The Bitey End of the Dog

When two legends of dog behavior sit down to share their wisdom, you listen. In this special mid-season bonus episode, I'm joined by Dr. Patricia McConnell and Dr. Karen London, two pioneers whose books, research, and teaching have shaped modern dog training for decades.What makes someone successful in the challenging field of professional dog training? As we discover through candid stories and genuine reflection, it's not about perfection but rather creativity, adaptability, and a healthy dose of humor. From Karen's emergency "tissue treat" that became an unexpected jackpot reward to Patricia's memorable response when her demo dog peed on a client's pants: "And you too can have a dog who's as well-trained as mine!"Beyond the laughs, we explore the profound reality of working with aggression cases. Patricia shares her experience with nightmares featuring dogs' teeth that counterintuitively helped desensitize her to fear, while Karen reflects on sitting in on severe cases during her training. Their insights reveal the complex psychological aspects of this work rarely discussed in training circles, and highlight what every dog trainer needs to know. Pre-Order Away to Me:Amazon:https://amzn.to/3HUyIdrBarnes and Noble:https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/away-to-me-patricia-b-mcconnell/1147476852?ean=9781496757111Bookshop:https://bookshop.org/p/books/away-to-me-patricia-b-mcconnell/22714340?ean=9781496757111&next=tAbout Dr. Patricia McConnell:https://www.patriciamcconnell.com/about-patricia/Dr. Karen London's books:https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0045AV5G4?ccs_id=4c59d237-8569-47af-aa48-6a2441fda383Learn more about options for help for dogs with aggression here:AggressiveDog.comLearn more about our annual Aggression in Dogs Conference here:The Aggression in Dogs ConferenceSubscribe to the bonus episodes available here:The Bitey End of the Dog Bonus EpisodesCheck out all of our webinars, courses, and educational content here:Webinars, courses, and more!

What drives some dogs to react aggressively toward strangers while being perfectly lovely with their families? In this enlightening conversation, Lisa Mullinax draws from her two decades of experience working with over 4,500 dogs to unpack the complexities of stranger-directed aggression.Rather than relying on vague labels like "protective" or "territorial," Lisa focuses on observable behaviors and what they tell us about a dog's emotional state. She shares her own powerful story of living with Mac, a dog who severely bit a teenager, which launched her journey into behavior work. This personal experience infuses her approach with both empathy for guardians and a clear-eyed view of the risks involved.About Lisa:https://www.serenitycanine.com/aboutLearn more about options for help for dogs with aggression here:AggressiveDog.comLearn more about our annual Aggression in Dogs Conference here:The Aggression in Dogs ConferenceSubscribe to the bonus episodes available here:The Bitey End of the Dog Bonus EpisodesCheck out all of our webinars, courses, and educational content here:Webinars, courses, and more!

Have you ever noticed how your dog's behavior seems to mirror your own emotional state? It's not a coincidence. The connection between human mental health and canine behavior runs deeper than most of us realize, and Kerrie Hoar is bringing this crucial relationship into focus.Kerrie joins us to share her groundbreaking work at the intersection of dog training and mental health support. Drawing from her experience working with a tri-county consortium of mental health professionals, she reveals how seemingly unrelated behaviors—a child struggling to wait in line at school and a dog pushing to be first for treats—often stem from the same underlying challenges. Through thoughtful observation and collaborative strategies, Kerrie helps clients recognize these patterns and develop skills that benefit both ends of the leash.About Kerrie:https://www.crimsonhound.com/meet-the-trainer-kerrie-hoar/Learn more about options for help for dogs with aggression here:AggressiveDog.comLearn more about our annual Aggression in Dogs Conference here:The Aggression in Dogs ConferenceSubscribe to the bonus episodes available here:The Bitey End of the Dog Bonus EpisodesCheck out all of our webinars, courses, and educational content here:Webinars, courses, and more!

