Collars, Where Are They Banned and Why? | USA Dog Behavior, LLC
Explore the growing global ban on shock and prong collars in dog training in our latest Dog Aggression Answers podcast. Learn why countries are outlawing these tools, and discover humane, effective training methods. Stay ahead in canine welfare and psychology, and join our informed dog owner communi
Dog Bites: Unveiling the Different Types and What They Indicate About a Dog’s Aggression | USA Dog Behavior, LLC
Explore dog aggression and bite analysis with expert Scott Sheaffer in this enlightening Dog Aggression Answers Podcast episode. Learn about the Ian Dunbar Dog Bite Scale, understand bite severity levels, and gain vital knowledge for dog owners, trainers, and veterinary professionals in managing can
Mastering Leash Control, The Best Collars for Aggressive and Reactive Dogs | USA Dog Behavior, LLC
Explore effective collars for aggressive dogs with Scott Sheaffer on this Dog Aggression Answers podcast episode. Learn about leash control, debunk collar myths, and master humane behavior modification techniques. Essential listening for dog owners with aggressive or reactive dogs.
The Story of a Dog That Attacked a Mentally Disabled Child, a Case That Will Give You Hope | USA Dog Behavior, LLC
Dive into a captivating story of a dog and a mentally disabled child in our latest episode of the Dog Aggression Answers podcast. Discover how empathy and understanding can transform lives, and join us in a journey of heartwarming storytelling and insightful perspectives on mental health and animal
Why is My Dog Aggressive to People Outside of My Family? | USA Dog Behavior, LLC
Dogs are often considered our best friends, but some loving and loyal family dogs can exhibit aggressive behavior to people outside of the family (i.e., strangers). Understanding the root cause of this type of dog aggression is the first step in effectively addressing it.
Dog Behaviorists: A Guide to Choosing the Right Professional | USA Dog Behavior, LLC
Dog behaviorists play a crucial role in managing serious behavior issues in dogs. But with so many people claiming to be dog behaviorists, how do you choose the right one? In this podcast episode, Scott Sheaffer, a certified dog behavior consultant, provides a guide to understanding the world of dog
Understanding Dog Barking: A Long-Term Solution to Incessant Barking | USA Dog Behavior, LLC
In this blog article, we explore the root causes of barking and provide effective solutions. Learn how to identify the pitch, duration, and frequency of your dog's bark to better understand their emotional state. We also discuss whether dogs are aware of the annoyance their barking causes and how to
Understanding Your Veterinarian's Role in Managing and Treating Your Dog's Behavioral Issues | USA Dog Behavior, LLC
Learn how your veterinarian can help you manage and treat your dog's behavioral issues effectively. In this podcast episode, we discuss the importance of communication, teamwork, and behavior modification exercises. We also explore the possibility of seeking second opinions and how to tackle a vet v
6 Things Parents Need to Know to Keep Their Kids Safe Around Dogs | USA Dog Behavior, LLC
In our latest podcast episode titled "6 Things Parents Need to Know to Keep Their Kids Safe Around Dogs", we take a deep dive into the often misunderstood world of canine behavior, particularly focusing on the safety of children around dogs.
The Hidden Lives of Aggressive Dogs: Are They Really Happy? | USA Dog Behavior, LLC
Our pets are an integral part of our lives. Their happiness and wellbeing are often tied to our own. But what happens when our canine companions display aggressive behavior? Is it merely bad behavior or is there more to it? This is the topic of my latest episode with the same title on Dog Aggression
Is Your Dog's Aggression Meant To Protect You? | USA Dog Behavior, LLC
If you're a dog owner, you've probably had that moment when your dog starts barking, growling, or showing signs of aggression toward a stranger. It's a situation that can leave you puzzled, wondering why your otherwise friendly canine companion is suddenly acting out. This behavior is often perceive
Managing Dog Aggression to Humans: A Guide for Pet Owners | USA Dog Behavior, LLC
Human aggression in dogs is a serious issue that can’t be taken lightly by dog owners. But where do you go to get help for dog aggression to humans? We’re excited to provide a new resource that is free and available to everyone.
4 Ideas to Keep Your Dog From Barking in the Backyard | USA Dog Behavior, LLC
Barking in the backyard is a common behavior for dogs, and humans don’t always appreciate it on either side of the fence. What many people don’t know is that the act of barking can be a self-rewarding behavior for dogs – they like barking! We need to get it under control, as it typically only gets w