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:

behavior

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Aggression

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Reactivity

Anxiety & Fear

Separation Anxiety

Definition:

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.

Can Look Like:

  • staring

  • whining

  • barking

  • lunging

  • snapping

  • snarling

  • shaking

  • drooling

Sources:

Definition:

  • 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

Behaviors ex

Sources: