How To Know If Your Dog is Reactive or Aggressive

If you have a question, why is your dog barking and lunging on a leash? You are in the right place for the answer. 

Dogs are lovable companions who make our lives enjoyable. They communicate through vocalization and body language, but sometimes, their signals can be misunderstood. 

Even a slightly disturbing behaviour can be termed aggressive. But do you know what motivates your dog to behave this way? 

Maybe, your dog might be scared, frustrated or out to do harm. So, it is important to know the difference between aggression and reactive behaviours so that you can have a strong relationship with your dog.

Here, we will discuss signs of whether your dog is reactive or aggressive so that you can address it quickly by enrolling your dog in dog boarding in Richmond Hill.

Dog Reactivity

Reactivity in dogs is essentially an overreaction to certain stimuli or situations. It is commonly seen when dogs encounter other dogs, strangers, or even unfamiliar objects like bicycles or cars. For reactive dogs, these encounters trigger a response that is often out of proportion to the situation. This can manifest as excessive barking, lunging, or growling.

Reactive behaviour in dogs is often linked to emotions such as fear, frustration, or excitement. For example, a dog may react aggressively when seeing another dog because they are afraid, or they may lunge because they are overly excited and frustrated about not being able to interact. The key difference with reactive dogs is that their behaviour is more emotional than intentional. They may not intend to cause harm but struggle to control their impulses in triggering situations.

Reactive dogs can often improve with proper training and behaviour modification. Addressing reactivity involves teaching the dog how to manage its emotions and providing positive associations with its triggers.

Dog Aggression

On the other hand, dog aggression is marked by intentional behaviour with the aim of causing harm. This may include biting, snapping, or attacking. While aggressive behaviour can also stem from fear or territorial instincts, the difference is that aggressive dogs exhibit these behaviours with the intent of defending themselves, their territory, or asserting dominance.

Aggression in dogs is more severe because it often results in physical harm to other animals, people, or even the dog itself. Aggressive dogs may attack when they feel threatened or want to establish control over a situation or environment.

Aggression typically requires more intense behavioural intervention and, in some cases, the help of a professional trainer or behaviourist. Understanding whether your dog is exhibiting aggression or reactivity is critical for addressing the behaviour safely and effectively.

Signs Your Dog Might Be Reactive

Excessive Barking: One of the most common signs of reactivity is excessive barking in the presence of specific triggers. If your dog barks non-stop when they see other dogs, people, or moving objects, it could indicate reactivity.

  • Lunging and Pulling on the Leash: A reactive dog will often lunge or pull on the leash when they see something that excites or upsets them, such as another dog or a stranger walking by. This behaviour can make walks stressful and difficult to manage.
  • Growling or Showing Teeth: Reactivity can also include aggressive-looking behaviours like growling or baring teeth. While these actions may seem threatening, they are often a result of fear or frustration rather than an intention to harm.
  • Pacing or Restlessness: Some reactive dogs exhibit pacing or signs of restlessness when they are overstimulated. For instance, they may appear uneasy or hyperactive, moving around nervously when in an uncomfortable or overwhelming situation.

Signs Your Dog Might Be Aggressive

  • Biting or Snapping: A clear sign of aggression is biting or snapping at people, animals, or other objects. Unlike reactive dogs that may growl or lunge without the intention of harming, aggressive dogs take action to cause physical harm.
  • Stiff Body Language: Dogs that exhibit aggressive tendencies often have stiff, tense body language. This includes holding their bodies rigid, standing tall, and giving direct, hard stares at their perceived target. This type of posture is meant to be intimidating and is a warning sign that they may attack.
  • Low Growling: Unlike the higher-pitched growls of reactive dogs, aggressive dogs tend to produce deep, low growls. This growl is often a serious warning that the dog is prepared to escalate to biting if the situation continues.
  • Protectiveness of Territory: Aggressive dogs tend to be highly protective of their territory, including their home, yard, or even their owner. If someone or something comes too close to what the dog perceives as “theirs,” they may show signs of aggression such as barking, lunging, or attacking.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between dog reactivity and aggression is crucial for managing your dog’s behaviour effectively. Reactive dogs respond emotionally to triggers due to fear, frustration, or excitement, while aggressive dogs display behaviours with the intent to cause harm. Recognizing the signs, such as excessive barking or stiff body language, can help you address the issue early on. Proper training, behaviour modification, and professional help when necessary can improve your dog’s behaviour, ensuring a safe and positive relationship. Enrolling in a doggy boarding or training facility can further assist in managing these behaviours.

By guestpost013

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