Rethinking Aggression: The Science Beyond Labels

Chirag Patel brings his decades of behavior expertise to unpack the complex topic of aggression in dogs, exploring why labels are less useful than understanding behavioral function and how human-centered perspectives often complicate our work.• Defining aggression as subjective – what falls under this label depends on the observer's learning history and context• Looking beyond topography (what behavior looks like) to examine the function that behavior serves• Understanding emotions as part of contingencies rather than as explanations for behavior• How classical and operant conditioning work together rather than as separate processes• The importance of functional assessment in determining what maintains unwanted behavior• Moving past simplistic "body language" interpretations to analyze behavioral contingencies• How caregiver behavior influences dogs through reinforcement contingencies• Ethical considerations in behavior change strategies for aggression cases• The future of dog behavior work combining behavior science with new technologiesCHIRAG'S SITE:https://www.chiragpatelconsulting.com/Learn more about options for help for dogs with aggression here:AggressiveDog.comLearn more about the CANIS Conference here:CANIS ConferenceSubscribe to the bonus episodes available here:The Bitey End of the Dog Bonus EpisodesCheck out all of our webinars, courses, and educational content here:Webinars, courses, and more!