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Şansal and Sharon's Site

The following are class notes from Sharon Savage's 1999 Dog Days of Wisconsin summer camp seminar on inter-dog aggression:


What does a good greeting look like?

  1. Dogs approach each other using calming signals (discussed in Turid Rugaas' book "On Talking Terms with Dogs: Calming Signals," 1997).

  2. Subordinate dog stiffens and allows other to sniff him, beginning with rear area.

  3. Dominate dog holds still while allowing subordinate to sniff him briefly.

  4. Dogs then play or depart.


What does potential trouble look like?

  • Dogs approaching each other head to head without using calming signals.

  • One or both dogs not allowing the other to investigate.

  • One or both dogs using dominant postures (head over the other's shoulders, etc.) before greeting has been performed.


Why do conflicts occur even with well-socialized dogs?

  • Prior bad experiences with other dogs

  • Breed

  • Sexual status

  • Owner handling methods


What should I be doing when my dog sees an "enemy"?

  • Allow your dog some freedom of movement, rather than holding the leash taut.

  • Use a gentle collar, such as a plain nylon buckle collar or a head collar.

  • Avoid anything that could be construed by the dog as physical or verbal punishment.

  • Talk about how happy you are to see the other dog, before your dog shows a reaction. Avoid using a warning tone of voice ("you'd better behave!").

  • Use calming signals:  turn body and head away from the other dog, yawn, sit on ground, blink eyes.

  • Follow one of the training methods (passive or active), below.


Passive training methods


Bar Open/Bar Closed (from Jean Donaldson's books)

  • Food and toys are only available when a dog from the target group is within view.

  • These items are available regardless of what your dog is doing.

  • When a dog from the target group is not around, all praise, attention, toys and food instantly become unavailable.


"Forced" Calming Signals

  • This method works best when using a head collar, such as a Gentle Leader or Halti.

  • When in the presence of target dogs, your dog is required to imitate calming signals by either sitting or turning head/body away from the other dog.

  • Dog is reinforced with food, toys or petting while in the enforced position.


Active training method


Reinforcement of Voluntary Calming Signals

  • The dog is not physically manipulated into offering signals.

  • Any calming signal behavior offered voluntarily is immediately rewarded with a food treat, toy, or the chance to LEAVE.

  • Walking toward another dog's rear is praised immediately, and the dog is quickly called back for a food treat or toy.


On-leash training exercises


  • Approach confined or leashed dogs from a distance.

  • Walk parallel to another person and their dog for several blocks without letting dogs too close.

Curbing Inter-Dog Aggression