If your dog sometimes growls, snaps, or lunges, don’t panic — you’re not alone. Many loving, well-meaning dog owners deal with the same thing. The good news? Most aggressive behaviors can be greatly improved — and often eliminated — once you understand what’s triggering your dog in the first place.
Ask yourself:
- Does your dog seem nervous or unsure in certain situations?
- Is that little snarl or air snap a way of pushing back on your authority?
- Could prey drive be kicking in?
- Are the kids getting a little too close for comfort?
- Does your dog bark and lunge at others on leash walks?
If any of these sound familiar, take heart. At Dogwise Obedience, we specialize in identifying what’s really going on behind your dog’s reactions — and then creating a plan to turn things around.
For most types of aggression, there’s a clear and proven process to help your dog learn calmer, safer responses:
- Interrupt the behavior before it escalates.
- Replace aggression with a better, more desirable behavior.
- Reward the good choices.
- Take away the dog’s need to “handle” the trigger on their own.
- Show your dog that you’re part of the solution — not part of the problem.
Why Dogs Become Aggressive
Aggression doesn’t appear out of nowhere. Some common causes include:
- Lack of early socialization: Dogs who weren’t exposed to new people, dogs, or environments as puppies often struggle with confidence later in life.
- Bad past experiences: A dog who’s been frightened or hurt may react aggressively to
protect themselves. - Pushy temperaments: Some dogs naturally test boundaries — especially if they haven’t
had clear leadership or consistent training. - Nervous or anxious personalities: Fearful dogs sometimes act “tough” to make what scares
them go away.
The important thing to remember? Aggression is a communication — not a life sentence. With the right guidance, structure, and consistency, most dogs can learn to trust, relax, and behave safely around people and other dogs.
At Dogwise Obedience, we don’t just correct behavior — we build understanding between you and your dog. Because when you know why your dog reacts the way they do, you can help
them become their best, most confident self.
