By Heidi Clayton
A sad aspect of my business is providing behavioral consultations for aggressive dogs. In this instance, I will define aggression as a dog that has already bitten or is at risk of biting a person. Two recent consults were heartbreaking. They both involved owners being seriously bitten by their dogs.
When dealing with a dog that has bitten a person, the conversation sadly includes euthanizing the dog. In both of these instances, the owners felt terribly judged by others. They were also constantly inundated with opinions on what to do with their dogs. Both cases involved dogs that they rescued and had dreamed of giving them a loving home. I decided to write about dealing with aggressive dogs and hopefully help others who are in the same situation.
First, I want to impart to everyone who has been bitten by their dog or had their dog bite someone else that they are not alone. There will be no judgment on my part. My rule is that we will deal with facts, not emotions or the opinions of others. The only emotions that matter are the owners and the immediate family who actually live with the dog.
The decision to put an otherwise healthy dog down is gut-wrenching. I do not envy anyone who has to make that call. I remind my clients that the choice is theirs alone. I will support them on whichever path they choose.
The first suggestion I always make is to consider visiting an actual veterinary behaviorist. These vets deal with dog bite cases probably daily. They can help you down this path by presenting the science as to why the dog is the way they are.
Most clients feel a level of guilt. They wonder if there was something they did or missed to provoke the bite. These clients are confused because, in some cases, the dogs are perfectly “normal” until they aren’t.
Usually, when I meet people who are in this situation, a bite has already happened. I normally start the discussion by assessing the risk that the dog presents. Dog owners need to consider reality versus expectations when formulating a treatment plan on how to manage the dog from there.
I get annoyed at hearing anyone say that there are no bad dogs, only bad owners. Yes, of course, bad owners exist. However, bad dogs also exist. Despite all the love and care in the world, they will bite again.
Training and managing a dog that has bit you or a family member for example involves very detailed management. Nearly every interaction you have with the dog is a training opportunity. Management plans vary from dog to dog.
Consider whether it is realistic that you will always remember to lock the dog up when people are over. If you have children, is it realistic to keep the dog locked up during those days when kids are in and out of the house? What if someone surprises you with a visit?
Even if you visit a behaviorist and come up with a management plan, remember at the end of the day the dog is in your home. You will be responsible for sticking to that plan. Deviation from it could, and often does, result in another dog bite. A large consideration is how realistic it is that everyone in the household will stick to the plan for sometimes the duration of the dog’s life.
Next time, we will talk about rehoming and the emotional toll of living with an aggressive dog.
If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at heidi@fouronthefloordogtraining.net.
Heidi Clayton started Four On the Floor Dog Training to provide positive, reward-based dog training in South Jersey. She breeds, trains and shows bull terriers under the SoraBully’s Bull Terriers kennel name. Email questions to heidi@fouronthefloordogtraining.net or learn more at https://fouronthefloordogtraining.net
