Reactive vs. Aggressive: Understanding the Difference and Why It Matters

Do you suspect your dog may be reactive? Do you find yourself dreading walks or feeling anxious about social situations because of your dog’s behaviour? If so, you’re not alone!

Many dog owners face the challenges of reactivity, myself included.

It’s important to understand that reactivity is not the same as aggression. While both can involve unwanted behaviours, they start with very different underlying causes. Understanding the difference can help you work through these big feelings and challenges with your dog, improving their quality of life.

In this post, I’ll break down the key differences between reactivity and aggression and explore why you need to understand this distinction. I’ll also provide practical tips to help you manage your reactive pup and build a stronger bond with your best friend.

What is Reactivity?

Reactivity refers to when a dog reacts strongly or “overreacts” to specific triggers. These reactions could be based on any strong emotion, including fear, anxiety, frustration, and even excitement.

When a dog reacts, they are experiencing BIG feelings and don’t know where or how to express them.

For example, my dog Lucifer is fear-reactive to unfamiliar men. When he sees one, he may growl and bark to create distance, but not because he wants to hurt anyone – he feels afraid and threatened and acts out to try to protect himself.

Alternatively, a dog that is super excited at the site of other dogs could exhibit unwanted behaviours like jumping, barking, and lunging on the leash.

In this example, the dog doesn’t want to attack the other dog. They are just super excited and don’t know how to express that excitement in a healthy way.

Some common triggers for reactive behaviour include:

• Other dogs or animals
• Unfamiliar people
• Familiar people (excitement)
• Specific characteristics (like anyone wearing a hat)
• Fast-moving objects (such as cars and bikes)

What is Aggression?

Aggression is a specific set of behaviours dogs use to intimidate, threaten, or harm others, including animals and people.

These behaviours are usually triggered by a desire to control a situation or a resource.

Examples of aggressive behaviour include:

• Resource Guarding: Protecting food, toys, or even specific people from others
• Territorial Aggression: Defending their “territory” from perceived intruders
• Maternal Aggression: Aggression shown by mother dogs protecting their puppies
• Predatory Aggression: Stalking, chasing and biting with intent to harm their prey

Aggressive behaviour can be scary, especially if this is the first time you have seen your dog act this way. However, the first step to addressing the problem is identifying the underlying reason.

The Key Difference Between Reactivity and Aggression

The most significant difference between reactivity and aggression is the underlying cause.

Reactive dogs act out of big feelings – fear, anxiety, excitement. These feelings are overwhelming, causing them to spill out with behaviours that may not be considered ideal.

A reactive dog may exhibit behaviours that appear to be aggressive, but their intention at that moment is to protect themselves, not to harm.

Aggressive dogs, on the other hand, typically act out of intent. They intend to cause harm or create fear to control a situation.

Why it Matters: Challenging the Stigma

Unfortunately, reactive dogs are often judged based on an outdated negative stigma. They may be labelled as “aggressive” or “bad dogs,” leading to fear, frustration, and even abandonment. We can help others understand and empathize with their behaviour by recognizing and raising awareness about this stigma.

After all, as we often say here on Lucifer’s site: Reactive dogs are good dogs, too!

This starts with remembering that reactivity is not a character flaw. For dogs struggling with reactivity, this behavioural issue can often be addressed with patience, understanding, and appropriate training.

We can create a more compassionate and informed community for reactive dogs and their parents by challenging this stigma and promoting proper education.

Tips for Handling a Reactive Dog

Living with a reactive dog can be challenging, even on the best days. We understand and face this same struggle ourselves with Lucifer.

But you can help your best friend manage their emotions and reduce reactivity with a few minor changes to your training approach and daily routine.

Here are some tips to help you navigate this journey:

1. Learn How to Effectively Manage Your Dog’s Triggers

Even if you are taking steps to help your dog overcome their reactivity issues, you must consider how to manage their triggers here and now. This means identifying the specific situations or stimuli that trigger a response.

Try to avoid situations likely to provoke your dog’s anxiety and reactivity when possible.

For example, if you have a dog who is afraid of men he hasn’t met before, it may be best to avoid situations where he is expected to be around people without a proper introduction first.

However, complete avoidance isn’t always feasible. In these situations, try to create a situation where your dog can be gradually exposed in a controlled setting, helping them develop coping mechanisms and reduce their anxiety (aka counterconditioning).

2. Positive Reinforcement Training

We are strong advocates for positive reinforcement training. Why? Introducing punishments or aversives can worsen the situation when you have a dog who is anxious and scared of the world around them.

By rewarding calm and relaxed behaviour, you can reinforce positive associations and encourage your dog to choose calmer responses.

This allows you to focus on building trust and a strong bond with your dog, creating a solid foundation for a loving, comforting, and secure relationship for the rest of your lives together.

Constantly rewarding desired behaviours will help your dog learn to associate positive experiences with the situations that previously triggered their fear or anxiety.

3. Create a Calm and Low-Stress Environment

One way to minimize your dog’s stress and anxiety is to maintain a calm and low-key environment both at home and on the go.

Many dogs respond negatively to overly enthusiastic greetings or sudden movements, even if the person behind them means well. Instead, work with friends and family to focus on gentle handling and use a soft, soothing tone of voice.

Create a quiet and secure space where your dog can retreat when feeling overwhelmed.

Having a safe haven can help your dog feel calm and protected, reducing their overall stress levels, which is key for helping a reactive dog feel secure in the world.

4. Consider Consulting a Professional

Seeking professional help to support your reactive dog is a crucial step in effectively managing their triggers and, ultimately, setting them up for success.

They can help you understand how to leverage counterconditioning techniques to help your dog overcome their struggles.

A Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT) can provide tailored advice and training strategies. For more complex cases, a veterinary behaviourist can offer support and guidance.

5. Medication (if Necessary)

While behavioural training and management techniques are often highly effective, in some cases, medication may be necessary to best manage anxiety and reactivity.

If you’re considering medication for your dog, you’re not alone!

Many reactive dog parents have found that medication can be a complete game-changer. But be sure to consult with your veterinarian.

They can assess your dog’s specific needs and recommend appropriate medications, if necessary.

Final Thoughts: Reactivity vs Aggression

Reactivity is a common issue. If you’re struggling to navigate the world ahead with your reactive pup, you’re not alone!

With patience, understanding, and the right approach, you can help your dog overcome these challenges.

By familiarizing yourself with the difference between reactivity and aggression, implementing positive reinforcement training, and seeking professional guidance, you can create a happier and more fulfilling life for both you and your pup.

Don’t hesitate to contact a qualified dog trainer or behaviourist for personalized advice and support. Together, we can help reactive dogs thrive and break the negative stigma associated with their behaviour.