The Fine Line: Understanding Aggression, Dominance, and Territoriality in Dogs
Hi everyone, it’s Kathryn here. After our last blog, "Why Quickly Addressing Your Dog’s Mouthy Behavior Is So Important", I felt it was important to dive deeper into an equally complex topic: the difference between aggression, dominance, and reactivity in dogs. These are terms that get thrown around a lot, but understanding their distinctions is essential when working through behavioral challenges with your dog.
Aggression: Rare but Serious
When people see their dog growl, snap, or lunge, their first thought is often: “My dog is aggressive.” But here’s the thing—true aggression in dogs is actually rare. Aggressive behavior is deliberate and distinctive in that there is an intent to do harm. While it’s a serious issue, most dogs labeled as aggressive are actually exhibiting something else: reactivity, fear, frustration, or even over-adrenalized excitement.
📖 As Cesar Millan wrote in Lessons from the Pack: “A dog’s aggression is not an end state, but a symptom of a deeper issue.”
Aggression, more often than not, stems from unresolved fears or stressors that haven’t been addressed properly, genetics, or deeply ingrained habits.
Reactivity: A Response, Not an Attack
Reactivity is a dog’s heightened response to a stimulus, whether it’s a person, another dog, or a loud noise. This could look like barking, lunging, jumping, or growling, but it’s usually tied to a specific trigger. Dogs react this way because they feel uncomfortable, frustrated, overwhelmed, or unsure of how to handle the situation. Reactivity is not the same as aggression.
📖 In The Culture Clash, Jean Donaldson explains: "Aggression is a normal part of a dog’s communication repertoire. The problem is not aggression itself but misunderstanding or mishandling it."
Take Max, a Border Collie I worked with. Max would bark and lunge at other dogs during walks, and his owners were convinced he was dog aggressive. But Max wasn’t trying to attack—he was scared. By building his confidence and teaching his owners how to redirect his focus, we helped Max overcome his reactivity.
Dominance and Territoriality: Misunderstood Instincts
Another common concern is dominance. Many people think their dog is trying to take over the household when they exhibit certain behaviors. In reality, dominance is often a sign that the dog is unsure of their place in the pack. Dogs thrive with clear boundaries and leadership.
Similarly, territoriality is a natural instinct that can become excessive if not managed. A territorial dog isn’t necessarily aggressive; they’re acting on their instinct to protect their space. With proper training, these behaviors can be addressed.
Experience Over Theory
Here’s where I want to get personal: In my 11 years in the dog training world, I’ve learned that understanding these behaviors takes more than watching YouTube videos or reading books. While those resources can be helpful, they don’t replace hands-on experience. Every dog is different, and working with a variety of breeds, temperaments, and situations has taught me how to truly listen to what a dog is trying to communicate.
This is why professional training is so valuable. It’s not just about teaching commands; it’s about tailoring an approach to your dog’s unique needs. At The EveryDay K9, we focus on customized training programs because we know one-size-fits-all doesn’t work.
Customized Training: Why It Works
Training isn’t just about fixing bad behavior—it’s about building a foundation of trust and understanding between you and your dog. Customized training allows us to:
Address the root cause of the behavior, not just the symptoms.
Create a step-by-step plan tailored to your dog.
Equip you with the tools to continue reinforcing positive behaviors at home.
For example, with Max, we started with desensitization exercises to help him feel more comfortable around other dogs. For other dogs, the approach might involve impulse control exercises or structured walks. It’s never a one-size-fits-all process.
The Bigger Picture
The psychology of dogs is complex, and aggression, dominance, and reactivity are deeply nuanced topics. Honestly, there’s so much to unpack here that it’s impossible to cover everything in one blog. This is why working with a professional is so important. We’re here to guide you through the process, answer your questions, and create a plan that works for your dog.
What’s Next for You and Your Dog?
If you’re dealing with behaviors like growling, snapping, or lunging, here’s what I recommend:
Take Note of Triggers: Observe when and where these behaviors happen. Is it around strangers? Loud noises? Another dog?
Stay Calm: Your dog looks to you for leadership. If you’re stressed, they will be too.
Call a Professional: Don’t try to navigate this alone. With the right help, these behaviors can be addressed, and your dog can thrive.
Let’s Work Together
Aggression, dominance, and reactivity don’t have to define your dog’s story. With the right approach, you can help your dog feel safe, confident, and happy. If you’re ready to take the next step, I’d love to help. Let’s work together to build a stronger bond between you and your dog.
📞 Contact us today to get started.
