Puts dog bites in statistical perspective, and explores the genesis of canine aggression and how to modify aggressive behavior.

1. CanineCanine
AggressionAggression
The perspectiveThe perspective
of a police dogof a police dog
trainertrainer
Jerry Bradshaw,Jerry Bradshaw,
Training DirectorTraining Director
Tarheel CanineTarheel Canine
Training Inc.Training Inc.

2. Dog Bite StatisticsDog Bite Statistics
 Estimated 4.7 million dog bites per yearEstimated 4.7 million dog bites per year
 800,000 of those dog bites require medical800,000 of those dog bites require medical
attention.attention.
 368,000 of those requiring medical attention go to368,000 of those requiring medical attention go to
the ER for treatment.the ER for treatment.
 Children are the most frequent victims.Children are the most frequent victims.
 Dog Bites are second most common reason for ERDog Bites are second most common reason for ER
visits (Weiss & Friedman et al.)visits (Weiss & Friedman et al.)
 From dogbitelaw.com a personal injury attorneyFrom dogbitelaw.com a personal injury attorney
website citing numerous US government studies.website citing numerous US government studies.

3. Dog Bites in PerspectiveDog Bites in Perspective
 ER Visits in US (2002) = 110.2 Million for all reasonsER Visits in US (2002) = 110.2 Million for all reasons
 8,482,000 visits for falls.8,482,000 visits for falls.
 4,336,000 visits for car accidents.4,336,000 visits for car accidents.
 3,472,000 visits for being struck by something, or striking an object.3,472,000 visits for being struck by something, or striking an object.
 1,837,000 visits for adverse effects of medical treatment.1,837,000 visits for adverse effects of medical treatment.
 1,773,168 visits for overexertion.1,773,168 visits for overexertion.
 450,000 visits for bicycle, non-traffic, accidents.450,000 visits for bicycle, non-traffic, accidents.
 438,000 visits for getting caught in or between objects (getting stuck).438,000 visits for getting caught in or between objects (getting stuck).
 368,000 visits for dog bites.368,000 visits for dog bites.
 The statistic that dog bites are the second most frequent visit to ERs is a false statistic based on a table quoted from a studyThe statistic that dog bites are the second most frequent visit to ERs is a false statistic based on a table quoted from a study
listing “selected” reasons for visits to the ER. In the most recent CDC study of hospital ERs it didn’t even make the list oflisting “selected” reasons for visits to the ER. In the most recent CDC study of hospital ERs it didn’t even make the list of
categories.categories.
 The probability of an individual getting a disabling injury at work = .012The probability of an individual getting a disabling injury at work = .012
 The probability of visiting the ER for a skateboarding/scooter accident = .002The probability of visiting the ER for a skateboarding/scooter accident = .002
 The probability of an individual in the US getting bit by a dog is roughly = .016 – That is any dog bite of any severity, whetherThe probability of an individual in the US getting bit by a dog is roughly = .016 – That is any dog bite of any severity, whether
needing medical attention or not!needing medical attention or not!
 The probability of going to the ER for a dog bite = .001The probability of going to the ER for a dog bite = .001
 The probability of dying from a dog bite = .0000000098The probability of dying from a dog bite = .0000000098
 Children are the most frequent victims in almost all injury (and accidental death) categories, especially sports & recreationalChildren are the most frequent victims in almost all injury (and accidental death) categories, especially sports & recreational
activities (natural selection).activities (natural selection).
 The probability a doctor in the US is a phony posing as a doctor = .02, roughly equal to the probability of getting bit by a dogThe probability a doctor in the US is a phony posing as a doctor = .02, roughly equal to the probability of getting bit by a dog
whether needing medical attention or not.whether needing medical attention or not.

