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Understanding and Working with Aggression in Shelters

Key takeaways

Aggression in dogs is contextual behavior, not a personality trait, and is often motivated by underlying emotions like fear, rage, or frustration
Most aggression in shelter dogs is fear-based, but not all - understanding the specific motivation is crucial for effective intervention
Reducing "fuel" (stress, pain, frustration) should be the first step in addressing aggressive behavior in shelter environments
Distance, intensity, and duration are three key variables that can be controlled when working with dogs showing aggressive behaviors
Classical conditioning (creating positive associations) and differential reinforcement (teaching alternative behaviors) are effective strategies for behavior modification

Michael Shikashio presented on understanding and addressing aggressive behaviors in shelter dogs.

Details
- Michael: Defined aggression as "behavior used to increase distance from or eliminate a provocative or threatening stimulus"
- Michael: Explained that labeling dogs as "aggressive" is unhelpful; instead, focus on specific behaviors and underlying motivations
- Michael: Compared aggression to a fuel can that needs both fuel (stress, frustration) and a match (trigger) to ignite
- Michael: Emphasized observing specific behaviors rather than using labels like "resource guarding" or "kennel aggressive"

Michael discussed Jaak Panksepp's emotional systems and how they relate to aggressive behaviors.

Details
- Michael: Identified fear as the most common emotion behind aggressive displays in shelter dogs
- Michael: Described rage/anger as another motivation, which presents with different body language (forward posture, hard stare)
- Michael: Explained that seeking (predatory behavior) can sometimes be mistaken for aggression
- Michael: Noted that panic/grief can also manifest as aggressive behavior in some cases
- Michael: Demonstrated how to identify emotions through physiological signs, behavioral characteristics, and vocalizations

Michael showed videos and explained techniques for working with fearful dogs.

Details
- Michael: Demonstrated how to recognize fear through body language (tail tucked, ears back, weight shifted away)
- Michael: Explained that fearful barking has a distinctive "woo-woo" sound compared to the staccato barking of rage
- Michael: Showed the "treat and retreat" technique where treats are tossed away from the handler to allow the dog space
- Michael: Emphasized that treating fearful dogs doesn't reinforce aggression but addresses the underlying emotion

Discussion of how barriers in shelter environments can create or exacerbate aggressive displays.

Details
- Michael: Showed videos demonstrating how dogs can be reactive behind barriers but calm when barriers are removed
- Michael: Explained that frustration is a common "cousin" to rage in shelter environments due to barriers preventing dogs from achieving goals
- Michael: Discussed how redirected aggression can occur when dogs can't reach their intended target
- Laurie: Added that plastic bin tops can be useful as visual barriers when moving dogs past kennels

Michael outlined approaches for working with dogs displaying aggressive behaviors.

Details
- Michael: Emphasized addressing "fuel" first (medical issues, enrichment, sleep, environment, security)
- Michael: Demonstrated differential reinforcement - teaching dogs what to do instead of aggressive behaviors
- Michael: Showed videos of classical conditioning techniques to change emotional associations
- Michael: Explained the importance of controlling distance, intensity, and duration when working with reactive dogs
- Michael: Demonstrated the "engage-disengage" technique for helping dogs feel safer around triggers

Discussion of techniques for safely removing dogs from kennels and handling during medical procedures.

Details
- Michael: Recommended using proper equipment (protective gear, slip leads) and creating additional space with X-pens
- Michael: Suggested using visual barriers and waiting for moments of calm before attempting to handle
- Michael: Discussed using lickable treats for distraction during medical procedures
- Laurie: Shared her experience using X-pens and catch poles to safely remove reactive dogs from kennels
- Laurie: Mentioned Dr. Sophia Yen's low-stress handling certification and restraint modules for fearful dogs

Discussion of how to evaluate a dog's ability to recover from stressful situations.

Details
- Michael: Defined resiliency as the ability to cope with stress and return to a baseline state
- Michael: Explained that resiliency assessment requires observing the dog outside the stressful environment
- Michael: Noted that some dogs may show dramatic improvement when moved to a less stressful environment

Limited resources in shelters for providing adequate enrichment and individualized behavior plans
Kennel design often creates visual triggers between dogs, increasing reactivity
Difficulty safely handling dogs that display aggression during kennel removal or medical procedures
Assessing whether aggression is fear-based, frustration-based, or has other motivations
Working with dogs that don't take food rewards due to stress or arousal

Shelter staff
- Consider using visual barriers when moving dogs past other kennels to reduce reactivity
- Assess dogs outside their kennel environment to better understand their baseline behavior and resiliency
- Evaluate whether medical issues might be contributing to aggressive displays
- Consider using lickable treats for duration distraction during medical procedures
- Check out Tabitha Kucera's webinar on restraint techniques on AggressiveDog.com
- Consider Dr. Sophia Yen's low-stress handling certification courses for staff training