Now that we have looked at what fear, reactivity, aggression and stress are and what they can do to a dog, it is important to look at the dog and make sure there is not a medical reason that your dog may be acting aggressively.

There are some medical conditions and hormone imbalances that can cause a dog to react more than normal in certain situations. It is important to have a full examination and blood panel, including their thyroid values, done on your dog to rule those out.

Pain is another often overlooked component. Just like humans, when a dog is in pain they are often more irritable and that can cause their fuse to be shorter before they react. It can also cause aggression when they are touched or reached towards. Their personal space bubble with other dogs and humans may vary day-to-day and can feel unpredictable.

Many times it is really hard to know if your dog is experiencing pain as they are masters of hiding it. Often, by the time we are able to see obvious signs of pain (such as stiffness or limping) the pain has been going on for a long time.

This is yet another reason why paying attention to where and when your dog’s reactions are taking place is such an important element in addressing any behavioral issues that are present.

Once you have ruled out any medical reasons for your dog’s behavior, then we can embark on a training & behavior modification plan.