Doggone bloopers - which canine behaviours cause the most complaints and what makes dogs behave that way.

Graeme Adams

Abstract

Dogs understand the world in a very different way from people. Much of dogs' behaviour is considered inappropriate by people particularly when conflict arises between the species. The major behaviour problems are aggression, especially dominance aggression, barking and the destructive behaviours of digging and chewing. Many of these inappropriate behaviours occur because of our misunderstanding of the instinctive behavioural needs of the dog in our quest for the companionship and protection they provide.

About the author

Dr. Graham J. Adams, BSc, GradDipEd, PhD, MAIBio, Appl Anml Behav.

H.A.B.I.T.S. Pty. Ltd

1 Olding Street

Melville WA 6156

Graham has had a passionate interest in the behaviour of animals all his life. This fascination led him to formal studies at the Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia where he completed a BSc 'majoring' in Biological Sciences followed by a Graduate Diploma of Education. Graham's early research, focused on stress related problems in dogs and their aggression towards people. He went on to complete a PhD at the School of Veterinary Studies at Murdoch University. His thesis was titles 'Nocturnal behavior of the domestic dog canis familiaris'. In 1993, in recognition of his research Graham was elected to full membership of the Australian Institute of Biology. In 1997 Graham was the first Australian to be recognised as a certified Applied Animal Behaviourist by the international body, the Animal Behaviour Society.

Graham has had his research on dog behaviour published in distinguished scientific journals both nationally and internationally. he has appeared many times on TV current affairs and science shows together with talk back radio programs. Formerly Graham was the Executive Director of Continuing Veterinary Education at Murdoch University. Now Graham is the principal director of H.A.B.I.T.S. which is a referral practice 'providing solutions for difficult animal behavior problems'. As well as consulting to individual animal owners, the legal profession and government, Graham conducts professional training seminars for veterinarians, veterinary nurses, council rangers and health care workers.

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