For the audio version of these blog posts, tune into the USA Dog Behavior Podcast.

First off, let me say this—if your dog has had an aggressive outburst to other dogs or even humans, you’re not alone. Dogs, just like humans, can have moments of fear, frustration, and overexcitement. In dogs, these moments can sometimes cause unexpected aggressive behaviors like growling, barking, and lunging. The good news? There are steps you can take to manage these situations and make your dog feel more secure in those moments.

I’ve provided you a six-step process to use when you find your dog in one of those situations. Please note that these are intended to just manage the moment; they aren’t a substitute for more focused long-term behavior modification that might be required for your dog.

Step 1: Don’t Overreact

When your dog acts out aggressively, your first instinct might be to yell at them to stop. But here’s the thing—dogs are incredibly perceptive. If you get worked up, it can escalate their stress and make the situation worse. Take a deep breath, and try to stay as calm as possible. Your calm state can help your dog be less stressed.

Step 2: Remove Your Dog from the Situation

If your dog is growling, lunging, or snapping, the priority is to prevent anyone (including your dog) from getting hurt. If you’re out on a walk, calmly create distance between your dog and the trigger. Walk assertively away and avoid jerking the leash. If you’re at home, guide your dog to a quiet, safe space where they are physically separated from the trigger and can decompress.

Step 3: Don’t Punish the Behavior

It’s tempting to scold or punish your dog for acting out, but this can backfire. Aggression is almost always rooted in fear, arousal, and frustration on the part of your dog. Punishing your dog can make them more anxious, making the situation worse.

Step 4: Assess the Situation

Focus on understanding why the behavior happened in the first place. In other words, the root cause. Remember, these acting-out behaviors are only a symptom of a bigger issue, just like with human children. Ask yourself these questions.

Was your dog startled?
What was happening right before the aggression started?
Was your dog feeling threatened?
Was there a specific trigger, like another dog, a stranger, or a loud noise?
Overstimulated?
Fearful?
Has this happened before, or is it a one-time thing?

Understanding the context can help you figure out whether this was a fluke or part of a pattern.

Step 5: Seek Professional Help

If you determine that your dog’s aggression is frequent or severe, it’s a good idea to consult a professional. A dog behaviorist or dog trainer experienced in dog aggression can help you identify the cause of the behavior and create a tailored plan to address it.

Step 6: Focus on Prevention

Preventing aggression starts with keeping your dog a safe distance from things that trigger them. Every time your dog acts out, it’s another “rep” (repetition) or rehearsal of the behavior, which increases the likelihood of this behavior in the future.

You know your dog is an adequate distance from a trigger when they don’t react or act out.

Final Thoughts

Dealing with an aggressive outburst can be scary, but it doesn’t mean your dog is a “bad dog.” It just means they need a little extra support and understanding for their issues that revolve around fear, frustration, and over-arousal.

By staying calm in these situations, removing your dog from the situation, and seeking professional guidance if needed, you can help your dog feel safer and more confident.

For the audio version of these blog posts, tune into the USA Dog Behavior Podcast.