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November 2002 get a printer-friendly
(pdf) version HELP PADZ EARN MONEY Newsletter Submissions Send to newsletter@padz.org. Deadline: 25th of the month for the next month’s issue. Editor will consider all submissions, but does not guarantee inclusion. RITUALIZED AGGRESSION When I get angry or feel wronged, there is a big difference between suing you or being rude to you and pulling out a firearm and shooting at you. Although all are aggressive acts, one kind is ritualized and one is not. Our laws reflect our recognition that some kinds of conflict resolution and aggression are okay and some are not. The essence of this difference is the degree of damage inflicted. Sports – which are inherently about winning in a conflict situation – make this distinction as well. The ubiquity of rules in sport implies that we agree on a need for rules and conventions governing how we can engage in them. Similarly, there is a big difference in ritualized and non-ritualized conflict resolution behavior in dogs. Hard stares, growling, snarling, snapping and biting without maiming force are the “legal” conflict resolution behaviors in dog society. There are ways for dogs to settle conflicts – to say “back off!” if you will – without the high price to all participants of flat-out uninhibited aggression. Dogs are equipped with maim-force jaws, capable of crushing bone and tearing flesh. They carry these heavy weapons with them at all times, yet have managed to not self-annihilate as a species, in spite of lots of arguing about bones, mates, and carcasses. The reason is a long history of selection for well-developed ritualization. The following are components of ritualized aggression in dogs. They communicate the internal state and willingness to guard to the approaching threat, and advertise agonistic capability (“See these teeth? Hear this big growl? I’d be a formidable opponent in a fight…”), Accelerated consumption is specific to warning competitors away from resources: the rest are used in all types of “back off” situations. 1) Freezing Up. Also called “hard-eyeing”, a glassy-eyed stare accompanies a cessation of activity. If the dog was chewing, he stops chewing. If the dog was eating, he stops eating. The stare is oblique, rarely directly at the approaching threat. Owners may report the hard, detached, spaced out looking expression, mistaking it for some sort of seizure. 2) Accelerated Consumption. In contrast to a cessation of consumption, acceleration is just that: if the dog was eating, he starts eating faster, almost punching at the food. If the dog was chewing, he starts chewing faster and more intensely. 3) Growl. The low, steady and ominous rumbling that dogs are capable of emanating can be on its own or simultaneous with other threats. 4) Snarl. Exposing the teeth by vertically retracting the lips may also occur before, after, or simultaneous to other threat signals. Each dog’s style of delivering protracted warning may differ. 5) Snap. A snap is an air-bite – dog deliberately misses. People frequently report that a dog tried to bite them but missed or else they were able to move away quickly enough. This is unlikely, as a geriatric, couch-potato dog has a reaction time better than an Olympic athlete, When dogs intend to bite, they bite. When they intend to snap, they snap. 6) Inhibited Bite. When a dog bites and no damage is done, the dog is said to have a good acquired bite inhibition or a “soft” or “good” mouth. It has been speculated that this capability of biting without damage is acquired prior to 4 months of age through the mechanism of free-play with other puppies. Puppies need feedback in the form of play interruptions for overly hard biting, but their jaws are too weak to cause pain with pressure alone. Hence the sharp teeth. For detailed information in installing soft mouth in puppies, read Ian Dunbar’s How to Teach a New Dog Old Tricks or his other superb books on puppy training. Next month: what to do when dogs argue. |
PADZ Proudly
Presents November 22nd, 6:30 pm Hear Dr. Dennis Fetko, the host of the popular nationally syndicated radio show “Dr. Dog Talking Animals” as he shares his insights on dog behavior and answers questions from the audience. What they say about Dr. Dog: There will be a short PADZ membership meeting before the talk by Dr. Dog. Call 760-753-6347 for more information. Encinitas Holiday Parade “A Sparkling Season of Peace” We’ll delight the crowd with our furry angels, and show support for dog parks in our community. To express this year’s theme we’re hoping for angel wings, halos, little white lights, and sparkles. We plan to have t-shirts or sweatshirts made for the parade. We’ll have information at Orpheus Park about ordering your size, or email padz@adelphia.net Looking for supplies to decorate your pooch? Big Lots, Michaels, Wal-Mart, and Value Craft have affordable selections. Battery operated christmas lights can be wound around your dog’s leash or harness. Holiday theme fabric can be used to make a neckerchief or cape for your dog. Want to make a simple jacket for your dog - it’ll look great with the dog's name on the side (and the dogs love it when the crowd calls out their name!). Find Simplicity pattern #9520 at Yardage Town. Updates on the parade will be posted at Orpheus Park as the date approaches. A Message from the Chair You can help! Write to local newspapers and politicians. Attend municipal meetings when dog parks are being discussed. Help educate fellow park users on dog park etiquette.
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