Fight!: A Practical Guide to the Treatment of Dog-Dog Aggression

by Jean Donaldson

From the award-winning author of Culture Clash, Mine , and Oh Behave A practical guide to the treatment of dog-dog aggression. This down-to-earth manual will teach you how to use behavior modification to retrain a dog that bullies other dogs or becomes fearful when approached by other dogs. Includes descriptions of common types of aggression, assessing prognosis, remedial socialization, on-leash manners training, proximity sensitivity, play style and skills, resource guarding, and prevention.

Genres: Dogs, Nonfiction, Animals, Science

116 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[Johanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fight! offers owners of dog-aggressive canines a wonderfully positive alternative to traditional punishment and intimidation -based training techniques for correcting their dog’s social woes.

Written by the award-winning author of The Culture Clash, Jean Donaldson breaks down dog-dog aggression into it’s most simplest forms- 1) over-exuberant greeters, 2) proximity sensitivity to other dogs, 3) resource guarding, 4) bullying, 5) play skills deficit, and 6) genetic predisposition. She then takes the reader through each form, discussing the positive training methods that can be used to overcome each, as well as discussing proper training tools and a breakdown of common learning methods used in positive training.

As the owner of a fear-aggressive dog, I’ve read every book, article, pamphlet and beyond that I can get my hands on regarding training techniques that deal with behavior modification. It seems that everyone has their own magic mix of methods that they gather here and there from a common list of books- and near the top of almost every list is Fight!.

I’ll add that almost every book on these lists are now out of print, so it’s taken me a while to find the funds to acquire each title, Fight! being my most recent purchase. With such high hopes and downright nerdy excitement, I couldn’t wait to dig in- but unfortunately, I was pretty disappointed with this book. Let me explain.

Read any of the reviews online and you’ll see people complaining straight off the bat about the painfully formal language that the author uses. I wasn’t worried about that at all, since I fancy myself pretty versed in the usual behaviorist / training lingo (quadrants, CER, Premacking, SD/CC, etc.). Regardless, I wasn’t prepared for this book. While Donaldson brings readers through definitions (somewhat quickly), she presents it in a very wordy and somewhat confusing format that would try almost anyone’s patience. Not a book I would recommend for just the average Joe who recently had the misfortune of adopting a fuzzy version of Hannibal Lecter. (FYI one of my favorite reads that tackles dog training terminology with ease and understandability is The Complete Idiot’s Guide To Positive Dog Training by Pamela Dennison, check it out- you won’t be disappointed!)

I would also argue that this book is not exhaustive in it’s application (real world use), but is instead more geared towards formal training sessions and those who have access to 1) a large number of “bombproof” dogs to use in training your own, as well as a “neutral” controlled fenced area to train in with said dogs. For those with proximity-sensitive dogs, I felt the section of this book dealing with D&C (systematic desensitization and counter-conditioning) was pretty basic- while thorough in explanation of what it lacked in my opinion sufficient ideas or plans of how, or proper real world execution.

With that said, there were a lot of things I did really appreciate in this book, chiefly that the author stresses the importance of basing training techniques on observable behavior and not assumptions of what the animal is thinking. By doing this, we can avoid costly training mistakes that can lead to worsened or even new behavior issues down the road.

Secondly, Donaldson is one of very few people willing to publicly state that certain breeds that have been historically bred for aggression towards other dogs are at least partially genetically predisposed to an aggressive temperament, stressing that these breeds ought to be improved through breeding for better social temperament. As the owner of a fear-aggressive pit mix, I have often been ridiculed for holding this opinion, and hearing it come from a professional is, at least to me, a breath of fresh air!

So, bottom line, I would say this is a great book for those who have a dog with mild aggressive tendencies towards other dogs, such as bullying or overly-excited play that can tip over into aggression, as well as dogs that are prolific resource guarders. The ideas put forth for modifying these issues is fairly straight-forward; but I would only go so far as to say that this is an “okay” starter for the rest of us with dogs who are either leash reactive or else just fully fearful/aggressive. You might want to give it a try anyway, but I highly recommend more user-friendly books like BAT: Behavior Adjustment Training by Grisha Stewart and Click To Calm by Emma Parsons).

Check out this review on my blog: EpicBookQuest.com

[Willow · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not a great book for a laymen. It had some interesting exercises but the language was so formal as to be annoying. This author needs to pull the stick out of her butt, quit caring what everyone thinks of her writing and JUST WRITE.
I am sure she is a superb trainer but not even a passable writer.

[Łukasz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one is targeted at dog trainers, so some prior knowledge or googling might be necessary. The author uses formal language, therefore it reads more like a manual or academic book (which I actually liked, because it makes the book sound more scientific :P). Nonetheless, there is a lot of sound advice for the particular problem, divided by categories - like for example dogs with socialization deficits (called here “Tarzan” dogs), that have trouble in greeting other dogs and are hyperactive. Implementing most of the advice unfortunately requires some resources, for instance “bulletproof” dogs, which could be employed for play with the troubled one. Recommended, however some prior reading would be advisable.

[Sarah ♥ dog crazy ♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you have to deal with dog-dog aggression, this book is a must read.

[Elizabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

So I'm knocking a star off the review because the author mentions the aggressive nature of pit breeds a few different times and makes it sound like they can't/shouldn't be worked with if there are any signs of aggression which obviously irks me to no end. In general though the book was informative and had good suggestions that owners can try as they wait to get to a trainer/specialist-- but I would say this is not a replacement for working with someone.

I just can't get over the fact she seems to have an issue with bully breeds which takes her credibility down quite a few begs for me.

