EPISODE 02

Intro:

My friend Kara’s dog, Sona, was attacked by a familiar dog, forcing Kara and her partner to intervene. She later sought my advice on handling the aftermath, which inspired this session. We’ll cover preventing dog fights, managing them, and aiding recovery for both dogs and owners.

In this episode of The Trainer's Corner we explore the causes of dog fights, aggression, and recovery strategies. We discuss environmental factors, breed-specific challenges, and the emotional needs shaping behavior. You'll learn bite prevention, effective intervention, and socialization techniques to help dogs recover and build resilience.

If you want to understand why fights happen, how to prevent them, and how to support your dog after an incident, this session is for you!

Summary

(0:00 - 27:00)

• Casual introduction & dog ownership habits: Discussion about always taking dogs on errands and concerns about tying them outside.

• Dog theft concerns: Mention of dog theft incidents, including a story from Milan.

• Kara’s dog fight incident: Kara recounts an unexpected attack on her dog by a friend’s Malinois, detailing the escalation and difficulty breaking up the fight.

• Intervention strategies: Discussing effective ways to separate fighting dogs, including the risks of using hands, slip collars, break sticks, and citronella spray.

• Preventative measures: Importance of setting boundaries and intervening early before play escalates into aggression.

(30:00 - 60:00)

• Dog socialization & communication issues: Discussion on why some dogs struggle with communication, particularly purebreds that lack appeasement signals.

• The impact of domestication: Exploration of how domestication has altered dogs’ social behavior and instincts.

• Hierarchy & dog relationships: Whether dogs function in strict packs or more family-like structures, referencing wolf behavior.

• Managing reactivity & arousal: Using training techniques to reinforce calmness and prevent negative escalation.

• Recognizing early signs of tension: The importance of reading body language to intervene before conflicts arise.

(60:00 - 90:00)

• Post-trauma recovery for dogs: How to help dogs recover from fights or attacks by ensuring positive social experiences.

• Importance of trusted social groups: Why dogs need a small, reliable group of friends instead of extensive dog park exposure.

• Fulfilling genetic instincts: Dogs need appropriate outlets for natural drives like chasing, tugging, or biting to prevent frustration.

• Play as a training tool: Using games like tug and fetch to channel arousal into productive behaviors.

• Emotions vs. obedience: Differentiating between addressing emotional states vs. simply enforcing obedience.

• Final reflections & next topic selection: Wrapping up and deciding on future discussion themes.

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Handling Physical Contact

Roxanne raised a critical question: What should you do if a dog makes contact? Olimpia provided practical techniques, including:

• Safely controlling the attacking dog.

• Prioritizing safety for both humans and other dogs.

• Avoiding actions that could escalate aggression or provoke the dogs further.

Protecting Your Dog

Roxanne and Olimpia discussed strategies for protecting dogs, particularly in the context of aggressive off-leash dogs.

Olimpia recommended several techniques to prevent movement and have better control. She also suggested using a Citronella spray as a last resort. Roxanne shared her own experience.

Dog Breeds' Communication and Behavior

Olimpia and Roxanne discussed the differences in behavior and communication between various dog breeds. Olimpia explained that huskies, being closer to wolves, have a more developed appeasing language.

They also touched on the social development of dogs, with Olimpia suggesting that small and toy breeds like King Charles Cavalier Spaniels never develop beyond the puppy stage.

The conversation ended with Olimpia emphasizing the importance of understanding the communication and social behavior of different dog breeds.

Luna's Struggle with Teenagers

Roxanne and Olimpia discussed the behavior of their dogs, particularly Luna, who is half husky. They agreed that Luna's low rumbling is a form of communication and a way to set boundaries, especially with teenagers. Olimpia suggested giving Luna treats every time a teenager enters the room to help her associate their presence with positive outcomes.

CLIK HERE for Olimpia’s List of Emergency Tips & Tools

Olimpia shared a curated list of essential tips and tools for managing emergency situations effectively:

• Practical strategies to safely intervene.

• Tools to carry for deterring or halting attacks.

A Personal Experience: De-escalating a Cane Corso Encounter

Olimpia shared a personal story of successfully de-escalating a dangerous encounter with a Cane Corso and its pack, who were on the verge of attacking her. Her calm and strategic approach highlighted the importance of staying composed in high-stress situations.

