If you are aggressive, so is your dog

In a survey for owners of dogs of Pennsylavani University, who use antisocial methods to train aggressive pets, veterinary researchers have discovered that most of these animals will continue to be aggressive unless the training method is changed.

The study, published in Applied Animal Behavior Science, also found that using softer training methods such as training or reward creates very few aggressive reactions.

Meghan E. Herron, the lead author of the study, said: 'On the national scale, the top reason why dog ​​owners take their pets to veterinary homes is to control aggressive behavior. their repentance. Our research demonstrates that confrontational training methods, such as glare, beating or intimidation, cannot change inappropriate behaviors and can create aggressive reactions'.

The team from Penn Veterinary School commented that veterinary care providers should advise employers about the risks associated with such training methods as well as provide guidance on control of problems. about behavior. Herron, Frances S. Shofer and Ilana R. Reisner, veterinarians with the Medical Research Department at Penn Vet, conducted a survey of 30 items for dog owners. In the questionnaire, dog owners were asked how they handled aggressive behaviors, whether they had a positive, negative, or neutral effect on dog behavior and whether aggressive reactions were must be the result of the methods they use or not. They were also asked from where they learned how to train that pet.

Aggressive behavior. Confronted training methods, such as glare, beating or intimidation, cannot change inappropriate behaviors and can create aggressive reactions, according to the authors of a new study. (Photo: iStockphoto / Yuriy Zelenekyy).

Of the 140 completed surveys, the most talked about source is 'yourself' and 'trainer'. Some countermeasures such as ' beating and kicking dogs for unwanted behavior ' (43%) ,' cursing ' (41%), ' forcing dogs to throw something out ' (39%), ' pushes dogs rolling back and holding ' (31%), ' glaring ' (30%), forcing dogs to lie down (29%), and ' grabbing jaws and jaws' (26%) create aggressive reactions from at least 25% of animals treated like that. In addition, dogs that are admitted to hospitals because of their aggressive behavior towards acquaintances tend to react more aggressively to some confrontation methods than dogs that are admitted to hospitals because of problems. other acts.

Herron said: 'This study underscores the risk of manipulation based on manipulation, common on television, books and trainers. These skills often create feelings of fear and aggression towards familiar people. '

Before consulting veterinarians, many dog ​​owners try ways to change behavior from many proposed sources. These suggestions often include coercive training, all of which can provoke aggressive behaviors due to fear or self-defense. The widespread use of these methods may stem from the belief that pet's enthusiasm stems from the owner's lack of determination.

The purpose of Penn Vet's research is to assess the behavioral impact and the safety risks of the methods commonly used for behavioral problems.