#dontbullymybully

[Rebekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent information and practical applications for aggressive dogs. Although for professional dog trainers, just dig in and get the information you need from the professional. It's a nonfiction manual with appropriate vocabulary and tone for its purpose. Donaldson is a hardcore informational resource with no fluff. And it works.

[Pavlína · Rating 3 out of 5]

Příručka pro trenéry. Ještěže nemám tak závažné problémy. Ok, jde se dál.

[Olivia Wiley · Rating 3 out of 5]

The occasional good tip was shared, but not really helpful unless you have unlimited access to incredibly patient and neutral dogs. It did give me more perspective into my dog’s way of thinking.

[Richard Luk · Rating 3 out of 5]

A manual more appropriate for trainers

I picked up this book with a view to seeking guidance to avoiding a repeat of a recent incident in which our adult dog gave a small dog a scratch wound while playing in a dog park.

The author gives an excellent introduction to various types of proximity sensitivity. I also find her behaviour modification approach reasonable.

In all, the book has given me a much improved understanding of dog-dog aggression. However, as I read on, I found the detailed technical exercises more appropriate for professional trainers than typical dog owner.

[Michelle Formato · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book as part of the curriculum for a dog training apprenticeship program.

This book, just like Donaldson's other book titled Mine, is geared more towards trainers learning how to approach dog-dog aggression, but it can also be utilized by owners as long as they are educated on the jargon and training mechanisms from the dog training world.

The book is clear cut and gives straightforward steps on how to slowly build up the social skills needed in a dog who displays aggressive tendencies. It's a very easy read and worth it if you ever deal with an aggressive dog.

[Krissy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book especially for positive reinforcement enthusiasts as it leans towards non-aversive techniques. It explains the different dog aggressive dog types very well and gives very tactical step-by-step instructions on how to help these dogs overcome these issues. It is a little hard to follow in print especially if you are just reading through at once and not spending time marinating on each step. Definitely a book to own so that you can reference later.

[Jamie Leffler · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like Jean's books, really. She is very qualified. But when I read books about aggressive behaviors in dogs I just nod and wonder how in the world one can cure a dog's aggressive behavior by reading a book when there are so many things to consider and most people are not experts. This is not an easy read for the inexperienced dog owner, indeed my people read this and are confused. I say if you have an aggressive dog, see a pro in person and keep your dogs safe in the meanwhile!

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely more for trainers than dog owners, and I don't agree with the blurb quote at all. In general, good approach and exercises described straightforwardly, altho it focused a lot on issues that my dogs don't have and was less useful for me specifically. However, this is a terribly edited book with weird typos and missing text at times, and it's very short (and 5 numbered pages are completely blank, which is honestly kind of funny).

[Scarlett · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a very good read but definitely not for the average dog enthusiast. It's geared at trainers or people with comprehensive knowledge of dog behavior and behavior modification. The tips are very good but most of them require having a large pool of well socialized dogs to practice with, which is basically impossible for most people, still, I think everyone can get something from it.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative

Very informative and based on R+ methods only. Very good at addressing multiple situations without going into the weeds too much

[Diane Leilani Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

The body of the book has great information and insight. The following training lessons are not my reasons for buying the book.

[Zach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really useful. Well written with easy to understand exercises. We've started doing these with our dogs and already seen some improvements after just a few days. Thank you!

[Rhiannon Ladd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some very helpful tips in this book using non-aversive training methods.

[Diana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't doubt that she really is a pro, but the tone on her books comes across as kinda dry and while you can learn a lot, it feels more like preparing an exam than enjoying a behavioural book

[Veronika Gazárková · Rating 2 out of 5]

Tak nějak nevím, co si o knize myslet. Nepřijde mi, že bych se dozvěděla cokoliv nového. Specifické označení různých druhů psů mi prostě nepřišlo logické. Přijde mi, že každý pes je natolik individuální, že to prostě nemůže někdo takhle rozškatulkovat. Natož aby to takto fungovalo... Chápu to jako pomocný materiál pro "trenéry" psů, ale stejně na tuhle knihu s klidným svědomím zapomenu a budu si vzdělávat jiným směrem...

[Ravina Thompson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am not sure 3 is the right stars to give this book, but I was looking for more from this book, and I was disappointed. I was looking for some useful information that I might apply, but I think it is more valuable for trainers than for the regular person. Still it was an interesting read, and Jean Donaldson knows her stuff. Without having access to other dogs, not sure how much I would be able to do.

[Kerrin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was really glad to have read this book when I started working on my dog's reactivity with a professional dog trainer. It definitely gave me a solid background that is helping us improve more quickly. However, simply reading the book was not enough for us - but it did help me understand what to look for in a professional trainer.

[Felicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Glossed over the good stuff

Book provides some good techniques for desensitization and reconditioning reactive dogs. I was hoping to get better insight as to why dogs fight and more behavioral nuances. The two chapters I was most interested in were the shortest. I had high hopes because this book came highly recommended. Not a bad read, just not what I was looking for.

[ThDogs · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bit outdated at times but still a very good and compregensive laymans style book for owners/trainers working on inter-dog aggression - especially in-home aggression. The book runs through the background, management, exercises, methodologies, risks and warning signs. A good all-rounder for the trainer or owner seeking to troubleshoot their dog-dog aggression training.

[Kyra · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you have Jack Russell terriers, this is a must read. Excellent clear analysis and solutions for reactive dogs, bullies at the dog park and at home, and fear-aggressive dogs. An absolutely indispensable addition to your library if you work with dogs.

[Abigail · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very clear book on how to cop with dog-dog aggression. Clearly set out and easy for a novice dog trainer to understand. I'll be recommending this in the future!