A frightened dog can bite

Second in a series

Avoid the triggers; set everybody up to succeed

Whether your dog has stomach upset, joint pain, or aggression we need to find out why. Vomiting, limping, or biting have to stop but if we’re in it for the long haul we’d better address the organ system that’s responsible. Aggression starts in the brain but problems elsewhere in the body, sometimes obscure, can be a significant factor. We get the best results when we uncover everything.

Dogs are our best friends but we have our differences; they’re not little people in furry suits. Fear can stab at any time and, just like with us, it may happen for no good reason. If your dog suffers from anxiety she might misinterpret reality. Being approached by a person or any creature, with no path of escape, can trigger a surge of adrenalin. Forget logic; even a big agile dog can feel cornered by an innocent toddler, and bite.

Treat the symptom first. Fear-related aggression requires avoidance of the trigger. Set your dog and her nemesis up for success by eliminating all access, including visual. If she has signs of nervousness or agitation, a safe antianxiety medication can make a big difference. The doctor will need to examine your dog’s joints, skin, ears, abdomen, everything. Have a blood panel submitted to help rule-out internal disorders that could be impacting the kid’s ability to discern a genuine threat from a simple annoyance.

You’ll want to get your arms around this early in the game because repetition through the neural pathways of the brain strengthens and speeds reactions. Your pupster can learn to abandon all of that and look to you for good things. Leave a leash dragging from his harness. At the earliest hint of tension or growling, grab the “drag line” and create distance while completely ignoring. (Ignoring is essential to prevent your dog from believing that his unhealthy behavior earned a response.) When a quick glance shows a calmer posture, your dog will be gifted with a quiet “good Poopsie”. Repeat hundreds of times even if his name isn’t Poopsie.

Is this the fault of the person who’s screwed it up while trying to help? These behaviors are about your pet’s brain, but we all make mistakes. Start fresh. Dogs are good at forgiveness.

Next week: Affection is limitless at your house. Can a dog be jealous of another?

For help with behavior problems, you can sign-up for a Zoom Group Conference on my website, drjeffnichol.com.

Dr. Jeff Nichol is a residency-trained veterinary behaviorist in Albuquerque. He provides consultations by Zoom group and individually/in-person. Sign up for his weekly blog or post questions (drjeffnichol.com) or by US Post to 4000 Montgomery Blvd. NE, Albuq, NM 87109.