Canine Aggression and Anxiety - How Cognitive Dissonance Affects Dog Behavior

08/29/23 • 15 min

Dog behaviors associated with aggression and anxiety are caused by many factors, of which cognitive dissonance is rarely discussed, yet has a profound impact, in particular with adolescent and adult dogs, while, perhaps surprisingly, upbringing is not a differentiating factor.
This episode covers what it is, common signs/behaviors including examples, what NOT to do - and most importantly, why, and why CCBT is so effective in addressing behaviors stemming from cognitive dissonance.
As always, I appreciate your support, questions, feedback. Please feel free to share to help other professionals, pet parents and dogs.
If your dog is reactive, nervous, fearful, experiencing change in behavior, or acting unpredictable, I recommend this episode as a starting place.
Links mentioned in episode.
Linktree to all my interviews, articles and presentations
Billie Groom - UPWARD Dogology | Instagram, Facebook | Linktree
Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine Conference 2023 Presentation
2023ASVMConf.mp4 - Google Drive

Find all the episodes on Feedspot, where Dog Training DisrUPted is rated in the top 5 shows in the dog category in Canada: https://blog.feedspot.com/canadian_dog_podcasts/
To become a certified Canine CBT Psychotherapist, and for courses on related topics, please visit the Institute of Canine Psychotherapy.
www.instituteofcaninepsychotherapy.com
Become a Certified Canine Behaviorist and Dog Trainer
My Linktree with all my media, presentations, shows, articles
Billie Groom - UPWARD Dogology | Instagram, Facebook | Linktree
Here is the link to the recent article in Psychology Today Mag by Marc Bekoff on Canine CBT
Dog Training: Perception, Cognition, and Emotions | Psychology Today
Buy My Book! Winner of the 2019 American Best Book Fest Award (pets/narrative/non-fiction)
The Art of Urban People With Adopted and Rescued Dogs Methodology: Rescued Dogs: The Misunderstood Breed: Groom, Billie: 9781525547287: Books - Amazon.ca

Previous Episode

Comparing Humans and Dogs in Applying Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

David Roberts, Licensed Master Social Worker, is an expert in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and has extensive personal experience, claiming "it played a major role in saving my life after my daughter died at the age of 18."
Dave and I dive deep into what CBT is and use comparative examples in human and dog behavior and rehabilitation. We discuss the role of mindset, perception, habits, and cognitive appraisal in making decisions. We discuss the difference between CBT and Counter Conditioning, and why CBT is so effective with dogs in different life stages, as with humans. We discuss the benefits of methods not requiring the stimuli to be present or relying on rewards.
This episode is sure to inspire, allowing you to see your dog's behavior in a new light.
[email protected]
Podcast - The Teaching Journeys Podcast | Podcast on Spotify
Book:
When The Psychology Professor Met The Minister: How the woman on the corner of Hunter and Whittier permanently transformed one academic’s worldview. eBook : Roberts, Dave, Furino, Patty: Amazon.ca: Kindle Store
Big thanks to Open Strum for donating the music clips! Open Strum is a huge supporter of rescue pets. They provide creative programs for children and youths to become involved in animal welfare and encourage respect for all living species.
Open Strum | Facebook
And thanks to The Jeff Mertick Band for the opening clip Facebook

Next Episode

The Connection Between the Canine-Guardian Bond and Dog Behavior

In this episode, I read my scientific paper from my PhD course (Cognition, Emotion to Improve Animal Welfare - Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences).
No scientific knowledge or prep required. I discuss canine enrichment, street dogs, adolescent dogs, and the guardian-canine bond to bring to light the benefits of human-based approaches, such as Flow, Cognitive Enrichment, and CBT meet the needs of pet parents and dogs.
ABSTRACT - "The aim of this paper is to highlight the connection between cognitive processes, affected states (primarily in relation to the guardian-canine bond), and behavior to explore the effects of these factors on the welfare of domestic dogs. I begin by presenting the proven benefits, as well as the limitations, of enrichment activities and training programs. I discuss the importance of stimulating cognitive functions and establishing the guardian-canine bond to prevent and address behaviors leading to surrender, euthanasia, and the implementation of aversive measures, and refer to studies to highlight the benefits of further research into factors affecting behavior. I then move beyond enrichment and the discussion of positive verses negative conditioning methods to introduce strategies borrowed from the human world to heighten cognitive stimulation, enhance bonding, and address behavioral issues as potential suggestions for future exploration to improve the welfare of domestic dogs."
For a pdf copy of the paper with citations and links to referenced studies, please email me at [email protected] Thank you