Why is your dog aggressive and reactive?

Can we please stop the owner blaming and shaming? Dog aggression and reactivity is complicated. Let's look at two studies that underscore how your dog's behavior can manifest from something that happened to them way before you purchased, adopted or rescued.

[@DF-te2vm]

really nice simple explanation about what may be causing these behaviors in dogs. For me it adds more and more understandings about dogs. It is not our fault ...... but it is not their fault either. More compassion is needed toward our pups. Not feeling sorry for them but finding better ways to help them. I also don't like the word 'training' about these types of things, The thought I have is ...'teach them to adjust' Thanyou

[@EverythingDog]

It's really no one's fault. Dog's are living breathing beings with their own genetics and "baggage" (for lack of a better word) all the owner blaming needs to stop and we need to focus on improving the lives of our dogs and people! When one improves so does the other.

[@dinnykelly6763]

@@EverythingDog thank you for your reply. Last night , after his little carry on, he put himself into his crate as my husband and I got ready for bed. We totally ignored him, turned off light and went to our room. A short time later we heard him quietly move to his sleeping pad outside our bedroom door. I was happy with that , so I’m hoping ignoring him at bedtime will work. I’m trying everything ican think of

[@dinnykelly6763]

This is very interesting. I have a 3 year old German Shepherd how has reactivity and recently aggression. My husband and I love him ,I’ve done obedience with him, he gets walked, we play with him but he is very sensitive to sounds. He also has anxiety at night . No one has been able to explain the night fear. He hates it when we get ready for bed. He bark ferociously when I pack up for the night. Last night he attacked me when I gave him a small treat as I said good night to him I’m at a complete loss

[@EverythingDog]

Wow, this is very interesting indeed. Not the usual form of reactivity and aggression. Until we can dive in deeper, Id suggest a Pre-night pattern BEFORE you start packing up for the night. Ex: a last potty time, then crate him, THEN you start your night routine. There is a chance he'll pick up on this but it's worth a try. Here is the link to register for our upcoming free webinar on dog aggression and reactivity. Even if you can't attend live as long as you register, you will be emailed the recording of the webinar! See you there! denisemazzola.com/dog-aggression-webinar-o/