#117 - Training an Aggressive Dog Safely: The Ins and Outs of Protected Contact

In this episode of Enrichment for the Real World, Allie Bender and Emily Strong chat about the use of protected contact including what it is (and no, it isn’t just putting up a gate or a fence), how to adjust your plan based on needs and progress, tips to avoid the temptation to rush, and advice to ensure that you’re not just relying on barriers to prevent a bite—but setting up everyone for success. 

Using a detailed case study of a dog named Archie, Allie and Emily share how his family used different types of protected contact to prioritize safety, maintain relationships, and build new skills without putting anyone at risk. 

⚠️ Important Note: This episode is here to educate and inform, not to replace personalized behavior support. Every individual animal is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. If your pet is showing signs of aggression, we strongly encourage teaming up with a qualified behavior professional who can give you the custom support your unique animal needs.

And pros? If aggression isn’t already in your skillset, don’t wing it based on this episode alone. Get a mentor, get the right training, and do it the right way—for everyone’s safety and well-being.

TLDL (Too Long, Didn’t Listen): 

1️⃣ Barriers Are Tools, Not Guarantees – Don’t assume a setup is safe just because there’s a barrier. Assess for this individual, in this context, with their current skills.
2️⃣ Slow is Smart – Move at the pace of the least comfortable team member (human or animal). Rushing doesn’t get you there faster—it just risks trust and safety.
3️⃣ Protected Contact Isn’t a Free Pass to Flooding – Barriers don’t eliminate stress. If the animal is still over threshold, protected contact alone won’t prevent problems.

Links & Resources from the Episode

🧾 For full episode transcripts: Arial | OpenDyslexic
🎧 #69 - How to Create an Efficient Enrichment Storage System – Because organized enrichment is more sustainable
🎧 #112 - Try It: Teach Your Dog "Find It" From Scratch – A foundational skill to support enrichment and agency
📚 Work Smarter, Not Harder: Visitors – Putting your pet away before the excitement happens can make a world of difference

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