Free Tips on What to do When a Dog Acts Fearfully Aggressive

For this Omaha dog training session we were called in to work with Atlas a 1 year-old Australian Shepherd. This sweet dog acts fearfully aggressive around new people.

Knowing that Atlas had bit a few people, I tried to set up a positive greeting by using a few dog behaviorist tricks. However, it quickly became apparent that Atlas was too upset to have a successful meeting.

When you are trying to rehabilitate an aggressive dog, they can be very reactive. We call this above-threshold, basically a dog version of being hysterical. When a dog is above threshold, they aren’t going to hear or learn anything. An above threshold dog is one who will be most prone to biting.

Are Australian Shepherds Aggressive?

Australian Shepherds are usually not aggressive. However, they can have strong herding instincts.

They may also be protective of their families and territory. They are known for being loyal, smart, and loving. This makes them great companions for kids and other pets.

Aussies are eager to please and easy to train. However, their herding instincts may cause them to “herd” smaller children and other animals.

Aussies are protective and will alert you if strangers approach, but they are typically reserved rather than shy. Behavior issues in dogs can stem from various factors, including genetics, environment, and individual temperament. Most aggression arises from fear or anxiety rather than a desire to harm.

Aussies can also experience anxiety, often due to their attentive nature and desire for control. If they sense disruptions or lack stimulation, they may become anxious. Proper socialization as puppies is crucial, as a lack of it can lead to fear of unfamiliar people or dogs.

Signs of anxiety in Australian Shepherds include aggression, destruction, and pacing. Other signs are restlessness, panting, trembling, and drooling.

They may also withdraw from their owners or hide. You might notice a low or tucked tail, ears pinned back, and dilated eyes with visible whites. While these lively dogs may begin to calm down around two years old, some may take longer to settle.

Why a Dog Acts Fearfully Aggressive?

Fear aggression in dogs occurs when they feel scared and believe they need to protect themselves. Punishing a scared dog can make things worse. It can increase their fear and lead to more aggressive behavior. This creates a harmful cycle.

There are several reasons a dog might exhibit fear aggression. Past experiences, such as abuse or abandonment, can lead to defensive behaviors.

Changes in the environment can lead to anxiety and aggression. This includes moving to a new home. It also includes getting a new baby or pet.

Also, dogs that were not well socialized as puppies may have trouble communicating with others. This can lead to fear and aggression. Punishment, such as using choke or prong collars, can further instill fear and increase aggressive responses.

Pain can make a dog react with fear or aggression. Genetics may also make some dogs respond fearfully in certain situations. When a dog feels threatened, it usually tries to escape. If it cannot escape, it may become aggressive to make the threat go away.

In Atlas’ case, I believe he is insecure or fearfully reactive. You could see he was twitchy and stiff in the above video; classic signs of stress and anxiety in dogs.

We put Atlas in his room and I conducted the rest of the session with his guardians. They are going to be in the best position to get him started on the road to recovery.

We talked about the importance of rules and structure. We also discussed how to pet with a purpose. Finally, we covered how to reward good behaviors through passive training.

I asked the guardians to apply several changes we discussed in this dog training session. They should start these changes over the next month to improve the leader-follower dynamic. This should help reduce Atlas’s anxiety.

It will also allow him to do some BAT training. This training will help him learn new social skills. He will find ways to express himself without being aggressive.

We filmed a roadmap to success video to help the guardians remember all the dog psychology tips we covered in today’s session. Check out the free training video below.