Although we don’t work with dog aggression, we have aggression listed on our bio because to the average human can’t tell if the behavior in the animal is truly aggressive or reactive. Even if the dog has bitten before there’s context involved. Was the dog in fear or fear? Was it at the groomer? Is it just barking and lunging on leash? Did the dog bite and draw blood?

We see a lot of reactivity on leash labeled as aggression. In reactivity the dog is possibly growling, barking lunging and even urinating during the behavior. Check out the video below of Xena a 7 year old Dutch Shepherd who had some intense fear based behaviors. She had bitten a stranger that came into her house once and also chased and killed a stray cat. She was able to rehab with Family K9 Training and walk with her owner without lunging and also attend coffee shops. The goal was simple stop the bad behavior and build confidence. She would continue to live without socializing with any dogs except her house mate.

The point is before you put your dog to sleep, find out what you really have in your hands. People are quick to tell you to put down your dog.