Hey Reader,
You know I love keeping things real when it comes to dog training — no gimmicks, no fluff (unless it’s your dog’s actual fur 😄). So I wanted to share something exciting: recent research is finally backing up what many of us have seen for years.
Turns out, reactive and aggressive behavior in dogs isn’t just about dominance or lack of obedience.
It’s often deeply rooted in emotional overload, under-stimulation, poor coping strategies, and sometimes, early developmental gaps. Basically... our dogs aren’t trying to be “bad” — they’re struggling to process the world around them.
Some key takeaways from recent studies:
🐶 Reactivity is often linked to chronic stress and underdeveloped emotional regulation.
🐾 Aggression is more likely in dogs who lack predictable structure and confidence, not just training.
🧠 Dogs with daily mental stimulation are significantly less likely to develop reactive behaviors.
This is why my training doesn’t rely on treats, punishments, or dominance. It’s about helping dogs feel safe, confident, and connected — without bribery or fear.
I’ll be sharing more of this in my latest video series where I work with real dogs, in real homes, dealing with real struggles. If you’ve ever felt stuck or unsure what your dog’s behavior really means, this one’s for you.
Here’s to kinder, clearer training —
Saro
Professional Dog Coach | No treats, no tools — just trust.