A Very Different Approach to Aggression / “Reactivity”

I don't just ask, “How do we stop the aggression?” I ask, “Why does this dog believe aggression is necessary — and can we change that?”

My approach to aggression is very different from what you'll find with 99.9% of dog trainers.

When a dog is barking, lunging, growling, or has already bitten, most trainers focus almost entirely on how the dog expresses what they're feeling.

My first question is different: Why does this dog feel the need to behave this way?

My goal is to change your dogs mind — not just silence the way he expresses it.

Distraction isn't rehabilitation. And obedience alone isn't rehabilitation either.

For example, say your dog is afraid of men specifically. I'm never satisfied simply because we've taught him to stare at you for a treat while a man walks past.

I want to see whether we can help him reach a genuinely different conclusion. Your dog doesn't need to love men. And a dog-aggressive dog doesn't necessarily need to love other dogs.

Sometimes neutrality is the goal:

“I see you. I'm safe. I don't need to interact with you. But I also don't need to make you leave.”

That's very, very different from a dog who still desperately wants the trigger to disappear but has simply learned that he's no longer allowed to show it.

A dog that looks calm isn't necessarily a dog that feels calm.

That's the distinction too many trainers ignore. And that distinction becomes especially important when the stakes are high.

Some dogs I work with have bitten people or attacked other dogs. Their families may be rearranging their entire lives to prevent another incident. Some are facing the heartbreaking possibility of euthanasia.

Those dogs deserve more than simply being taught to look better around their triggers.

There are no magic fixes. And no responsible trainer should ever promise that every aggressive dog can become completely safe in every situation.

Before giving up on a dog, I believe we owe it to them to understand what's driving the aggression, address the underlying problem, and try to change how they perceive the world—not just silence the symptoms.

I’d love to have the opportunity to help your dog and you, enjoy your time together, find harmony and provide a fulfilling life together!