Proceedings OF ThE - Australian Institute of Animal Management Inc

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Annual Conference on Animal Management AIAM Proceedings 2012 99 Solving common behaviour problems Behaviour problems are best solved when their cause is understood. Causes may include natural drives or learned behaviours and also the environment the pet lives within. One of the most common unwanted behaviours in dogs is barking (Righetti, 2012a). Barking may be an instinctive behaviour in dogs, to communicate to other individuals – dog or human – but it can be difficult to understand just why some need to bark so often or for such great lengths of time. Barking is also a leaned behaviour, dogs using this behaviour to have an impact on their environment. Barking, in fact, is a symptom and we need to understand its cause. Once it is understood that a dog is bored or anxious or is responding to events in the environment or is seeking their owner’s attention, then strategies can be put in place to reduce the unwanted barking. Solutions to behaviour problems generally include: • yShort-term management strategies to ensure the safety of the animals that the undesirable behaviour impacts and to provide immediate reduction, if possible, of the unwanted behaviour. • yLong-term solutions which address the needs of the animal, provide appropriate outlets for their drives and teach the pet a more desirable behaviour. Short-term management of barking may include the use of anti-barking devices or relocating the dog to a different area of the home to prevent barking at certain times of the day. Long-term solutions may include relieving the dog’s anxiety, providing outlets for their energy or teaching them to be quiet. Other common dog behaviour problems such as aggression (Righetti, 2012b) and anxiety (Righetti, 2012c), over being alone or meeting other dogs for instance, can also be addressed by following a shortterm management strategy and long-term goal implementation. Cat behaviour problems such as anxiety (Righetti 2012d) or toileting issues (Righetti 2012e) can also be addressed this way. References Bradshaw, J. (2011). In Defence of Dogs. Allen Lane. McGreevy, P.D. & Boakes, R.A. (2007). Carrots and Sticks: Principles of Animal Training. Cambridge University Press. McGreevy, P.D. (2009). A Modern Dog’s Life. UNSW Press. Righetti, J. (2012a). Barking Problems Solved. Longueville Books. Righetti, J (2012b). Dog Aggression Problems Solved. Longueville Books. Righetti, J (2012c). Dog Anxiety Problems Solved. Longueville Books. Righetti, J. (2012d). Cat Anxiety Problems Solved. Longueville Books. To be published. Righetti, J. (2012e). Cat Toileting Problems Solved. Longueville Books. To be published. About the author With a passion for pets and extensive knowledge of human–animal relationships, animal behaviourist Dr Joanne Righetti consults with pet owners, councils, commercial companies and not-forprofit organisations. She is a also a regular radio guest, a speaker aboard P&O cruises and also hosts interactive sessions at numerous pet events. Joanne attracts significant following on digital and social media, including a website, blog, twitter and facebook. Her latest venture is a series of pet behaviour books tacking common issues such as barking, anxiety and aggression. More about Dr Jo and her business Pet Problems Solved at www.joannerighetti.com Contact Dr Joanne Righetti Email: drjoanne@petproblemsolved.com.au . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
100 Proceedings 2012 AIAM Annual Conference on Animal Management 19 Animal Management, Local Government and Dog Aggression: The imperative of understanding canine behaviour and the subsequent improvement of animal management operating procedures Dr Joanne Righetti Animal Behaviourist Dog aggression can be a problem for dogs, for dog owners and for those who have to deal with its consequences in society. Understanding the biology of canine aggression and then implementing relevant management, prevention and solutions will reduce the incidences of dog aggression. Canine aggressive behaviour is the expression of the emotional states of anger or fear, occurring due to a combination of genetic, physiological and environmental influences. Some dogs are more likely to be aggressive due to factors such as pain or other medical conditions; due to lack of experience of particular situations or negative experiences: due to the provision (or perception) of limited resources: or due to redirected or attention-seeking situations. For the pet owner and animal behavioural professional, solving aggression problems involves a combination of short-term management solutions and long-term therapies. The reduction of canine aggression in society requires a long term strategic approach combining many stakeholders including dog breeders, pet owners, animal professionals, government bodies, researchers and the general public. Paper Dogs are faithful companion animals. Their willingness to defend us, our property and our resources may endear them to us but can, at times, make life difficult. On occasion dogs may display a growl, a lunge, a bite or even a full-scale dog attack. This behaviour then becomes a problem for owners and for society to deal with. Understanding the biology of canine aggression including its definition, causes and measurement, then implementing relevant management, prevention and solutions will reduce the incidences of dog aggression. Canine Aggression Aggression identified Aggression can be defined as behaviour that has the intention of inflicting physical damage on another individual. When the interests of two or more individuals conflict, the potential for aggressive behaviour exists (Righetti, 2012). Aggression is identified in a variety of ways, both by owners and by animal behaviour specialists. Definitions of aggression types may be based on: • yThe subject (owner-directed aggression, dog-todog aggression, stranger aggression); • yThe situation (territorial aggression, food-related aggression, predatory aggression, maternal aggression, social aggression); • yThe emotions and intentions of the dog (fearrelated aggression, dominance aggression; status-related aggression, pain-related aggression); • yThe underlying cause (medically related aggression, fearful aggression, resource related aggression, redirected aggression). An aggressive canine encounter can frighten or traumatise the victim, injure or even result in death. Aggressive behaviour is, however, a normal part of life for many animals and is a successful evolutionary strategy, as it helps animals defend their resources. It is, however, rarely tolerated in human society. Aggression explained Aggression is an outward expression of a dog’s intense emotions – emotions such as anger or fear. These feelings alert animals to a potentially threatening situation and they may also be felt to lesser extents as dislike, wariness, displeasure, or irritation. The emotions themselves, although they may cause severe internal stress, are rarely dangerous to others. It is when the animal acts on their emotions that danger may result.
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