4. Do we have a dog biteDo we have a dog bite
“epidemic”?“epidemic”?
 The CDC says we do. Because every year the percentage of dog bites causing injuryThe CDC says we do. Because every year the percentage of dog bites causing injury
goes up while the relative populations of dogs and humans stays constant. So dogsgoes up while the relative populations of dogs and humans stays constant. So dogs
must be getting “more prone to bite.”must be getting “more prone to bite.”
 The CDC is there to control medical “epidemics” so they are self-interested in callingThe CDC is there to control medical “epidemics” so they are self-interested in calling
attention to anything that is a public health threat. Biggest public health threat is gettingattention to anything that is a public health threat. Biggest public health threat is getting
out of bed.out of bed.
 We have a society that is becoming more urbanized and suburbanized – thus dogs andWe have a society that is becoming more urbanized and suburbanized – thus dogs and
people come into more contact, more often – hence the increase in the percentage ofpeople come into more contact, more often – hence the increase in the percentage of
dog bites.dog bites.
 We have better reporting mechanisms to track injuries.We have better reporting mechanisms to track injuries.
 We have a media culture that blows every risk in society out of proportion to sellWe have a media culture that blows every risk in society out of proportion to sell
commercials, web site visits, and newspapers.commercials, web site visits, and newspapers.
 We have a litigious society that blows everything out of proportion, and encouragesWe have a litigious society that blows everything out of proportion, and encourages
people to sue over nothing, in order to “get paid.”people to sue over nothing, in order to “get paid.”
 People have turned into big babies!People have turned into big babies!
 Information overload, poor statistical interpretation, and media sensations cause us toInformation overload, poor statistical interpretation, and media sensations cause us to
only take notice of the most heinous things in society – like a dog mauling someone, aonly take notice of the most heinous things in society – like a dog mauling someone, a
terrorist attack, a building collapse – because they are dramatic!terrorist attack, a building collapse – because they are dramatic!

5. Cognitive BiasesCognitive Biases
 Availability Heuristic & Zero-risk bias.Availability Heuristic & Zero-risk bias.
 A “Heuristic” is a rule of thumb used to fashion aA “Heuristic” is a rule of thumb used to fashion a
method of thinking about things.method of thinking about things.
 Availability HeuristicAvailability Heuristic - is a cognitive bias which- is a cognitive bias which
causes people to base their prediction of thecauses people to base their prediction of the
likelihood of an event on the vividness andlikelihood of an event on the vividness and
emotional impact of the event, rather than onemotional impact of the event, rather than on
probability.probability.
 Zero-risk bias - preference for reducing a small riskZero-risk bias - preference for reducing a small risk
to zero over a greater reduction in a larger risk. E.g.to zero over a greater reduction in a larger risk. E.g.
if we ban dogs, we’d accomplish something!!if we ban dogs, we’d accomplish something!!

6. Back to DogBack to Dog
BitesBites
Do you know how manyDo you know how many
assaults, burglaries,assaults, burglaries,
carjackings, and homecarjackings, and home
invasions were prevented byinvasions were prevented by
the mere presence of dogs inthe mere presence of dogs in
2006?2006?

7. Back to Dog BitesBack to Dog Bites
 Do you know how many assaults,Do you know how many assaults,
burglaries, carjackings, and home invasionsburglaries, carjackings, and home invasions
were prevented by the mere presence ofwere prevented by the mere presence of
dogs in 2006?dogs in 2006?
 Neither do I, because you cannot keepNeither do I, because you cannot keep
statistics on events that do not occur.statistics on events that do not occur.
 We do know that criminals themselves tellWe do know that criminals themselves tell
authorities they pass on potential victims toauthorities they pass on potential victims to
avoid dogs (probably because they believeavoid dogs (probably because they believe
the dog bite statistics!)the dog bite statistics!)

8. Agenda: What we need.Agenda: What we need.
 Realize: The truth doesn’t matter as long as theRealize: The truth doesn’t matter as long as the
perception holds sway.perception holds sway.
 Education – of trainers & clients about aggression.Education – of trainers & clients about aggression.
 Prevention of aggression from puppy hood.Prevention of aggression from puppy hood.
 Dog Trainers need to stop advertising that everyDog Trainers need to stop advertising that every
dog can be rehabilitated from all aggressiondog can be rehabilitated from all aggression
problems – leaving recidivistic & truly dangerousproblems – leaving recidivistic & truly dangerous
animals among the public.animals among the public.
 www.illfixanydogproblem100percentofthetime.comwww.illfixanydogproblem100percentofthetime.com
 Cooperation is needed.Cooperation is needed.
 Political Action.Political Action.
 Fewer lawyers.Fewer lawyers.

