	AllExperts > Canine Behavior
	Search

About Christine (Chris) Vassonei, APDT
Expertise

I have NO MEDICAL background. If your question pertains to a physical concern about your dog -- that is, you think your dog may be sick, whelping problems, trouble breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive urination, excessive drinking, heavy drooling, unexplained physical symptoms of ANY kind, etc -- YOU NEED TO GET OFF THE COMPUTER AND CALL YOUR VET IMMEDIATELY. DO NOT WASTE TIME WAITING FOR AN EMAIL RESPONSE!!! Your dog could be having a medical crisis!
I answer questions pertaining to training of all kinds, behavior, grooming,etc. I am qualified to address questions regarding basic training issues; crate training, housebreaking, behavior management tools, basic obedience skills. You may be interested in visiting: http://bad-dog-good-dog.blogspot.com/ www.housecalls-dogtraining.com

Experience
Have been a trainer for over 10 years, both in private in-home sessions and in classroom situations. Have participated in obedience with my golden, titling her with a Companion Dog title. Am currently serving as an "expert" in the Golden Retriever and Dog Training categories. Active in golden retriever rescue.

Organizations
APDT (Association of Pet Dog Trainers)

Education/Credentials
On the job training for several years as instructor for Puppy and Behavior classes for the Humane Society of Missouri. I have also learned a great deal about canine body language by watching my own two dogs.

You are here: Experts > Animals/Pets > Dogs > Canine Behavior > dogs

Canine Behavior - dogs

Expert: Christine (Chris) Vassonei, APDT - 11/3/2009

Question
I have two 5 month old male staffordshire bull terriers brothers who I have been told will fight is this true if so is there anything I can do now to help

Answer
My suggestion would be to neuter them both. Here in America, this breed is one of the "bully" breeds generically referred to as "pit bulls."

Neutering will do a lot to diffuse any problems based on testosterone levels. When owning more than one dog, I feel there is always the POTENTIAL for doggie disagreements, from something as simple as both wanting the same bone or toy. That kind of fighting in my opinion is a natural form of behavior or communication between animals.

The kind of fighting the pit bulls have been associated with, I believe, is a LEARNED behavior. The dogs are encouraged to be vicious and punished when they are not.

If you bring your two dogs up with love and gentleness, I think you will be doing a lot to avoid conflicts between them.

Here are some articles that I hope will be helpful:

http://www.ddfl.org/behavior/canine-rivalry.pdf
http://www.marinhumanesociety.org/Behavior/Handouts/PreventingAggression.pdf
http://www.marinhumanesociety.org/Behavior/Handouts/BreakingupDogFights.pdf
http://www.marinhumanesociety.org/Behavior/Handouts/CanineConfrontations.pdf
http://www.marinhumanesociety.org/Behavior/Handouts/MultipleDogs.pdf

http://www.billfoundation.org/html/modifying_behavior.html
http://www.marinhumanesociety.org/behavior/Handouts/TreatsConsequences.pdf

http://www.marinhumanesociety.org/Behavior/Handouts/PEP.pdf
http://www.ddfl.org/behavior/nilif.pdf
http://www.ddfl.org/behavior/educated-dog.pdf

Ask a Question