Session 1

Triggers and Influences for Canine Aggression

• What the evolutionary purpose of aggression is and how this affects its use
• What the physiological and behavioural differences between predatory and emotional aggression are
• Which physiological and developmental factors influence an individual dog’s future use of aggression
• How current environmental influences affect aggression and how these work individually and in combination
• The current thinking about dominance and dominance hierarchies in dogs

Session 2

Preventing Aggression through Socialisation and Communication

• The importance of good early socialisation and habituation, and ongoing social development for preventing fear and so defensive aggression
• How training simple commands can prevent conflict and frustration in both dog and owner
• The role of inappropriate punishment in the development of aggressive behaviour and techniques for dissuading owners from resorting to it
• How to read signals that a dog is fearful or feeling defensive, to prevent this escalating to threat or aggression
• Awareness of how human body language can inadvertently mimic dog threat behaviour to trigger defensive behaviour

Session 3

Handling, Managing and Referring the Aggressive Dog

• Methods for preventing defensive aggression in practice
• Modifications to the environment
• Changes in approach and handling
• Teaching dogs to feel more relaxed when visiting the surgery
• How to teach dogs to accept interventions and to wear a muzzle without causing distress
• The key legal implications of owning an aggressive dog including updates on the Dangerous Dogs Act and civil liabilities
• How to assess the level of risk and identify key risks that need to be managed
• First aid advice that can be given in practice to prevent deterioration and manage risk
• How to identify an appropriately qualified and accredited canine behaviour specialist for ongoing advice on management or elimination of aggressive behaviour