Introduction
- Unwanted threat and attack that occurs when dog perceives a threat to dog or owner - whether or not the threat is real.
Diagnosis
Clinical signs
- Dog's stature and vocalization → increasingly reactive.
- Silent stare → bark → growl → lip curling → snarl → bite.
Diagnosis
Differential diagnosis
- Territorial aggression
.
- Possessive aggression including possessive of owners' attention .
- Rabies .
Sequelae
Prognosis
- Good - if problem recognized early and addressed.
Expected response to treatment
- Improvement in behavior.
Reasons for treatment failure
Standard
- Wrong diagnosis.
- Poor owner compliance (particularly if owner continues to punish behavior).
Sources
Publications
Other sources of information
- Landsberg G, Hunthausen W & Ackerman L (1997) Handbook of behavior problems of the dog and cat. 139.
- Overall K L (1997) Clinical behavioral medicine for small animals. 109-111, 244-245, 131-134, 136-137.
- Askew H (1996) Treatment of behavior problems in dogs and cats. 98, 164, 169.
- Beaver B (1983) Clinical classification of canine aggression. Applied Animal Ethology 10 , 34-43.
- Borchelt P L & Voith V L (1982) Classification of animal behavior problems. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 12 , 571-586.
Organization(s)
- Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors , PO Box 46, Worcester WR8 9YS, UK. Tel/Fax: +44 (0)1386 751151; Email: apbc@petbcent.demon.co.uk; Website: http://www.apbc.co.uk.
