Aggressive behaviour

There are no aggressive dogs, but dogs that can exhibit aggressive behaviours in certain contexts and learning.

Having a dog that presents this type of behaviour can be emotionally draining and the guardian does not have to deal with this situation alone!

My job is precisely to help you understand and develop a relationship with your dog so that you can better enjoy the moments together!

REACTIVE-IMPULSIVE AGGRESSION

Commonly called reactivity or leash reactivity.

It is an uncontrolled and inappropriate aggressive behaviour elicited by lack of emotional control.

INSTRUMENTAL AGGRESSION

Controlled aggressive behaviour, with a purpose/objective.

INTERSPECIFIC AGGRESSION

Aggressive behaviour directed at other species.

For example, aimed at humans.

INTRASPECIFIC AGGRESSION

Aggressive behaviour directed at members of the same species, dogs.

AGGRESSION RELATED TO RESOURCE GUARDING

Related to aggressive behaviours in the presence of something valuable to the dog, such as objects, people and places.

PROBLEMS WITH BEING home alone

There may be more than one cause for your dog to have behavioural problems when home alone.

Separation anxiety is a serious problem that should not be underestimated.

Behavioural and veterinary professional help should work together in the vast majority of cases.

LACK OF LEARNING

Not knowing how to deal with being alone at home.

Common cause in puppies and young adults.

UNDER-STIMULATION

Lack of physical and mental stimulation is the most common cause for dogs that exhibit destructive behaviours.

FEAR AND ANXIETY

Dogs that really suffer from separation anxiety may have different symptoms of anxiousness, such as howling, defecating or urinating.

FEAR | PHOBIAS | STRESS | ANXIETY

General restlessness, repetitive or compulsive behaviours, decontextualized panthing, whining, excessive barking, shaking, excessive drooling, avoiding social interactions, hiding or aggressive behaviours are some examples of behaviours often associated with stress and anxiety.

If you notice that your dog is more anxious or afraid of an object or situation than usual, I can help minimize and improve the daily life of your four-legged friend!

WE OFTEN USE THE TERMS "FEAR" AND "ANXIETY" INTERCHANGEABLY... BUT THEY DON'T MEAN THE SAME THING.

FEAR

It is related to specific escape or 'freezing' behaviours.

ANXIETY

Anticipation of the unknown (or future threats) from the dog's perspective.

Separation anxiety, generalized, environmental or social anxiety are some examples.

PHOBIA

Excessive and persistent fear of a specific stimulus.

Phobia to sounds (e.g. thunderstorm or fireworks), to unknown people and situational are some examples.

STRESS

Stress is an altered state of homeostasis that can be caused by physical or emotional factors that trigger behavioural, endocrine and immunological psychological effects (and responses) to deal with it.

These answers vary between individuals, depending on their experience, breed, age, among other factors.

Acute or chronic stress has an impact on both the behaviour and health of your dog in the long term.

INDIVIDUAL FOLLOW-UP

Online or at home follow-up - Oeiras, Cascais and the outskirts of Sintra.

Sessions in Portuguese and English.

Each dog is individual and has its own personality, for this reason each behavioural modification and education plan is personalized and adapted to the individual needs of each dog and family.

INITIAL ASSESSMENT

In the initial assessment session (both in behavioural therapies and initial and basic social education) will be addressed the history, learning and behaviour(s) in question, all family and environmental interaction, what are the objectives of the guardian, recommendations on daily management, in addition to fundamental exercises to teach.

FOLLOW-UP SESSIONS

In the follow-up sessions, we will talk about the evolution of the behaviour in question and new exercises to be applied and/or taught.

In addition to the necessary demonstrations, I will guide the guardian through the exercises and provide the necessary knowledge to act with confidence when alone in everyday life.

The follow-up session is usually scheduled about 2 to 3 weeks after the initial assessment session (according to the dog's needs), to give the guardian and his dog time to adapt to the recommendations and new education/modification behavioural plan before we proceed with it.

Individual follow-up sessions can be scheduled (usually necessary) after scheduling the initial package to support and continue the behavioural modification plan.

ONLINE FOLLOW-UP

Online follow-up can be very effective, not always group classes or receiving a "strange" at home is the best option for certain dogs.

This type of follow-up and learning gives the guardian and his dog time and space to learn and evolve in their own time.

There are other methods to evaluate and modify your dog's behaviour without being in person and successfully!

VETERINARY ASSESSMENT

Many health conditions (pain, hormonal or analytical disorders, among others) can contribute to behavioural problems or unwanted behaviours.

These conditions need to be evaluated by the Assistant Veterinarian before starting the behavioural modification sessions.

The contact between the Trainer and Veterinarian is crucial for the evolution of the behaviour in question.