Is My Dog Reactive or Aggressive?

Dogs exhibit signals of discomfort in a variety of ways.  A few examples could include looking away, leaning backwards, or stiffening. The problem is often these signals are overlooked, so a dog escalates their communication by snapping, lunging, growling and sometimes even biting. 

Desperate to get relief and answers to their pet’s concerning behavior many pet guardians say, “My dog is aggressive.  What can I do to fix this?”  My go to response is to ask them to describe the circumstances in which their dog exhibits the unwanted behavior. 

Even though people are quick to label a dog as aggressive, it is more likely a dog is reactive because true aggression isn’t very common.  So, what’s the difference between the two terms? Reactivity is an inappropriate behavioral response; whereas aggression involves an intend to harm.  And just to complicate things reactivity and aggression are not mutually exclusive.

Rather than get bogged down in nuance, I prefer to call dogs with over-the-top responses to triggers like new dogs, loud noises, strangers, runners, wildlife, etc., as “dogs with big feelings” or “spicy dogs”.  From a behavior analysis perspective, understanding the dog’s motivation  i.e. fear, frustration or excitement is important.  Moreover, my preferred labels provide the compassion these pet guardians deserve for their “spicy dogs” which are highly intelligent, affectionate with those they trust, and beloved.

Understanding the Your Dogs Reactivity

The reason why your dog reacts the way they do makes a world of difference in how you are able to support and advocate for them. The L.E.G.S framework developed by Kim Brophey provides insight into what influences behavior. 

• Learning -  Our dogs do what works because behaviors that rewarded get repeated. For example, if the shy dog growls when a new family friend reaches in their direction, and the person moves away, the shy dog is rewarded for the growly behavior.

• Environment- Your home, your lifestyle and your family influence how your dog feels about the world around them.

• Genetics- Our dogs were specifically bred to do jobs like herd, hunt, guard and companionship.  Your dog may frequently demonstrate this instinct whether the situation calls for it, or not. Real life examples include the herder that nips at their owners’ ankles, a retriever that chases wildlife, a toy dog that panics when their owners leave, a guard dog that won’t allow guests in the home

• Self-  If your dog suddenly exhibits concerning behavior schedule checkup with their vet to rule out pain as the cause for the unusual behavior.

What Dog Owners with Reactive Dogs Can Do

From dog parks to pet-friendly pubs and restaurants dogs are a big part American culture. As a devoted dog guardian,  you may feel like you and your “dog with big feelings” are missing out. The truth is most dogs are content to relax at home rather than endure crowded dining spaces or challenging encounters with unruly pups.

Do yourself a favor!  Release any negative emotions (like frustration or embarrassment) surrounding your dog's challenging behavior and the judgmental stares or unsolicited advice you've endured. It's emotionally draining to see your dog in distress, and constantly being on the lookout for potential triggers is tiring. Feeling overwhelmed is completely natural when you're unsure how to best support your “spicy dog”. Fortunately, you don't have to tackle this alone - help is available.

How to Find Help for your Reactive Dog

When looking for a dog trainer, choose one who is certified  CCPT-KA or CCBT and is experienced using positive reinforcement to address reactivity.  (Hiring a trainer isn’t as simple as searching for one near you, so read our tips on “How to Hire a Pet Dog Trainer”).  Avoid dog trainers who rely on quick fixes using tools like prong collars and E-collars. These methods may suppress behavior temporarily, but they don't tackle the underlying reasons for your dog's actions. Living in fear of punishment is stressful for your pet and may lead to unintended consequences such as increased reactivity and misdirected bites.

Getting Started with Behavior Modification Training

An introduction to behavior modification begins with a detailed questionnaire to understand your more about your dog’s L.E.G.S – from family and medical history to daily life and training experiences.  During the initial meeting your trainer or behaviorist will observe how you interact with your dog, your dog’s body language, and their stress levels.

Additionally, the training goals you have for your dog and possible outcomes will be discussed.  Because safety is a top priority, your trainer will outline management strategies to prevent the rehearsal of unwanted behaviors.

If your dog's reactivity or aggression requires extra help, a certified board veterinary behaviorist may be recommended. Just like humans, some dogs may benefit from medication to lessen their anxieties giving them the ability to learn and ultimately improve their overall well-being. Just keep in mind, medication is not a substitute for behavior modification training but rather these two things go hand in hand.

Behavior Modification Training Tips

Helping your dog to become neutral around triggers takes time. Here are 5 essential tips to remember while undertaking a behavior modification program.

1.     There are no quick fixes for reactive behaviors!

2.     Learn to Speak Dog- Understand how to decode your dog's body language.

3.     Avoid known triggers and get them to a safe space when triggers occur.

4.     Celebrate wins – i.e. like your dog’s ability to take treats in the vicinity of other dogs or staying calm while an unfamiliar person passes by.

5.     Progress is never linear. There will be good days and bad days.

Hope for Your Reactive Dog

As pet guardians of a “dog with feelings”, it is all too easy to feel like you're alone, but that couldn't be further from the truth. With the support and guidance of certified professionals, we can work together as a team towards redefining what's possible for your dog. So, don't give up hope! To learn more about the success others have had with their ”spicy dog”, check our Google reviews.

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