We have had many discussions on this blog about animal behavior in the last few weeks. The biggest being the "Veterinary Behaviorists Take a Stand Against Cesar Millan" post discussing dog behavior modification techniques.
The discussions were heated; sometimes the message was effective, sometimes it got lost in emotions and controversy. Common threads that emerged were positive training versus dominance training methods and "educated" versus "non-educated" trainers.
Now, in what seems like an extreme "solution" for aggressive dogs, some people have resorted to "canine disarming." Just what is this technique? No, not disarming them with any kind of training. This is literally disarming a dog. Cutting off, cutting out, or grinding down the main canine weapons: their teeth. Ouch. Some dogs are alternately fitted with a canine "mouth guard" to soften the impact of a bite.
The Los Angeles Times first reported about Cotton, a severely aggressive American Eskimo dog who had his teeth cut off to lessen the impact of a bite and... stop this behavior? I don't think so. How will training after the procedure be any more effective than before this procedure? Some may argue that the procedure will save a dog mandated to be euthanized for biting, since at least now it is safer for humans, if not better trained.
The American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC) states that it "endorses crown amputation or extraction of multiple teeth in selected cases, in combination with behavioral modification of dogs and cats that bite." But they also state that: "It must be understood that removal or reduction of teeth as a treatment for canine or feline aggression will not absolutely prevent injury to people or to other animals." Read the full AVDC statement on this procedure.
The Los Angeles Times updated this story yesterday. Cotton's owner, Diane Krieger, reports that "disarming didn't quell his aggressive tendencies -- he still tries to bite strangers who enter her property (particularly men). She believes his bite is less dangerous than it once was, however, and says she will continue to pursue behavior modification to help him overcome the underlying causes of his aggression. "
I found additional information about Cotton's case, the behavior modification techniques (and trainer) they tried, and the follow-up in the LA Times photo gallery Taming Cotton with 'canine disarming'. Interesting.
I wish I knew what additional behavior modification techniques they are trying with Cotton. For that matter, any dog that undergoes this technique. It seems like most will agree, at least in part, that this procedure doesn't solve the underlying problem: why the dog bites. It only lessens, to some degree (a safe degree?) the damage from the bite.
What do you think about this procedure? Is it more humane than ... euthanasia for a dangerous dog that can't be rehabilitated with behavior modification (and possibly medical therapy)? Can every aggressive dog be trained to not bite or be aggressive?
Related Resources:
- The Use of Dominance Theory in Behavior Modification of Animals (PDF)
AVSAB Position Statement - The Dominance Controversy and Cesar Milan
by Sophia Yin DVM
Photo: WolfMan - Naturally worn dog teeth by José Carlos Cortizo Pérez on Flickr
Comments
I love dogs. Have had one or more all my life. BUT, I value humans more. I don’t feel doing this to a dog does much good. Its still agressive and dangerous. The only thing I feel is right is to put this kind of a dog down.
I understand that this is an extreme measure to take, but if the family truly exhausted all behavioral interventions and medication options, and if the pooch is happy most of the time, I think this procedure was the right thing to do, if euthanasia was the only other option. Not all behavioral issues can be resolved, particularly in cases of aggression or anxiety. People drop off their biting dogs in shelters every day. This transfers the “problem” to someone else. Millions of physically healthy dogs are killed each year in our Country. At least this family was willing to do what they thought was necessary to keep their dog alive and in their family.
I agree with Adrienne. Behavior modification is a long, often unsuccesful process. Not everyone has the time or the money to afford this. I think at least this method prevents a serious bitting until the owner of the dog finds a solution to the agressive behavior.
i took a rescue dog who had this done by a vet at the dogs home.
Frankly the dog has sensitive painfull teeth for no reason
Once i took on the dog and treated him properly he was fine
no more agressive than any other german shephard.
Its you who needs training to be a dog owner not the other way round