AGGRESSION AND REACTIVITY

Course Content

Understanding Canine Aggression

Understanding Canine Reactivity

The Difference Between Fear, Anxiety, Stress, Frustration and Aggression

Why Dogs Develop Aggressive and Reactive Behaviour

Common Misunderstandings About Aggression and Reactivity

Genetics, Breed Characteristics and Individual Temperament

Understanding Canine Body Language

Recognising Early Signs of Discomfort and Stress

Understanding Growling, Barking, Snapping and Other Warning Signals

Recognising Freezing, Fixation and Escalating Behaviour

Understanding Canine Communication Between Dogs

Emotional, Biological and Learning Factors

The Canine Stress Response and Nervous System

Fear, Anxiety and Emotional Responses in Dogs

Frustration, Arousal and Impulse Regulation

Trigger Stacking, Stress Accumulation and Recovery

Classical Conditioning and Emotional Associations

Operant Learning, Reinforcement and Behaviour Patterns

Habituation, Sensitisation and Repeated Exposure

Understanding Behavioural History and Previous Experiences

Temperament, Confidence and Understanding Your Individual Dog

Behavioural Assessment, Risk Recognition and Safety This category establishes the importance of safe decision-making. It teaches learners how to recognise risk, understand the context of incidents, prevent avoidable exposure and identify situations requiring professional support.

Understanding Triggers and Identifying Behavioural Patterns

Understanding Your Dog’s Thresholds and Tolerance Levels

Recording Incidents and Understanding Your Dog’s Behaviour

Understanding Bite Risk and Why Aggressive Behaviour Must Be Taken Seriously

Preventing Incidents and Protecting People and Animals

Responding to an Aggressive Incident

Environmental Management and Everyday Safety This category examines how everyday surroundings can influence behaviour and how practical management can reduce pressure on the dog. It distinguishes management from behaviour modification and explains why both may be necessary.

Creating a Safe and Predictable Home Environment

Managing Visitors, Deliveries and Unexpected People

Managing Windows, Gardens, Fences and Territorial Triggers

Managing Multi-Dog Households and Household Conflict

Managing Walks and Public Environments

Managing Noise, Movement and Other Environmental Stimuli

Positive-Reinforcement Training Foundations This category introduces the practical training knowledge required before attempting more specific behaviour modification. It explains how to establish useful skills while keeping training manageable and appropriate to the individual dog.

Choosing Appropriate Rewards and Reinforcers

Reward Markers, Timing and Reinforcement

Teaching Attention, Engagement and Voluntary Check-Ins

Teaching Hand Targeting and Alternative Responses

Developing Calm Behaviour and Settling Skills

Managing and Changing Reactive Behaviour This category focuses specifically on reactivity and the practical application of positive reinforcement. It separates different types of reactive behaviour and explains how training should be adapted to the dog's emotional state, triggers and environment.

Managing Fear-Based Reactivity Towards Other Dogs

Managing Frustration-Based Reactivity Towards Other Dogs

Managing Reactivity Towards People

Managing Lead and Barrier Reactivity

Managing Fixation, Chasing and Difficulties Disengaging

Desensitisation: Gradual and Controlled Exposure

Counterconditioning: Developing Positive Associations

Combining Training, Management and Real-World Progression

Resource Guarding: Food, Treats and Chews

Resource Guarding: Toys, Objects, Resting Places and People

Handling-Related and Touch Sensitivity Aggression

Aggression Between Dogs Living in the Same Household

Aggression Towards Unfamiliar Dogs and Animals

Practical Equipment, Walking and Everyday Applications This category examines the practical equipment and everyday skills that can support safe management. It focuses on appropriate selection, positive conditioning and realistic use rather than relying on equipment to control or suppress behaviour.

Aggression Towards Children and Vulnerable People

Introducing and Conditioning a Basket Muzzle

Safe Lead Handling and Maintaining Appropriate Distance

Emergency Turns, Retreats and Creating Distance

Walking Patterns, Predictability and Engagement Games

Safe Vehicle and Travel Management

Veterinary Visits, Grooming and Other Difficult Appointments

Behavioural Assessment, Risk Recognition and Safety
This category establishes the importance of safe decision-making. It teaches learners how to recognise risk, understand the context of incidents, prevent avoidable exposure and identify situations requiring professional support.

Environmental Management and Everyday Safety
This category examines how everyday surroundings can influence behaviour and how practical management can reduce pressure on the dog. It distinguishes management from behaviour modification and explains why both may be necessary.

Positive-Reinforcement Training Foundations
This category introduces the practical training knowledge required before attempting more specific behaviour modification. It explains how to establish useful skills while keeping training manageable and appropriate to the individual dog.

Managing and Changing Reactive Behaviour
This category focuses specifically on reactivity and the practical application of positive reinforcement. It separates different types of reactive behaviour and explains how training should be adapted to the dog's emotional state, triggers and environment.

Practical Equipment, Walking and Everyday Applications
This category examines the practical equipment and everyday skills that can support safe management. It focuses on appropriate selection, positive conditioning and realistic use rather than relying on equipment to control or suppress behaviour.