Not every dog that looks aggressive is truly aggressive.
Dogs that bark, lunge, or growl behind fences, windows, or even on leash are often mislabeled. What you may actually be seeing is barrier frustration or fear-based behavior. For many dogs, the function is simple:
“If I bark, the stranger goes away.”
Since it works, they repeat it!
These behaviors don’t always stem from aggression. They can be rooted in fear, over-arousal, or even habit. Sometimes we even see side effects like redirection or stress-related responses (even anal gland expression!).
That’s why proper evaluation matters. With the help of our behavioral consultants, we can uncover whether your dog’s reactions are fear-based, frustration-driven, or truly aggressive. From there, we work on desensitization and counter-conditioning to make life calmer and more enjoyable for you and your dog.