The Bite Threshold Model: Implications for Resolving Canine Aggression

Instructor: Ms. Kathy Sdao, M.A., ACAAB

Facilitated by Suzanne Hetts, Ph.D., CAAB and Dan Estep, Ph.D., CAAB

Few topics evoke as much controversy and emotion as dog bites and aggression.  Professionals often hear from owners comments that include:

“I never thought he’d actually bite!”
“He just seemed to bite for no reason.”
“It just came out of the blue, the bite was totally unexpected.”

From the professional’s side, a dog’s aggressive behavior often doesn’t seem to fit nicely into any of the traditional categories such as territorial, possessive, protective, or dominance aggression.  So it can be difficult sometimes to give owners a “why” for their dog’s behavior that they can understand, and that makes rational sense.

Enter an alternative way of conceptualizing the “why” of biting behavior based on additive risk factors and bite thresholds.  In this enlightening course, Kathy will present a simple theoretical model of why dogs bite, first described by Jean Donaldson in her classic book “The Culture Clash.”   You’ll discover how to use the additive model not only to understand aggressive incidents but also how to use it as a basis for planning and explaining remedial behavior-modification protocols.

In this one session course you’ll learn:

  • How the bite-threshold paradigm compares with the more traditional classification approach
  • Why the concept of behavioral thresholds is an important part of this model
  • What “triggers” are, and how they differ from other antecedent events
  • How the bite threshold model can explain “out of the blue” bites and to develop clear and effective behavior-modification strategies
  • How this model can facilitate discussions with our clients
  • How this model may help us estimate the likelihood of successful behavioral outcomes

REGISTER TODAY for what’s another instant favorite from Kathy Sdao.  This Course is available ON DEMAND with instant access as soon as you register!   

CCPDT approved for 1.5 CEUs for behavior consultants

Registration Fee: $49

Registration fee WAIVED for Pro Members of BehaviorEducationNetwork.com.  AND BEN members have access to a follow-up Q&A session EXCLUSIVE for BEN Pro Members.  PLUS Members of BehaviorEducationNetwork.com have perpetual access to the recorded replay.

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