The Canine Limbic System: Emotions Drive Behavior

The discussion explored how the canine limbic system drives emotions, which in turn shape behavior. Olimpia explained:

• Humans can engage and channel this emotional system properly with thoughtful handling.

• Conversely, improper responses can trigger and exacerbate undesirable behavior, leading to escalations.

Real-Life Incidents: Lessons from the Field

Roxanne recounted a recent incident involving her neighbor’s dog, Paisley, who was attacked by another dog. The owner, Kyle, had to intervene quickly, picking Paisley up for protection.

The conversation deepened as Kyle shared his own harrowing experience of being attacked by a husky while walking Paisley.

Practical Strategies for Protection

Olimpia and Kyle discussed effective techniques and tools for safeguarding dogs in aggressive situations:

• Citronella Spray: Olimpia recommended citronella spray as an effective and safe deterrent for aggressive dogs.

• Avoid Air Horns: While air horns can be startling, they may damage the hearing of all dogs involved—including your own.

• Using a Break Stick: A break stick can be a critical tool to control dogs engaged in a fight without causing harm.

RECOGNIZING AND RESPONDING TO CANINE SIGNALS

Olimpia emphasized the importance of understanding appeasement signals, which are a dig attempt to de-escalate tense situations. Key appeasement signals to watch for include:

• Lip licking: A sign of stress or an attempt to diffuse tension.

• Changes in direction: An effort by the dog to avoid confrontation.

MANAGING A DOG ATTACK

Olimpia and Roxanne explored strategies for handling aggressive dogs, focusing on scenarios where a dog might attack another dog or a person.

Olimpia demonstrated her leather leash technique to Roxanne, explaining how it could be used to protect her dog from potential threats. She emphasized the importance of maintaining a safe distance and using a low, sharp tone of voice rather than a screaming frantic tone, to avoid physical confrontations.

Managing Luna's Assertive Dog Behavior

Roxanne and Olimpia discussed strategies for managing dog interactions, particularly when Luna, Roxanne's dog, displays assertive behavior. Olimpia advised Roxanne to recognize Luna's body language and intervene before Luna's behavior escalates, emphasizing the importance of not reinforcing aggressive behavior. Olimpia suggested that Luna's stare could be a warning rather than an intent to engage, and that Roxanne should move away before Luna exhibits assertive behavior.

Protecting Your Dog

Roxanne and Olimpia discussed strategies for protecting dogs, particularly in the context of aggressive off-leash dogs.

Olimpia recommended several techniques to prevent movement and have better control. She also suggested using a Citronella spray as a last resort. Roxanne shared her own experience.

CLIK HERE for Olimpia’s List of Emergency Tips & Tools

Olimpia shared a curated list of essential tips and tools for managing emergency situations effectively:

• Practical strategies to safely intervene.

• Tools to carry for deterring or halting attacks.

Community Concerns: Loose Dogs and Safety

Roxanne and Olimpia addressed an ongoing issue with loose dogs in Roxanne’s neighborhood—specifically two Huskies and a German Shepherd that had repeatedly escaped from a residential home.

The Danger of Pack Behavior

Olimpia expressed concern about the pack dynamics of these dogs, emphasizing that their collective behavior can quickly escalate, posing a serious risk to people, pets, and the community.

Architectural Solutions for Prevention

To address the root of the issue, Olimpia suggested exploring architectural solutions—such as reinforced fencing or gate systems—to prevent the dogs from escaping in the future. She highlighted the importance of responsible containment to ensure safety for everyone involved.

Understanding Pack Behavior: Social Facilitation

Olimpia shared her expertise on pack behavior, explaining the psychological phenomenon of social facilitation:

• The presence of other dogs can amplify individual behaviors, turning curiosity or mild excitement into dangerous aggression.

• Packs often lack the same inhibitions as individual dogs, which makes their behavior more unpredictable.

The Role of Tools in Prevention and Management

Olimpia emphasized the importance of having the right tools and strategies to manage and prevent aggression, particularly in situations involving loose or pack dogs.

CLIK HERE for Olimpia’s List of Emergency Tips & Tools

Olimpia shared a curated list of essential tips and tools for managing emergency situations effectively:

• Practical strategies to safely intervene.

• Tools to carry for deterring or halting attacks.