For decades, behavior consultants have been told that counterconditioning is THE gold standard for changing behavior, especially aggression. But is that actually what the scientific literature says? Join Lisa as she talks about why counterconditioning may not be as effective as we're told.

Stranger-Directed Aggression for Professionals starts November 2nd

Sources

1. Pavlov, I. (1916) An Analysis Of Some Complex Reflexes In The Dog; And The Relative Strength And Tension Of Several Centeres., Lectures on Conditioned Reflexes, Chapter XXV
2. Lindsay, S. Handbook of Applied Dog Behavior and Training, Vol 3, Chapter 8
3. Spaulding, K. Making the Most Out of Counterconditioning, sciencemattersllc.com
4. Wood Brown, L. ClickerExpo Luminos: High Stakes, Effective Strategies: Counter-Conditioning as an Effective Procedural Choice for Aggression, clickertraining.com
5. Rogers, N. Behavioral “Freudian Slips” – The Neuroscience Of Maladaptive Avoidance Habits, aggressivedogs.com

Lisa discusses the vital importance of handling skills for dog professionals, concentrating on safe and effective dog management and movement. It covers essential leash, along with various restraint techniques and emergency maneuvers.

NOTE: I misstate the date of my group mentorship. The group starts on OCTOBER 7TH, not 2nd. Sorry about that!

Resources

Stranger-Directed Aggression

Group mentorship - Starts 10/7

Equipment

Tie Down

Harness Lead

Bold Lead Designs Leather Leash

Dive into "Foggy Behavior Histories," where Lisa tackles the most challenging canine cases: those with unclear pasts. Learn how to navigate unclear histories, recognize subtle warning signs, and implement safety protocols, empowering you to develop effective and safe behavior plans for any dog, and ensure both you and your clients are set up for success and safety.

Links:

• Small Group Mentorship Starts October 2nd
• Stranger-Directed Aggression: Sign up for early-bird registration

What happens when a dog owner asks AI for help with their dog’s aggressive behavior? In this episode, Lisa reveals what she learned about AI’s surprising capabilities and what consultants need to prepare for with this rapidly expanding technology.

• Group Mentorship for Behavior Pros, Starts Oct 7

When dogs target small dogs or children, the causes aren't always anxiety or fear. Lisa talks about non-affective aggression or "predation," cases, the signs, the risks, and how to work with them.

Links:

• Group Mentorship starts October 7th
• Predatory Drift, Cog-Dog Radio
• Predatory Drift Part 2, Cog-Dog Radio

Sources:

• Blackwell's Canine and Feline Behavior
• Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Dogs and Cats
• Dog Bites, a Multidisciplinary Perspective
• Fatal Dog Attacks
• Applied Dog Behavior and Training, Vol 2

Lisa resumes Part 2 of her interview with Dr Micaela Young. They discuss pain trials, gait analysis, and more.

Check the Part 1 show notes for links to all the resources mentioned here.

Lisa kicks off a new season with a special guest, Dr Micaela Young. Lisa and Dr Young discuss lesser known pain symptoms in dogs, what information veterinarians need from consultants when a referral is made for suspected pain, what to do when diagnostics are unremarkable, and a lot more.

Resources Part 1 & 2:

• Urban Animal: Micaela Young, DVM
• Upcoming Seminar (Seattle area): But Are They Fine? With Micaela Young, DVM
• Daniel Mills - Pain and Problem Behavior in Cats and Dogs
• Zero Pain Philosophy
• Canine Arthritis Management
• Canine Conditioning and Body Awareness FB Group
• One Week Wonder: The Crucial Reason Your Dog's Pain Management Trial Needs More Time
• I Like The Way You Move: Dog Gait Video

In stranger-directed aggression cases the antecedent is never just "strangers"

Lisa talks about the 5W's - Who, What, When, Where, and Why - found in these high-stakes cases.

• Stranger-Directed Aggression series starts 4/27/25
• Individual mentoring and case review
• Group mentorship starts June 2nd!

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