Episode 120: Major Biden and the Emotional Sink with Sarah Heath

Three-year old German Shepherd dog Major Biden is in the news again after a second ‘nipping’ incident that occurred in the White House. Having spent some time back in his home in Delaware to decompress and receive some training after the first nipping incident, Major returned to the White House. But a week or so later the spotlight is on Major again after another incident. What can be done to help him adapt to his new life and why is obedience training not the answer?

Veterinary Behaviorist Sarah Heath speaks with Victoria about how a dog’s emotional needs must come first when devising programs to help them acclimate to overwhelming situations and environments. Sarah and Victoria explore:

• What we know about Major Biden’s background and time at the White House.
• Is obedience training the best response to a dog that has difficulty in a new environment?
• What are the best questions to ask about unexpected nipping or biting?
• The links between context, motivation, discomfort, pain, emotion, and behavior.
• How do two emotional drivers—engaging and protecting—influence dog behavior?
• How does a dog’s self confidence affect the ability to cope with a challenging environment?
• How the analogy of “emotional sink” helps explain a dog’s internal emotional and physical state.
• Getting the full context for behavior before identifying the best options for treatment.

Sarah joins Victoria’s Dog Behavior Conference, April 16 to 18, to talk about spay and neuter.