When a pet dog injures a human or another dog, the owner is left in a state of fear and confusion. If a dog wreaks havoc and destruction on a home, the owner is left feeling helpless. If an owner finds a dog uncontrollable, or if a dog becomes aggressive and a threat to the community, the dog becomes the one that is at risk for injury or death. Families living with these behaviorally challenged dogs may become isolated and wonder if there is help for their dog. The reality is there are thousands of families facing these issues.
This book explains the process for helping dogs with behavior problems in plain language. Calling on her years of experience as a certified canine behavior consultant, the author highlights the journeys of past clients through a series of vignettes broken up by chapters that contain informative and researched guidance. While it is not meant to be a how-to training guide, the book lets people with reactive or anxious dogs know they are not alone. And for those that lose the battle, it walks with them through that final journey.

Linda Scroggins, RN MSN CBCC-KA, is a Certified Behavior Consultant–Canine. She is the owner and head trainer at All Dogs! Dog Training in St. Louis, Missouri, and has worked with dogs facing behavioral challenges for the past twelve years.

Linda Scroggins.
Series Editor Brian Patrick Duggan
Format: softcover (6 x 9)
Pages: 212
Bibliographic Info: 15 photos, notes, bibliography, index
Copyright Date: 2024
pISBN: 978-1-4766-9366-8
eISBN: 978-1-4766-5145-3
Imprint: McFarland
Series: Dogs in Our World

Prologue: Pink 1
Introduction: This Is Not a Book About Training 9
1. Jack 15
2. What Is Happening to the Dogs? 18
3. Finding Help 23
4. Maya 33
5. The Behavior Modification Plan—Part 1 38
6. Maizy 47
7. The Behavior Modification Plan—Part 2 53
8. Freckles 79
9. The Behavior Modification Plan—Part 3 86
10. Even More Help 102
11. Arlo 115
12. Becoming an Advocate 123
13. Walt 136
14. Help for the Human 142
15. When You Can No Longer Live with Your Dog 144
16. Grady 151
17. Behavioral Euthanasia 156
18. Tex 158
19. Quality of Life 164
20. Champ 168
21. Saying Goodbye 176
22. Should I Get Another Dog? 180
23. Celebrate Your Dog 188
Recommended Reading 193
Chapter Notes 195
Bibliography 200
Index 203