Providing clarity and support at critical and challenging times in your dogs life. Kind. Ethical. Member of the APDT.
25/02/2025
“Do you want to see what Fluffy does when I...?”
No, we don't need to! While it’s a common assumption that trainers or behavior consultants need to witness aggression firsthand, a well-trained professional can assess a case without putting anyone at risk.
Here’s why seeing aggression isn’t necessary:
1️⃣Historical Patterns Tell the Story
A detailed history—gathered through interviews, observations, and past incidents—paints a clear picture of what’s happening. A skilled consultant will ask the right questions to identify triggers, patterns, and antecedents that contribute to aggression.
2️⃣Recreating Aggression is Dangerous
Intentionally provoking aggressive behavior can create reinforcement loops, where the dog practices the behavior and learns that aggression "works." Worse, it can escalate the response, making things more severe over time.
3️⃣Behavior is Predictable When You Understand Triggers
Instead of waiting for aggression to happen, a behavior consultant will analyze:
✅ Past incidents (when and where the aggression has occurred).
✅ The dog’s body language before an escalation.
✅ Environmental triggers and stress factors.
✅ What the dog does instead of being aggressive (avoidance, freezing, tension).
4️⃣Real-World Context Matters More Than a Single Moment
Aggression isn’t just about what happens in a session—it’s about what happens daily in the dog’s environment. A consultant will assess:
- The home setup and routines.
- How the dog interacts with family members.
- What management strategies are already in place.
What Should a Trainer or Consultant Do Instead?
A behavior consultant will work with you to set up a safe, structured training plan without exposing anyone to unnecessary risks. They will observe behavior without escalating it and provide solutions that address the root cause rather than the symptom.
A good detective doesn’t ask a suspect to commit the crime again—they gather evidence to understand what happened. The same applies to aggression cases.
