Let’s talk about a big misunderstanding that happens all the time between humans and dogs. You know that moment when your pup suddenly turns into a barking, lunging, snapping mess on a walk? Maybe another dog came too close, or a skateboard zoomed by, or someone with a weird hat walked past. And your sweet dog, who was fine five seconds ago, now looks like he’s auditioning for a werewolf movie.
It’s easy to feel embarrassed, frustrated, or even scared. People around you might be giving side-eyes. Maybe someone mutters something under their breath. And worst of all, you might start thinking, “Why is my dog acting so aggressive? What is wrong with him?”
Here’s the thing: your dog’s not being aggressive just to cause trouble. He’s not being “naughty.” He’s overwhelmed. That barking, lunging, growling—it’s not about being bad. It’s about not being able to cope in that moment.
Dogs don’t wake up thinking, “You know what? I’m gonna make my human’s life miserable today.” They react to the world around them based on how safe or unsafe they feel. And when they start acting out like that, it’s basically their version of saying, “HELP! I can’t handle this! Please make it stop!”
Think of it like this: when humans are stressed out, we might snap at someone, cry, or shut down. Dogs? They bark, lunge, growl, or try to create space between themselves and whatever’s freaking them out. It’s not a calculated attack—it’s survival mode.
And here’s where we, as their humans, come in. Our job isn’t to punish them for reacting. It’s to listen to what they’re trying to say and help them feel safe again. That might mean giving them more distance, avoiding certain situations, or working slowly with a trainer to build up their confidence.
It’s a mindset shift, honestly. From “my dog is being bad” to “my dog is struggling and needs my help.” When you see your dog’s “aggressive” display as a cry for help instead of an act of rebellion, it completely changes the game.
So the next time your dog has a meltdown in public, try to remember: he’s not giving you a hard time—he’s having a hard time. And just by showing up for him with patience, understanding, and a little empathy, you’re already doing an amazing job.
Thanks for reading, if you’d like to discuss please contact me at ian@justbemore.dog