9. What is theWhat is the
genesis ofgenesis of
Aggression?Aggression?

10. AggressionAggression
….….
Is a natural behavior.Is a natural behavior.
Is a combination of the dog’sIs a combination of the dog’s
genetic makeup andgenetic makeup and
conditioning.conditioning.
Is scary to people who haveIs scary to people who have
never seen it up close.never seen it up close.
Presents itself for a variety ofPresents itself for a variety of
reasons, which we must inferreasons, which we must infer
from observing behaviors. Notfrom observing behaviors. Not
always so easy to do.always so easy to do.

11. BehavioralBehavioral
Classifications of CanineClassifications of Canine
AggressionAggression DisplacementDisplacement
 DominanceDominance
 Fear-ElicitedFear-Elicited
 Intra-MaleIntra-Male
 Intra-SpeciesIntra-Species
 MaternalMaternal
 Object PossessiveObject Possessive
 Pain-ElicitedPain-Elicited
 PredatoryPredatory
 TerritorialTerritorial
 Idiopathic (my addition).Idiopathic (my addition).
 From the American Dog Trainer’s Network website .From the American Dog Trainer’s Network website .

12. Drive Theory ofDrive Theory of
AggressionAggression
 Prey Drive (trigger is movement)Prey Drive (trigger is movement)
 Defense Drive (threat is trigger)Defense Drive (threat is trigger)
 Social Drive (infringement of social positionSocial Drive (infringement of social position
is the trigger)is the trigger)
 ““Fight Drive*” (learned enjoyment of combatFight Drive*” (learned enjoyment of combat
and is a trained response).and is a trained response).
 Drives are inherent, genetically hard wired,Drives are inherent, genetically hard wired,
behavioral responses to certain stimulibehavioral responses to certain stimuli
(triggers).(triggers).

13. Treating AggressionTreating Aggression
Problems – key IssuesProblems – key Issues
 Severity of Aggression: The bite InhibitionSeverity of Aggression: The bite Inhibition
Scale.Scale.
 Client Expectations: Are you willing to getClient Expectations: Are you willing to get
bit? Are you responsible not to do stupidbit? Are you responsible not to do stupid
stuff?stuff?
 Stick with cases that are likely “non-Stick with cases that are likely “non-
catastrophic.” Some dogs, in somecatastrophic.” Some dogs, in some
situations, should be put down if there is anysituations, should be put down if there is any
risk of severe damage.risk of severe damage.
 Kids in the house? Be careful.Kids in the house? Be careful.

14. Getting to SuccessGetting to Success
The success of treating aggression cases isThe success of treating aggression cases is
a function of:a function of:
1.1. Level of bite inhibitionLevel of bite inhibition
2.2. Malleability of the dogMalleability of the dog
3.3. Arriving at the proper diagnosisArriving at the proper diagnosis
4.4. Skill of the trainer & Quality Training PlanSkill of the trainer & Quality Training Plan
5.5. Willingness of the client to work on theWillingness of the client to work on the
problem & not make critical mistakes.problem & not make critical mistakes.

15. Trainer Responses toTrainer Responses to
Canine Aggression.Canine Aggression.
 Overextension of dominance theory.Overextension of dominance theory.
The Cesar Milan Effect.The Cesar Milan Effect.
 Results in positive punishment whichResults in positive punishment which
can be counter-productive in manycan be counter-productive in many
cases, especially fear-basedcases, especially fear-based
aggression.aggression.
 Dominance CycleDominance Cycle

16. Behavior ModificationBehavior Modification
 Remove the StimulusRemove the Stimulus
 Punish the Behavior (-P or +P)Punish the Behavior (-P or +P)
 Counter ConditionCounter Condition

