What does a ‘stiff-legged face-off’ look like in Danes? How can I tell if a Dane is protecting me? Does neutering actually help reduce aggression in same-sex pairs? A stiff-legged face-off involves a dog adopting a rigid posture, with their tail carried unnaturally high to make themselves appear larger and more intimidating. You may also […]
Understanding Dementia and Rage Aggression in Great Danes
What causes the ‘dementia’ and ‘rage’ aggression mentioned by owners? How do I teach a ‘watch me’ cue to Danes? Are there specific household ‘choke points’ to avoid for safety? Causes of ‘Dementia’ and ‘Rage’ Aggression While owners and veterinarians have suspected conditions like “canine rage syndrome” or “dementia” in rare instances of sudden, uncharacteristic […]
Early Signs of Mean Girl Behavior in Dogs
What are the early warning signs of ‘mean girl’ behavior? “Mean girl” behavior refers to the intense, surprisingly common dynamic of interdog aggression among female housemates. Rather than starting with an outright fight, this tension usually emerges as the dogs reach social maturity (typically between 18 and 24 months of age). Before a physical altercation […]
Managing Dog Aggression: Tips for Owners
What does a ‘puppy pass’ look like in adolescent dogs? How can a mediator dog protect a victim in the home? How long should I use a bear bell for management? What specifically identifies a female dog as a “mean girl”? How can a ‘mediator’ dog help identify an aggressor? What causes canine rage syndrome […]
Understanding Dog Behavior: Stiff-Legged Face-Offs in Danes
What does a stiff-legged face-off look like in Danes? How can I tell if a Dane is protecting me? Are there benefits to walking aggressive dogs separately? What does ‘Nothing in Life is Free’ training involve? How do you teach a ‘watch me’ cue to Danes? Should I permanently keep my dogs in separate rooms? […]
Identifying Female Dog Aggression Warning Signs
What are the common warning signs of female same-sex aggression? Warning signs of same-sex aggression—which is particularly common and often severe between female dogs—typically begin to emerge as dogs reach social maturity, between 12 and 36 months of age. Rather than starting with an outright fight, the tension usually begins with subtle challenges over social […]
Understanding Dog Body Language: Hard Stares and Postures
What do hard stares and stiff postures mean in dogs? Should I permanently keep my dogs in separate rooms? How can I tell if play is turning into fighting? Hard Stares and Stiff Postures Hard stares (sometimes referred to as “dirty looks”) and stiff postures are forms of canine challenges and passive threats that indicate […]
What is bitey-face, how to tell if play is too rough, & neutering: does it reduce agression in danes?
What does ‘bitey-face’ play look like between Great Danes? How can I tell if play is getting too rough? Does neutering actually help reduce aggression in same-sex pairs? What ‘bitey-face’ play looks like. When Great Danes play “bitey-face,” they engage in a mix of zoomies and intense wrestling matches where they bare their teeth, joust, […]
What noise or water tactics work best for Great Danes & Why do females have a higher risk of interdog aggression?
What noise or water tactics work best for Great Danes? How do I recognize a ‘puppy pass’ in young dogs? Why do females have a higher risk of interdog aggression? To safely interrupt a fight between dogs from a distance, the most effective water tactics include throwing a bucket of water, spraying them with a […]
How can I tell if a Dane is playing or fighting?
What does a typical Great Dane play session sound like? Are there specific items that trigger fights between Great Danes? How can I tell if a Dane is playing or fighting? What a Great Dane Play Session Sounds Like: A typical Great Dane play session can sound incredibly loud, intense, and clumsy. Owners often describe […]