Reactive and aggressive behaviors in dogs are often explained almost exclusively through the lens of fear. While fear-based reactivity and aggression is real and important to understand, it is not the only pathway that leads to responses such as barking, lunging, charging, running fence lines, growling, snapping, or biting. Many dogs display intense, persistent, or confrontational behaviors for reasons that are not rooted in fear, and applying a fear-based framework in these cases can result in the implementation of ineffective training strategies, unfair expectations, limited progress, and frustration for both dogs and their humans. This webinar explores aggression and reactivity in dogs when fear is not the primary driver. We will examine behaviors that are preference-driven, innately reinforcing, and/or shaped by genetic selection, including alerting behaviors, guarding and territorial responses, prey-driven and movement-triggered reactions, genetic intolerance of other dogs, and autonomy-based intolerance of handling or personal space violations. We will also address excitement-driven behaviors and clarify how positive valence high arousal can shift into frustration and redirected aggression when access to a desired outcome is blocked. A key focus of this webinar is understanding why some dogs find behaviors such as barking, posturing, chasing, or engaging in altercations, intrinsically reinforcing, and why performing alternative behaviors can require significant mental effort even when those skills are well trained. We will discuss how behavior becomes habitual through repetition, how reinforcement history shapes responses, and why not all intense behavior reflects emotional dysregulation. We will discuss how to distinguish between fear-based responses, preference-driven fixation, intense frustration, and boundary-driven intolerance, and why these distinctions matter when choosing training and management strategies. Topics include ethical use of interruption, the role of structure and trained alternative behaviors, realistic expectations around tolerance versus enjoyment, the importance of meeting innate needs through appropriate outlets, and the added complexity of working within multi-dog households where arousal and behavior can rapidly escalate. This webinar is designed for anyone wanting a clearer, more nuanced framework for understanding complex behaviors. The emphasis throughout is on safety, fairness, and practical strategies that are effective while respecting both canine needs and real-world constraints.

Presenter: Sharon Carroll

WEBSITE LINK:  https://www.fenzidogsportsacademy.com/index.php/self-study/webinars