Keen K9® The Heart & Science of Positive Dog Training – Where every keen dog can learn to be a Keen K9®

So often we hear about a dog who bites an innocent bystander. Somehow the conversation leads to blame. Not about the dog, rather the dog’s owner. 

While there may be validity to this claim, avoiding such episodes is key.

Is it aggression or reaction?

Depending on the circumstances, the answer varies. Both emotional reactions  involve growling, barking, snapping, lunging and/or biting. The most common cause of aggression or reactive stance is fear, but there can be contributing factors. For this reason, it is important a dog who displays either reaction be evaluated.

Causes of Reactive “Aggression”

Reactive stance is often due to pain or other medical issues, while aggression often is due to missed socialization milestones. It is important to understand that it is often not the fault of the dog’s caregivers. In fact, aggression/reactive can be seen in a highly socialized dog who have underlying medical issues. It can also not ass common, however it does occur in highly socialized dogs who have had a negative experience while away, for example, at at veterinary office or day care.

Physiological Factors

Hypothyroidism can also be a contributing factor for aggression. Symptoms include hair loss, weight gain and lethargy. Similarly, seizure activity may lead to aggression. Epilepsy does not necessarily cause convulsions. Your dog may instead appear absent or have rapid mood changes. Additionally, the brain can be damaged by inadequate thyroid function, hydrocephalus (too much fluid in the brain), tumors, and/or trauma. Aggression in dogs is complex. A consultation with a veterinary behaviorist is necessary to diagnose or rule out these conditions. Your veterinary behaviorist will offer sound advice based on the findings of a complete exam, blood count and thyroid function.

The Genetic Code

Dogs bred for protection may develop aggression if not thoroughly socialized. For example, although a Cane Corso may have an intimidating posture, they generally have a gentle and docile temperament. Bred as sheep herders and guard dogs, the modern-day Cane Corso is often wary of unfamiliar people and dogs. For this reason a good dose of early positive socialization is essential.
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A Happy New Year for Keen dogs!

While many celebrate the coming of  the New Year, some keen dogs and other pets rather have a quiet evening at home.

Unaware and often unprepared for the dangers associated with fear of loud sounds, many revelers spend the days following the festivities in search of their lost dog. Because fireworks and loud sounds ignite more than an array of beautiful colors in the sky, runaway dogs are not uncommon during the holidays. This is primarily due to the fact that fearful dogs often react with a flight response.

Prevention is key:

1. Dogs are happiest in a safe home environment. So think twice before taking your dog to New Year’s Celebrations, especially if there will be fireworks. 
2. If the party is at your home, set up a “safe zone” to separats your dogs from food and alcohol.
3. Keep your dog and pet’s name tag current even if microchipped.
4. If your dog escapes from your home, call their name and follow carefully. Whatever you do, DO NOT chase because a fearful dog will often run further away rather than toward you. Put down high value food along a path to guide your dog back home. 
5. Prevention is the key when it comes to ringing in a safe and happy new year.

1. Follow verbal cues: sit, down and stay.

2. Walk on a loose leash.

3. Come when called from a distance.

4. Allow eyes, ears, torso and paws to be touched, as expected during veterinary exam or grooming

5. Able to comfortably walk through a crowded area.

6. Always friendly and well-mannered in the presence of other dogs.

7. Remain calm in the event of a sudden loud sound.

8. Allow a stranger to approach while you carry on a natural conversation.

9. Remain comfortable meeting a stranger when you are present.

10. Readily adapt to caregiver during your absence without signs of anxiety such as barking, lunging, or pacing.  

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