The unpredictable nature of dog bites creates a legal labyrinth that can overwhelm even the most responsible owners and professionals. Attorney and dog trainer Heidi Meinzer pulls back the curtain on what really happens when teeth meet skin, revealing critical insights that could save your dog's life and protect your financial future.From the moment a bite occurs, you're facing a cascade of legal consequences few people truly understand. Animal control's immediate focus on rabies verification is just the beginning. The parallel tracks of dangerous dog proceedings and potential civil liability cases unfold with dramatically different timelines, procedures, and outcomes depending on your jurisdiction. Meinzer expertly guides us through the stark differences between states like Virginia, where a court must deem a dog dangerous, and Maryland, where animal control makes this determination subject to appeal.The financial stakes have never been higher. With average dog bite settlements skyrocketing from $18,000 to over $54,000 in recent years, insurance companies often choose to settle quickly rather than fight—even in questionable cases. For professionals working with dogs, Meinzer outlines three essential protective layers: forming a separate business entity, securing appropriate insurance from providers who understand the industry, and implementing comprehensive contracts that clearly define responsibilities and limitations.About Heidi:https://apdt.com/about/board-and-staff/Learn more about options for help for dogs with aggression here:AggressiveDog.comLearn more about our annual Aggression in Dogs Conference here:The Aggression in Dogs ConferenceSubscribe to the bonus episodes available here:The Bitey End of the Dog Bonus EpisodesCheck out all of our webinars, courses, and educational content here:Webinars, courses, and more!

What if we could drastically reduce the 4.5 million dog bites that happen annually—half of which affect children—through innovative education that teaches kids to "speak dog"? That's exactly what the Be BiteSmart initiative aims to accomplish.Dr. Nicholas Dodman, one of the world's most celebrated veterinary behaviorists, and Vivian Zottola, anthrozoology consultant and behavior specialist, join forces to discuss their groundbreaking approach to preventing dog bites to children. Through the Center for Canine Behavior Studies, they've developed age-appropriate resources that go far beyond traditional "don't pull the dog's tail" warnings, employing animated videos, interactive coloring books, sophisticated apps, and even virtual reality experiences, all designed with input from child development psychologists.Be BiteSmart - Center for Canine Behavior StudiesVivian ZottolaLearn more about options for help for dogs with aggression here:AggressiveDog.comLearn more about our annual Aggression in Dogs Conference here:The Aggression in Dogs ConferenceSubscribe to the bonus episodes available here:The Bitey End of the Dog Bonus EpisodesCheck out all of our webinars, courses, and educational content here:Webinars, courses, and more!

When your beloved dog growls, lunges, or even bites someone, it creates a unique kind of heartbreak. You're caught between protecting the people you care about and understanding the dog you love. In this candid, illuminating conversation, Certified Dog Behavior Consultant Jacqueline Drake shares her expertise on navigating the emotional complexity of dog-to-human aggression cases.Drawing from over thirteen years of experience working with challenging behaviors, Jacqueline offers a refreshingly nuanced perspective that honors both ends of the leash. Rather than focusing solely on quick fixes or broad labels, she delves into the detective work necessary to understand the specific contexts that trigger aggression and the unique factors influencing each case. Her compassionate approach acknowledges that behind every growl lies a story—sometimes of pain, fear, confusion, or past trauma—that needs to be understood before meaningful change can happen.About Jacqueline:https://trainingbyjacqueline.com/meetyourtrainer/Learn more about options for help for dogs with aggression here:AggressiveDog.comLearn more about our annual Aggression in Dogs Conference here:The Aggression in Dogs ConferenceSubscribe to the bonus episodes available here:The Bitey End of the Dog Bonus EpisodesCheck out all of our webinars, courses, and educational content here:Webinars, courses, and more!

