Definitions & labels of behavior vary wildly, and when misunderstood, can cause real harm.
Therefore, we’ve compiled a list of common labels, along with our best understanding of these labels, along with further resources for deeper reading. If you have a question, please ask!
Definitions:
24Aggression
1Reactivity
Anxiety & Fear
Separation Anxiety
behavior
Definition: Behavior with the intent to harm
Can Look Like:
barking
lunging
growling
starling
snapping
staring
tense body
high, stiff tails
slow movements
low, slow wagging tail
Sources:
Definition: Better defined as an overreaction, we define “reactivity” as high arousal behaviors in the presence of other dogs, people, or prey when confined to a leash, fence, or baby gate, with or without the intent to access and with or without the presence of aggression. Dogs may be reactive with the intent to access, to play or to fight, or to escape.
Can Look Like:
staring
whining
barking
lunging
snapping
snarling
shaking
drooling
Sources:
3Definition:
Anxiety: Anticipation of future danger, real or imagined
Fear: Avoidance and active escape from present danger, real or imagined
Can Look Like:
hiding
whining
shaking
urinating & defecating inappropriately
Inappropriate expression of anal glands
running away from the trigger
tense & tight body language:
ears back
tight lips
whale eye (showing whites of the eyes)
tucked tail
hunched back
head down
weight shifted into back legs
Sources:
Definition: Better considered to be separation distress, the dog is excessively worried about and during the guardian’s absence
Can Look Like:
Barking
Whining
Pacing
Urinating & Defecating
Sources:
Behavior is a state, not a trait.
By reading these definitions, don’t think that these behaviors are an inherent personality trait of your dog. Rather, they best describe the emotional state your dog is in at the time.