Aggression In Dogs - Practical Management, Prevention & Behaviour Modification: Practical Management, Prevention and Behavior Modification

by Brenda Aloff

For anyone who wants to know more about aggression or dog behavior. Does not just discuss aggression. It describes in great detail protocols to use for behavior modification. Starting with prevention, the reader learns about common mistakes owners make to promote aggression in their dog, and how to avoid these mistakes. In the behavior modification section, you will learn about how to build trust with the dog, using positive reinforcement. Shows how to achieve this level of trust with hundreds of exercises to promote appropriate behavior and modify inappropriate behavior. In the practical management section, the reader is prepared for a lifelong regimen of keeping his dog safe.

Genres: Dogs, Nonfiction

855 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 1, 2002

Reviews

[Lucas Brands · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good info, but at times outdated training advice

[Anita · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great pictures, and very peaceable methods, but if you need a quick fix...not so sure this will work for everyone.

[Jessica F · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very useful info, but if you have a dog with aggression issues you'll be much better finding a local behaviorist who can help.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are some good concepts in this book, but it is outdated.

Getting better behavior on a basis of trust in the handler rather than fear of consequences or "dominance" is crucial, and not necessarily a popular one at the time this book was written. The concept of training the dog to orient to the handler in a variety of contexts instead of the environment is a great one. The resource guarding protocol is great, and I really like the idea of using a tight leash as a cue to turn away or back up for leash aggressive dogs.

This book does have the issue that I've come across in one of Brenda Aloff's other books that I've read, which is that she stresses repeatedly that comforting a fearful dog will make them more fearful. This is just bunk. You cannot reward fear. I have the same criticism here as I did with the other book, which is that while Aloff writes that behavior stems from how a dog feels, she disconnects that when it comes to fear. If comforting a dog successfully rewards them--or makes them feel good--that will inherently make them less fearful (a negative, unpleasant emotion). There would be no reason to persist in the fear behavior if the dog is no longer fearful. It's not fun for the dog to behave that way or to feel that way, so if the comforting actually works as the handler intends (which, as someone with a dog with a serious anxiety issue, I know is rarely the case), then you will in fact reduce fear and fearful behavior. The trouble is, we know that dogs in a state of extreme fear are not really capable of learning to the same degree as they would be if they were calm. Once you are at that point, all you can really do is whatever you can to try to get the dog to calm down so that learning can proceed. In an ideal world, you could always keep them under threshold and gradually increase the scary stimulus.

The chapter on restraints should be burned. I am not kidding. It is based entirely on negative reinforcement--on putting dogs into restraint positions (which are very stressful!), and just holding them until they stop struggling. If you have an aggressive dog, this is probably going to make the dog worse and is going to be extremely dangerous. As much as Aloff argues against alpha rolls and dominance theory (as she should), laying a dog on their side and holding them there until they stop struggling is basically the same thing. Even if you're doing it calmly and with a different justification, the experience for the dog is going to be pretty much the same. There are MUCH better ways to teach dogs (especially aggressive or fearful dogs) to accept restraints. Dr. Marty Becker's Fear Free and Dr. Sophia Yin's Low Stress Handling techniques are WAY better, safer resources for training dogs to accept restraints than what is recommended in this book. Some vet clinics with Fear Free or Low Stress Handling certification may be willing to make you a tech appointment so a vet tech certified in Fear Free/Low Stress restraints can teach you how to do these properly and with the least risk to the handler (you or any vet staff handling your dog). I cannot recommend Aloff's protocol for restraints at all, not even a little bit, unless you're trying to get bit by a dog.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly think that Brenda Aloff is my favorite author on dog behavior and training. She gives so much detail. This book is an in depth guide to problems behaviors. It gives you the who-what-where-when-why-and-sometimes-how of canine issues and how to approach them, why certain methods won't work, and why others are better suited. Aloff is also one of the very few authors who talks about how it is just not possible to have everything perfectly done before you run into the situation in the real world. Her matter-of-fact talk, though brief, gave me heart. It is okay to not be perfect. It is okay that you are walking your dog on the street but haven't yet perfected these things. She gives excellent idea for managing in these situations and details about the most important thing: pulling away from the stimuli. Sometimes all you can do is back away.

This is not just a book for dogs with problems. New dog owners with puppies or any rescue can benefit from the protocols in this book.

[Shauna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book, good info. However, in my opinion, purely positive training without correction and parameters is not as direct a route to training. The only negative reinforcement I give as a trainer is a leash or collar correction, but it is super effective and helps the dog to learn boundaries and expectations. No pain. No punishment

I worked as a trainer for an phenomenal dog training company, and never experienced a failed program. I believe that just as removal of priveleges for children can be more effective than time outs, collar corrections without pain or punishment have an effective place in the training world. Shaping is great, but can definitely be a longer road to a similar result.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book helped me so much with my dog. I work with dogs but didn't learn much in school about how to deal with dog aggression AFTER primary socialization. I wouldn't recommend this book to the average dog owner, but if you have a good grasp on classical conditioning/ dog behavior experience, this book will help you immensely. I've used many of the skills I learned in this book daily. It has helped my entitled, dog-aggressive greyhound to not be such a spoiled jerk.

[Frieda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gives an excellent insight into your dog's weird (and aggressive) behavior. We feel we can understand our dog better now, and we are better able to read it's body language.
Armed with this background information, it was a substantial foundation for further, more in-depth training. Working with a local dog trainer on changing our actions and reactions towards our dogs' behavior, we slowly see progress.

[ThDogs · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would have rated this higher a few years ago, but in 2023 there are substantial chunks that are outdated/behind in modern day training. Regardless, it is still a good book with lots of insight to the savvy reader who can spot the outdated aspects and work around those. Would not recommend as a first-approach book to anyone just learning aggression, but for the more experienced trainer looking to understand the history of training and breadth of thought processes behind training approaches.

[Leanne Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

The absolute Bible regarding aggression in dogs, great for canine behaviorists and trainers. Helpful for anyone with a dog with issues. By far the most complete work on aggression and how to remedy it. Cannot live without this book!

[Ginger Gritzo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely a book to refer to if problem behaviors arise.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has great, detailed information and Brenda Aloff explained well. She had diagrams, & drawings of he dogs face so the reader could see what she meant when she spoke about hard stare, or the long line of the lip, or where the tail was held. Very interesting how dogs communicate they have their own language only it is so subtle. This was very informative.

[Jodee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Understanding the difference between different types of aggression in canines is vital for rehabilitation. Brenda, thank you for offering your wisdom and years of living in a pack!

[Ravina Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some people have commented on the formatting and I agree that it can detract a little from the content. but the content is packed with such useful information, that it is still worth reading.