BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION CENTRAL!
TYPES OF BEHAVIOR CONDITIONS
Although the underlying mechanism may vary (fear, anxiety, compulsion, aggression), behavior problems may manifest as specific conditions. Identifying the root of the problem, addressing triggers, and establishing emotional regulation is key to improvement!
FEARS
FEAR OF STRANGERS
Dogs which display signs of conflict, hesitation, avoidance, self-removal, or flight behavior in the presence of any unknown humans. This is often generalized regardless of age, gender, size, ethnicity, etc.
FEAR OF MEN OR CHILDREN
Dogs who lack socialization during critical developmental periods may find children unpredictable and are more easily intimidated by the larger stature and deeper voice of males. In rare cases, this may also be observed due to traumatic experience.
FEAR OF SOUNDS/NOISES
Encompasses a variety of sound specific fear conditions including: generalized sensitivity to sound (any loud or startling noise), Firework Phobia, Thunderstorm Phobia, and Gun Shyness. There is often a strong genetic and secondary environmental element.
FEAR OF NOVELTY
A dog which shows avoidance or freeze/flight behavior in new situations or environments resulting in a dog which is shut down or in a state of learned helplessness. Often a strong temperament and genetic component resulting in hyper sensitivity and lack of resilience.
TRIGGER SPECIFIC FEAR
Often due to trauma or past experiences but may include sensitivities due to lack of early socialization and exposure. Often defined by hesitation, avoidance, or flight behavior when exposed to a specific trigger or context.
ANXIETIES
SEPARATION ANXIETY
A general term to encompass a variety of separation-related issues. Used to describe a dog who experiences signs of stress/distress when alone or left by the owner.
SEPARATION DISTRESS
A dog who commonly whines, howls, and barks when left alone. May develop more extreme symptoms such as pacing, scratching at doors, destructive chewing, indoor soiling, with rare cases causing self-mutilation.
CONTAINMENT PHOBIA
A dog who shows signs of distress when confined to small spaces such as crates, kennels, bathrooms, secondary rooms, vehicles, etc. Similar to clausrophobia.
HYPER ATTACHMENT
A dog who is unable to cope when a specific dog or human individual is not present. May show signs of depression or apathy, but may also become destructive or eliminate indoors from stress.
GENERALIZED ANXIETY
Briefly describe your degree and any other highlights about your studies you want to share. Be sure to include relevant skills you gained, accomplishments you achieved or milestones you reached during your education.
SITUATIONAL ANXIETY
TRIGGER SPECIFIC ANXIETY
Briefly describe your degree and any other highlights about your studies you want to share. Be sure to include relevant skills you gained, accomplishments you achieved or milestones you reached during your education.
COMPULSIONS
GENETICS & COMPULSIONS
It has been well documented that certain breeds have a genetic predisposition to exhibit compulsive behaviors. Symptoms and manifestation may include: fly snapping, spinning/circling, pacing, tail chasing, shadow chasing, trancing, repetitive sucking/licking surfaces, eating inedible items (PICA)
Common breeds include: Dobermans, German Shepherds, French Bulldogs, English Bull Terriers, Shetland Sheepdog, Border Collie, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, Bernese Mountain dogs ... and more! Any mix breed containing one of more of the above breeds may be impacted too!
STRESS RELATED CCD
Dogs which exhibit compulsions when faced with stress. This may be due to over stimulation, novelty, or when in stressful situations like at the groomers or when boarding. Also common when dogs lack exercise, mental stimulation, and appropriate outlets for breed specific behaviors. Apparent in some dogs previously trained using aversive approaches (Ecollar, prong collar, alpha).
CONFLICT RELATED CCD
Dogs which exhibit compulsive behaviors when faced with conflict. There usually an element of helplessness or anxiety in these cases. Dogs
COMPULSIVE AGGRESSION
See under Aggression.
AGGRESSION
SEPARATION ANXIETY
A general term to encompass a variety of separation-related issues. Used to describe a dog who experiences signs of stress/distress when alone or left by the owner.
SEPARATION DISTRESS
A dog who commonly whines, howls, and barks when left alone. May develop more extreme symptoms such as pacing, scratching at doors, destructive chewing, indoor soiling, with rare cases causing self-mutilation.
CONTAINMENT PHOBIA
A dog who shows signs of distress when confined to small spaces such as crates, kennels, bathrooms, secondary rooms, vehicles, etc. Similar to clausrophobia.
HYPER ATTACHMENT
A dog who is unable to cope when a specific dog or human individual is not present. May show signs of depression or apathy, but may also become destructive or eliminate indoors from stress.
GENERALIZED ANXIETY
Briefly describe your degree and any other highlights about your studies you want to share. Be sure to include relevant skills you gained, accomplishments you achieved or milestones you reached during your education.
SITUATIONAL ANXIETY /
TRIGGER SPECIFIC ANXIETY
Briefly describe your degree and any other highlights about your studies you want to share. Be sure to include relevant skills you gained, accomplishments you achieved or milestones you reached during your education.