Any dog has the potential to be vicious and it is unfortunate that certain breeds have been labeled "high-risk dogs." As with most behavior-related issues, whether it is separation anxiety, overeating or aggression, the dogs are rarely the problem--the owners are.
Training for any dog is an absolute necessity. Just like children, dogs come into the world filled with love and curiosity, but not manners. They need to be taught how to get along in the family. That includes behaving properly in the house, and being polite to people and other animals. This is a demanding job that begins the moment the dog enters a home or someone's life.
Training makes dogs happy. By nature, dogs prefer a society with rules, where everybody knows his place. When dogs are taught the rules of the family, they feel secure knowing exactly what they are and aren't allowed to do. Teaching dogs to obey basic commands like "sit" increases impulse control. Socialization with people and other pets is an important part of a dogs training; isolated dogs can become vicious.
Spaying or neutering you dog—no matter the breed—can decrease aggressive behavior. Your local shelter has an on-site spay and neuter clinic available year-round to assist the community in this effort. For more information, contact any member of the shelter's management staff at 788-4351.
The Animal Shelter of the Wood River Valley temperament tests every new dog arriving at the shelter whether it is a purebred Labrador or the indiscernible mutt. The test simulates a casual walk where everyday life situations are encountered. During the test, the dog experiences visual, auditory and tactile stimuli. And during their stay at the shelter, all dogs are routinely re-tested to ascertain they remain stable in their general health and behavior.
Information posted on the American Temperament Test Society website atts.org/stats provides interesting reading and test results regarding breed performance. The ATTS test focuses on and measures different aspects of temperament such as stability, shyness, aggressiveness, and friendliness as well as the dog's instinct for protectiveness towards its handler and/or self-preservation in the face of a threat.
Remember the Animal Shelter of the Wood River Valley is available for information or support regarding animal behavior, spay/neuter procedures or training questions.
Christine Ferguson