If you've ever experienced the heartache of your dogs fighting under your roof, you know how this situation can leave you feeling helpless, frustrated, and deeply conflicted. Take heart – there are solutions, and this episode offers a comprehensive roadmap to understanding and resolving these challenging dynamics.Christina Young, certified dog behavior consultant and co-instructor of the Aggression and Dogs Real Life Solutions course, brings her wealth of experience to this nuanced conversation about dogs who struggle to get along with their canine housemates. She reveals why communication breakdowns lie at the heart of most conflicts, explaining that many dogs simply haven't developed the skills to effectively express their needs or read another dog's signals appropriately.The episode delves into practical considerations that dramatically impact dog-dog relationships – from the importance of age gaps (ideally 3-4 years between dogs), to the reality that same-sex pairings (particularly females) often present greater challenges if conflicts develop. Christina unpacks how resource guarding, play style incompatibilities, and even breed-specific communication patterns influence household harmony.For guardians currently navigating tension between their dogs, Christina offers concrete management strategies including proper use of baby gates for "separation without isolation," teaching alternative behaviors during high-arousal moments, and creating designated safe spaces where each dog can truly relax. She emphasizes proactive reinforcement rather than reactive corrections, showing how timing your interventions before stress signals appear creates new emotional patterns around triggering situations.Whether you're considering adding a second dog or struggling with existing conflicts, this episode provides compassionate guidance for creating a home where all your dogs can thrive. Follow Christina's methodical approach to introductions, management, and training – because every being deserves to feel safe in their own home.ABOUT CHRISTINA:https://positive.dog/about/Learn more about options for help for dogs with aggression here:AggressiveDog.comLearn more about our annual Aggression in Dogs Conference here:The Aggression in Dogs ConferenceSubscribe to the bonus episodes available here:The Bitey End of the Dog Bonus EpisodesCheck out all of our webinars, courses, and educational content here:Webinars, courses, and more!

Dr. Hauser pulls back the curtain on one of the most overlooked factors in pet behavior problems—physical pain. This eye-opening conversation reveals how arthritis affects not just senior pets but surprisingly young animals too, with research showing 40% of dogs between 8 months and 4 years have joint issues that often go completely undiagnosed.The discussion challenges common misconceptions about how animals display pain. That dog who still enthusiastically plays fetch? The adrenaline is temporarily masking their discomfort. The cat who no longer jumps to their favorite windowsill? They're making a subtle accommodation for painful joints. These insights explain those baffling moments when a pet seems to invite attention then suddenly snaps—revealing the complex relationship between pain anticipation and aggression.Dr. Hauser shares practical diagnostic approaches from medication trials to environmental modifications that can dramatically improve quality of life. Her examples of dogs whose "stubborn" refusal to sit actually indicates hip pain, and cats whose litterbox issues stem from discomfort, showcase how behavior changes often represent an animal's attempt to communicate physical distress. Particularly valuable is her guidance on harness selection, petting consent tests, and creating low-stress home environments that respect an animal's physical limitations.You'll gain a powerful new perspective on interpreting pet behavior, recognizing that what we often label as "problem behaviors" may actually be desperate attempts to avoid or express pain. Whether you're a trainer, veterinarian, or devoted pet parent, this conversation will transform how you approach behavioral challenges—looking first at potential physical causes before assuming psychological ones.About Dr. Hauser:https://metro-vet.com/staff-item/hagar-hauser-2/- Canine Arthritis Management: https://caninearthritis.co.uk/- Zoetis Canine OA: https://www.zoetisus.com/conditions/petcare/oa-pain/canine-oa-pain- Zoetis Feline OA: https://www.zoetisus.com/conditions/petcare/oa-pain/feline-oa-pain- International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management: https://www.ivapm.org/- Zero Pain Philosophy (for veterinarians only currently): https://www.zeropainphilosophy.com/Learn more about options for help for dogs with aggression here:AggressiveDog.comLearn more about our annual Aggression in Dogs Conference here:The Aggression in Dogs ConferenceSubscribe to the bonus episodes available here:The Bitey End of the Dog Bonus EpisodesCheck out all of our webinars, courses, and educational content here:Webinars, courses, and more!

