So how much we are able to “fix” a dog? That truly depends on what is causing the behavior – is it chemical, physiological poor breeding, or stress? Through careful behavioral modification by an experienced and trained canine behaviorist, as well as a loving and committed family of humans, a dog that begins his life at 30% can potentially be rehabilitated to 50% which would be a statistical norm. That dog would be virtually “normal” to look at, but would have to be supported behaviorally for life. Much like someone who starts a diet and loses weight, they would have to monitor their diet and exercise for life or they will begin to gain weight. This is much the same a behavior.
When you have a dog that starts out with behavior issues, you will expect that you will have to monitor these issues for life. For most dogs with behavioral issues, the family can return to a more normal and less structured behavioral plan for the dog. But for dogs with behavioral issues that stem from more deep-seated causes, monitoring them and supporting them with consistent rules and understanding will set them up for success. The good news for a dog at 30% is that he is capable of achieving a “normal” behavior with appropriate responses. However, what happens to those dogs who begin at a 10% or 20%? Well, those dogs will always have a bit of reactivity or fear that may not be able to be mitigated to “normal” levels. A dog who begins at 20%, however, can be much improved and then placed in an appropriate home with those who can manage his behavior safely and completely. This does not mean that these dogs cannot be helped. Quite the contrary. The vast majority of these dogs can be helped and can live normal, healthy, and wonderful lives. They just need a little extra help and understanding. Remember that when you are dealing with a dog who has reacted inappropriately, or whom you feel uncomfortable about introducing to certain humans, trust your instinct. Set your dog for success and not for failure by making sure that your dog is comfortable. Do not put into a situation where failure is his only option.
Typically a dog who is able to regroup and reset himself quickly is one who is much easier to work with. They are able to function in even the most chaotic of situations. Dogs who tend to be nonreactive make the best service dogs and trustworthy family pets. Dogs who overreact in certain situations and cannot be consoled should be supervised carefully around children or potential powderkegs. A dog with a preset of 10 is composed and even-tempered in any new situation. They are completely unfazed. A 1 would be a dog who may take minutes, hours or even days to reset. These dogs can be difficult to manage particularly because it takes a very skilled, compassionate and intuitive behaviorist to understand the nuances of how to regain the dog’s composure. Some dogs, particularly those with poor breeding, or those who are abused or neglected (particularly early in life) may actually require veterinary intervention. Some dogs may need medication in order for behavioral rehabilitation to increase the efficacy of behavioral modification. Dogs at, or below, a level of 3 can potentially become quite dangerous is punitive training methods such as shock collars, choke collars, squirting or throwing objects are used. These dogs can lose their ability to trust and it may be difficult for them to reestablish a connection. They don’t simply bite once out of fear, but almost “lose their minds” and continue to fear-bite repetitively. Certain breeds and groups of dogs who were bred to be very visual or reactive to stimuli tend to be “machinegun biters” who, once triggered, will continue to “fire”, or bite, seemingly without being able to control themselves.
