Although I have helped sport and working dogs with behavior problems, most dogs I evaluate and work with are 'normal' pet dogs that are either in a shelter, rescue, or a home environment. Serious behavior problems can be quite complex and there are limited options for dogs that present physical or psychological harm to themselves, their owners, their housemates, or the community.
Evaluating Options for Behaviorally Problematic Dogs
Management as an only option is not foolproof and can allow for further incidents.
Management along with training and behavior modification is when someone like me gets involved to help reduce the severity and the frequency of the problem. Rehoming the dog into a more appropriate environment is something that I have seen work out well, but it does require honesty about the behavior problem and the ability for the new adopter or owner to commit to management and/or training and behavior modification. There are many variables that contribute to the success of a training and behavior modification plan. Analysis of these same variables can help to determine what option is best for that dog, home, or community.
Unfortunately, the first three options are not always feasible and that leaves one other option: humane behavioral euthanasia. It is obviously a very sensitive topic and a decision that needs to come from a place of logic and critical thinking. I think this information is valuable whether you are a shelter, rescue, veterinarian, pet dog owner, trainer or consultant that works with clients with behaviorally challenged dogs.
Making Hard Decisions: Some Guidance
In my upcoming webinar, "In Whose Best Interest?" I offer an opportunity for you to consider a variety of factors that will help anyone struggling with a decision about what option is best and to give you peace of mind that you have made a logical one. Even if you do not have a dog with a serious behavior problem yourself, you likely will know someone who has and this information will enable you to support their decision, regardless of what they do.
Interested? Join us Thurs. January 25th for Karen's webinar: In Whose Best Interest?
Karen Deeds, is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC). She is the co-owner of Canine Connection in Ft. Worth, TX with her husband, Bob Deeds, a retired Federal K9 Handler on Texas Task Force I. Karen started her business in 1994 after realizing the need for educating the public about dog training and behavior while volunteering for a local humane society. She worked in the Assistance Dog Field for 15 years and the vet profession for 9 years. She currently provides her expertise on behavior problems including fear, anxiety and aggression. She has consulted and worked with thousands of pet dog owners, various shelters and many rescue organizations, as well as has testified in dozens of court cases regarding dog bites. She currently teaches in the Dallas/Ft. Worth metroplex focusing on Reactive Integration and also provides private consultations.
Karen has presented seminars to the general public, rescue groups, animal control officers, at various dog training clubs, dog training facilities, and various shelters throughout Texas, Louisiana, Florida, Ohio, and Tennessee. She has presented at the Dallas SPCA, Texas A&M Veterinary College Behavior Club, Texas Animal Control Association Conference, Missouri Animal Control Conference, the annual Texas Unites for Animals, and the IAABC conference. She is often called upon to help rescue groups make difficult decisions about behaviorally challenged dogs in their care. Her work with high drive working and sport dogs have helped develop more comprehensive behavior modification protocols that are dramatically impacting the success of her students.