Chirag Patel brings his decades of behavior expertise to unpack the complex topic of aggression in dogs, exploring why labels are less useful than understanding behavioral function and how human-centered perspectives often complicate our work.• Defining aggression as subjective – what falls under this label depends on the observer's learning history and context• Looking beyond topography (what behavior looks like) to examine the function that behavior serves• Understanding emotions as part of contingencies rather than as explanations for behavior• How classical and operant conditioning work together rather than as separate processes• The importance of functional assessment in determining what maintains unwanted behavior• Moving past simplistic "body language" interpretations to analyze behavioral contingencies• How caregiver behavior influences dogs through reinforcement contingencies• Ethical considerations in behavior change strategies for aggression cases• The future of dog behavior work combining behavior science with new technologiesCHIRAG'S SITE:https://www.chiragpatelconsulting.com/Learn more about options for help for dogs with aggression here:AggressiveDog.comLearn more about our annual Aggression in Dogs Conference here:The Aggression in Dogs ConferenceSubscribe to the bonus episodes available here:The Bitey End of the Dog Bonus EpisodesCheck out all of our webinars, courses, and educational content here:Webinars, courses, and more!

In the season finale of The Bitey End of the Dog, we sit down with Dr. Daniel Mills, a leading authority in clinical animal behavior, to unearth the complexities of canine aggression. Dr. Mills challenges the conventional wisdom that labels dogs as aggressive, advocating instead for an objective observation of their behaviors. Our journey continues with an exploration of the emotional lives of dogs, guided by the influential work of Jaak Panksepp. We discuss how miscategorizing aggression can lead to misunderstandings and ineffective solutions. Dr. Mills emphasizes the importance of distinguishing context, motivation, and emotion to address behavioral issues effectively. We also touch on the broader impact of training techniques, revealing how addressing emotional states like frustration can resolve a multitude of behavior problems!About Daniel:"I am a RCVS, European and ASAB recognised specialist in clinical animal behaviour, as such I have been developing and exploring new interventions for behaviour problems, such as: The use of semiochemicals to control the emotional reaction of animals (pheromonatherapy) The use of mirrors to control stereotypic weaving in horses Psychometric profiling of animal behaviour Over the last 25 years, I have led the development of what has become known as the "Psychobiological approach" to clinical animal behaviour at Lincoln. This synthesises contemporary behavioural biology and psychology with neuroscience to develop a systematic scientific approach to the assessment of problem behaviour in animals. I still consult at the University Animal Behaviour Clinic (https://animalbehaviourclinic.lincoln.ac.uk/) I have a strong research interest in the comparative psychology underpinning problem behaviour, particularly emotionality and how this contributes to individual differences. This links both my applied and fundamental research, for example by examining how we and non-human animals recognise and respond to the emotional state of another More recently I have had opportunities to scientifically explore my interests in the potential value of our relationships with animals. My research in this area focuses on the benefits from pet keeping using a multidisciplinary approach, for example collaborations with biologists, health care professionals, psychologists, lawyers and economists. Recent projects include: The effect of pet dogs on human health and well-being Investigations into animal emotion Semiochemical signals in the dog Improving performance in scent detection dogs External influences on human decision makign that impact animal welfare In 2022 I was listed by Stanford University in their data base of the top 1% of cited scientists globally. In addition to accepting students on funded projects (generally advertised on the University sites and findaphd.com) I accept self-funding post-graduate research students. Please contact me directly for an informal chat if this is of interest to you. "Learn more about options for help for dogs with aggression here:AggressiveDog.comLearn more about our annual Aggression in Dogs Conference here:The Aggression in Dogs ConferenceSubscribe to the bonus episodes available here:The Bitey End of the Dog Bonus EpisodesCheck out all of our webinars, courses, and educational content here:Webinars, courses, and more!