17. Counter ConditioningCounter Conditioning
 Counter-Conditioning involves taking anCounter-Conditioning involves taking an
existing behavioral response, and in theexisting behavioral response, and in the
presence of the eliciting stimulus,presence of the eliciting stimulus,
conditioning an alternative opposite/neutralconditioning an alternative opposite/neutral
response.response.
 Example: Fear AggressionExample: Fear Aggression
 Proximity Stranger (stimulus) -> AggressionProximity Stranger (stimulus) -> Aggression
(response)-> Withdrawal (reinforcement)(response)-> Withdrawal (reinforcement)

18. Methods for CounterMethods for Counter
ConditioningConditioning
 Re-direct the BehaviorRe-direct the Behavior
 Train Mutually Exclusive BehaviorsTrain Mutually Exclusive Behaviors
 Systematically DesensitizeSystematically Desensitize
In order to systematically desensitize theIn order to systematically desensitize the
behavior we must be able to identify andbehavior we must be able to identify and
control the stimulus, as well as identify thecontrol the stimulus, as well as identify the
threshold at which the behavior is elicited inthreshold at which the behavior is elicited in
the presence of the stimulus.the presence of the stimulus.

19. Trained BehaviorsTrained Behaviors

20. Training “Dogs to Bite”Training “Dogs to Bite”
Protection Sport Dogs.Protection Sport Dogs.
Personal ProtectionPersonal Protection
Dogs.Dogs.
Police Patrol Dogs.Police Patrol Dogs.

21. EducationEducation
 As an Industry be proactive – Counter the bull****!As an Industry be proactive – Counter the bull****!
 Aggression is a natural behavior. Learn about it, and how to deal withAggression is a natural behavior. Learn about it, and how to deal with
it appropriately, and educate your clients appropriately.it appropriately, and educate your clients appropriately.
 Children (and adults) must learn how to behave properly around dogsChildren (and adults) must learn how to behave properly around dogs
– who came up with the back of the hand to the muzzle crap?– who came up with the back of the hand to the muzzle crap?
 Early socialization & training are critical – 3 new places and people aEarly socialization & training are critical – 3 new places and people a
day from 8 weeks old.day from 8 weeks old.
 Accountability of individual owners for individual dog behavior.Accountability of individual owners for individual dog behavior.
 Dispel myths surrounding protection trained dogs.Dispel myths surrounding protection trained dogs.
 Educate owners who have genetically predisposed breeds, orEducate owners who have genetically predisposed breeds, or
protection trained dogs regarding their increased responsibilities.protection trained dogs regarding their increased responsibilities.

22. Questions?Questions?

23. Tarheel CanineTarheel Canine
 Tarheel Canine has 3 full-time police K9 instructors, 2 full time petTarheel Canine has 3 full-time police K9 instructors, 2 full time pet
obedience trainers, 2 full time kennel staff, and an office manager.obedience trainers, 2 full time kennel staff, and an office manager.
 Tarheel Canine Services: pet obedience program (over 25 dogs perTarheel Canine Services: pet obedience program (over 25 dogs per
month average), a school for dog trainers (private obedience, policemonth average), a school for dog trainers (private obedience, police
K9 instructors), police K9 programs in the areas of narcotics,K9 instructors), police K9 programs in the areas of narcotics,
explosives, patrol, SAR (wilderness, trailing, cadaver), and sportexplosives, patrol, SAR (wilderness, trailing, cadaver), and sport
programs geared toward PSA. Seminars in all areas of training canprograms geared toward PSA. Seminars in all areas of training can
be arranged by contacting Jerry Bradshaw at 800-766-9032.be arranged by contacting Jerry Bradshaw at 800-766-9032.
 www.tarheelcanine.comwww.tarheelcanine.com
 www.psak9.comwww.psak9.com
 www.ntpda.comwww.ntpda.com

24. PublicationsPublications
 Articles available onArticles available on
www.tarheelcanine.comwww.tarheelcanine.com
 Available November 1, 2006:Available November 1, 2006:
Bradshaw, Jerry.Bradshaw, Jerry. Controlled AggressionControlled Aggression
in Theory & Practice:in Theory & Practice: A manual forA manual for
Police Canine & Protection DogsPolice Canine & Protection Dogs. © 2006.. © 2006.
All Rights Reserved.All Rights Reserved.
Pre-order: 1-800-766-9032Pre-order: 1-800-766-9032