‘Resource-guarding’ may require expert help

By Dr. Beth Leermakers

What do you do when your dog suddenly displays aggressive behavior? Two friends recently asked me that very question. Both dogs had been with their families for more than a year. The small dog began growling at the husband and grandchildren, biting the man when he corrected the dog. The large dog behaved aggressively toward a visiting puppy and, on another occasion, bit the teenager apparently without warning or provocation. My advice to both friends was to have their dog evaluated by a trainer who specializes in aggression. 

If your dog engages in nuisance behaviors — such as jumping on your guests or barking excessively — that aren’t harmful, you may be able to correct those behaviors on your own. When you’re dealing with more serious issues such as aggression or separation anxiety, experts recommend working with a board-certified veterinary behaviorist or certified applied animal behaviorist. 

What’s the difference between behavior specialists and a dog trainer, and who should you call? Let’s take a look.

Dog Trainer. Dog trainers can teach your dog basic obedience commands like sit, down and stay. Some trainers also handle problems such as leash aggression or resource guarding. Because the dog training field is unregulated (anyone can call herself a trainer), education, skills and experience vary widely. I’ve worked with several trainers who have considerable experience and skills evaluating dog aggression. To find a qualified, professional dog trainer, consult directories maintained by reputable organizations and certifying agencies. Look for trainers who are certified by Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) or International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC). Avoid anyone who refers to making you a “pack leader” or “Alpha.” Don’t leave your dog at a board and train facility unless you know they only use positive (reward-based) reinforcement.  

According to experts, canine behavioral problems that are due to anxiety, fear and aggression, may require the services of a behavior professional. “Any type of aggression, including, but not limited to, resource-guarding, growling, biting in the home and at other dogs or any people, especially children, should be referred to a behaviorist,” says Dr. Terri Bright, PhD, CAAB.

Certified Applied Animal Behaviorists (CAAB). CAABs have met standards of education, experience and ethics established by the Animal Behavior Society (ABS). A CAAB has a doctoral degree in veterinary medicine or a behavioral or biological science (with an emphasis on animal behavior) and five years of professional experience in applied animal behavior. 

To become certified, CAABs must have significant experience working interactively with a particular species as a researcher, research assistant or intern with a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist prior to working independently with the species in a clinical animal behavior setting. To find a CAAB, visit the directory on the ABS website. There is one CAAB listed in Dallas. 

Board-certified Veterinary Behaviorist. A veterinary behaviorist has a veterinary degree (DVM or VMD) and has treated hundreds of complicated behavioral cases during his or her residency. A veterinary behaviorist has also published a research project, written case reports in animal behavior and passed a two-day board certification exam to become a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (DACVB). 

A veterinary behaviorist is the only pet behavior professional who can prescribe prescription medication that may be necessary to treat separation anxiety, severe phobias or OCD. The American College of Veterinary Behaviorists maintains a directory of board-certified veterinary behaviorists. 

There are currently only 86 board-certified veterinary behaviorists (DACVB) throughout the world. There aren’t any DACVBs in North Texas, but there are several in the College Station, San Antonio, Austin and Houston areas.

If you’re not sure where to turn for assistance with your dog’s behavioral problem, consult your veterinarian. Some behavior problems may be due to pain or a medical condition, so your veterinarian is a good place to start. Visit spca.org/pettips for behavior and training tips.