Aggresive EBT 3 months old

Re: Aggresive EBT 3 months old

Nikki Page — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 19:03:01 GMT

Hi,

Just thought i'd put my view across. Please don't label an animal as aggressive, this is a physical response to an emotion so you need to look at what the dog actually feelsat the time, for example is he scared, nervous, frustrated, angry? Once you have read his emotion, you will better be able to deal with the physical response. Just bcause a dog is in pain it doesn't mean that biting is an acceptable behaviour and once you've discovered the emotion behind it, you can start to teach him a different coping strategy. Message me if you want any more advice.

Nikki DipCABT Behaviourist

Re: Aggresive EBT 3 months old

Sandra Taylor RVN, MBVNA — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:43:32 GMT

Thankyou all, Especially Jenny.

He only changed in behaviour after going to the new owners, which made us all think something there had been the catalyst for the behaviour. He is not only aggressive in the kennel, although this is where he seems to be at his worst. I wondered because he is a little puppy really, and because he has been cage rested, that he was becoming frustrated, and probably noisy......... and I think reprimanded in the wrong way from then owners, but that is just my thoughts.

As I said before he is now back with the breeder,he was always a good patient when he belonged to her.

I have told her that if he gets frustrated being in the cage at home, not to get annoyed with him, as this will only make his behaviour worse, and also to wait until he is calm before giving him attention,also to give him lots of praise for his good behaviour.

In answer to your questions Jenny, he has pain relief, and also is snuggly back in his kennel before he comes round from sedation. I will look at ways to make the sedation as stress free as possible for him next time he comes in. I will hold him, and ask the vet if we can do it in one of the rooms rather than the hustle and bustle of the prep room.

Re: Aggresive EBT 3 months old

Jenny T — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:04:47 GMT

Good for you for taking the time and the effort. Poor chap.

Look at why he is showing this behaviour and what reinforces it. I suggest he acts in this way as he is frightened and associates the vets (or maybe people in general now) with pain. If he genuinely believes everyone will hurt him then it is no surprise that he has adopted this behaviour strategy. The reason why he continues with the behaviour, the reinforcement, is likely to be that people back off when he becomes aggressive. It also probably allows an outlet for the fear and frustration he no doubt feels.

I think you did exactly the right thing when dealing with this dog. He needs some friends he can trust. I find when dealing with these animals that giving them back some control and being very clear regarding what you want them to do can really help. To this end I always use very clear verbal commands when dealing with these dogs. Asking them to come to me, go into their bed (kennel), staying sitting. This gives the dog the choice to do as you ask or not (if not then they have to be encouraged to do so). The dog also then knows what you want and this can help lessen the fear of what you are about to do to it. Man-handling them (eg the dog catcher) will make the problem worse next time.

What type of things can you do to make the whole experience more pleasant for the dog? Is your sedation protocol as stress-free as it can be, is the dog fully asleep before you start with the dressing change, is he back and comfortable in his kennel when he wakes, are his dressings comfortable, does he have adequate pain relief, including at home? Giving him something to look forward to can help. You can be his special friend that gives him lots of attention. Maybe take some really good treats with you to work when he comes in. Sausage is great for this.

Good luck with this. I hope you can bring him round.

Re: Aggresive EBT 3 months old

Charlotte Fitzgerald — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 21:13:08 GMT

Is he aggresive with the owners too or just when he is at the vet practice? If it is only at the vet practice, maybe between dressing change visits the owners could bring him in for a pleasurable experience eg letting him come and see you without having anything done to him and and rewarding him lots for any good behaviour. Perhaps this will get him used to coming in and not always associating the visit with something bad happening.

Re: Aggresive EBT 3 months old

Claire Cameron — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 21:04:33 GMT

Remember seeing a RTA pooch with fractured femur that came in a lovely dog but turned and went home an aggressive, uncontrollable hound

Re: Aggresive EBT 3 months old

Claire Cameron — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 21:03:40 GMT

I'm afraid I have no suggestions....helpful aren't I?

But well done for taking time with the little man