The Bitey End of the Dog

Isabel Alvarez Arata  on Pet Life Radio

Episode 44 of Covered in Pet Hair features one of the dog training world's most talented leaders. Michael Shikashio, dog aggression expert, and Isabel discuss the reward Mike yields from helping families that are struggling with their dog's aggressive behavior. As a renowned dog trainer specializing in canine aggression, Mike helps families attain peace with dogs that have a hard time managing the world around them. Aggression is complicated but it's something that a dedicated and knowledgeable trainer can successfully address, given the right tools, consistency, and compassion. Mike is a wealth of knowledge and an advocate for aggressive dogs, hoping to help families heal from the overwhelm and fear of fall-out from their aggressive dog's behavior.

In the episode, Isabel asks Mike all about his work with aggressive dogs in a game she calls "Mike Unmuzzled!" They also talk about muzzling dogs, what types of behaviors call for muzzling, and why it's an important skill for dogs to have. One of Isabel's biggest regrets with her late hound dog, Sox, is failing to muzzle her sooner. Isabel talks about that experience and Michael reassures her that pet parents everywhere experience the same situations and encourages others to give themselves grace as they navigate the challenges of raising reactive and aggressive dogs.

BIO:


Michael Shikashio is an internationally sought after keynote speaker and presenter on the topic of dog aggression at numerous events, conferences, and universities worldwide. He has mentored and presented to thousands of animal professionals in twelve different countries and has been a guest at every major dog training conference in the U.S. and Mexico including the APDT, IAABC, FDSA, Clicker Expo, Victoria Stilwell’s DBC, PPG, CICA, IACP, Owners of Dog Daycares, and The Aggression in Dogs Conferences.