These two behavioral issues are difficult to tell apart as the symptoms of both Aggression and Reactivity are very similar. When you begin to understand the root cause of your dogs behavior you can easily tell the difference.
A reactive dog responds to a stimuli exaggeratedly because they are hyperarousal but typically there is no attempt to cause physical harm. Aggression is triggered by a physiological stress response know as fight or flight that causes an animal to respond in a manner to stop the threat. Typically in a lunge and bite,
Reactive Dogs
Reactivity stems from a state of over stimulation and an inability to respond to a situation or trigger appropriately. Resulting in leash pulling, barking, jumping, etc. Genetics can also factor in whether or not specific breed of dog is prone to reactivity. Many herding and working breeds are prone to reactivity,
Common Behaviors NOT associated with Aggression:
Mouthing/Nipping : Puppies explore the world with their mouths so when they play with other people or dogs it can be perceived as aggression but in most cases its not. When they become overstimulated they tend to nip harder which can disrupt the play session. These nips are not a form of aggression but them having fun, and sometimes overtired. When this behavior happens interrupt and create a calm crate time for them. Remember we teach our dogs what we expect from day one.
Leash Reactivity: These dogs growl, bark or lunge towards triggers that excite, scare or cause nervousness. This behavior is so they can create distance between them and the trigger to feel safer. This is why I highly discourage on leash greetings as everyone is working on something with their dogs and one bad encounter can set dogs back in training.
**if you need help with your dog with either of these mentioned behaviors please contact us today**
Aggressive Behavior
Reactivity can become aggression if warning signs are ignored. The difference is that a aggressive dog will continue to go on with the behaviors even after the trigger is outside the threshold.
A common cause of aggression is fear and discomfort in a situation they feel out of their control. When they are afraid it triggers fight or flight response. Flight is running away Fight is biting typically.
Bites from a fear aggressive dog are quick snaps when the trigger buts guard down
Intentional bites dogs typically “lock” down and shake.
You need to identify your dogs triggers in order to change the behavior pattern.
Signs of Aggression
Showing whites of eyes
Baring Teeth
Growling (DO NOT punish the growl)
Staring directly at you while maintaining stuff position
Tips for Owners of Reactive Dogs
- Reduce exposure to their triggers (Unless working with a professional dog trainer who can properly desensitize your dog)
- Try to have them not practice reactive behaviors, meaning taking them hiking on off times and days with no as much noise
- Avoid areas where dogs go off leash illegally
- DO NOT punish your dog for showing signs of reactivity as it can easily be redirected back to you.
- Use counter conditioning, operant conditioning and positive reinforcement to help change their reaction to the triggers. (Feel free to contact me for some tricks or tips or training)
Tips for Other Dog Owners
- If you see a dog being reactive on the trail, give the dog space and ignore him.
- If your dog is with you and off-leash, call your dog to you or leash them until you pass by. Don’t allow them to run up to other dogs. It’s also best not to make direct eye contact with the reactive dog or allow your dog to stare at it.
- Rapid or erratic motion can set off reactive dogs, so walk calmly with your dog until you are a fair distance away. Do not run.
- Don’t try to pet the dog without asking. If the answer is no, move on.
