Behaviour Terms
Aggression
Behaviour that creates distance, stops interaction, or threatens or causes harm.
In Review — Pending Editorial ApprovalWhat It Means in Practice
Aggression can include growling, snarling, snapping, biting, and charging. It describes behaviour, not a complete identity or moral judgment.
What It Does Not Always Mean
Aggression does not mean the dog is bad, dangerous, or beyond help. It describes behaviour that serves a function — often creating distance or stopping an unwanted interaction.
Why Context Matters
Aggression can be motivated by fear, pain, resource guarding, territorial defence, or other factors. The motivation affects how it should be addressed. Professional guidance is strongly recommended.
Commonly Confused With
Reactivity
Reactivity is an over-response, often fear-based. Aggression involves intent to threaten, create distance, or harm.
Resource Guarding
Resource guarding is context-specific behaviour around valued items. Aggression is broader.
Examples
- 1A dog growls when a stranger approaches too closely, creating distance.
- 2A dog snaps when another dog approaches their food bowl.