Turning Fierce Dogs Friendly

Learn how to harness the power of reward-based reinforcement to build safe, friendly behavior in your aggressive or reactive dog. The Constructional Aggression Treatment (CAT) technique, as described in Turning Fierce Dogs Friendly, has proven successful for pet owners and trainers around the world, offering a humane alternative to harsh training methods and giving hope to owners of aggressive and reactive dogs. Author Kellie Snider, with two degrees in behavior analysis, a master’s thesis and extensive hands-on research in the CAT process, and more than ten years of practical experience in directing behavior programs for large animal shelters, shares her expertise in detailed chapters on the science, principles, and process behind Cat. Snider explains Cat through detailed steps as well as anecdotes of her work with real human and canine clients. Also highlighted are the importance of consistency in training, how to recognize your dog’s individual chain of aggressive behaviors, and how to implement management techniques and safety precautions with your dog and the people and other animals in life. Inside Turning Fierce Dogs Friendly: Step-by-step instructions for performing Cat training with aggressive dogs Understanding normal versus aggressive behaviors of all dogs, of specific breeds, and of your own individual dog Developing an awareness of your own behavior in relation to your dog Discovering how to reinforce safe, friendly behaviors to replace the aggressive behaviors The importance of developing good observation skills and staying on task The issues that can make or break successful aggression treatment, including consistency, safety, and follow-through Equipment, handling procedures, and the helpers on your training team When and how to find and enlist the help of a behavior professional Book jacket.