Let’s talk about a big one today—dog aggression.
It’s one of those words that makes people flinch, especially when we’re talking about our beloved dogs. But here’s the thing most people don’t realise: dog aggression is completely normal. In fact, it’s not just normal—it’s essential. It’s one of the many ways dogs communicate with each other, and with us.
Aggression gets a bad rap because we often misunderstand it. We see a growl or a snap and think, “Oh no, something’s wrong with my dog.” But more often than not, that behaviour is a signal—a way for your dog to say, “I’m not okay with this.”
Dog Aggression as a Language, Not a Problem
Dogs are emotional beings. They feel excitement, frustration, fear, joy—and yes, stress. And just like us, when emotions get too big, they need a way to express them.
When a dog growls, freezes, snarls, or even snaps, it’s not always an act of violence—it’s a form of ritualised communication. It’s their version of saying, “Please stop. I need space.”
And guess what? Most of the time, that communication prevents conflict. It’s only when we ignore or punish those early signals that things escalate.
Social Order – But Not in the “Pack Leader” Sense
Now, let’s clear something up right away: I don’t teach pack theory. That whole alpha-dog stuff? It’s outdated and not backed by the science. Dogs are not trying to dominate your household.
What we do see in multi-dog homes is something far more subtle and sensible: a social structure based on age, emotional maturity, experience, and the value of resources.
For example, in my own home with our crew of 10 dogs, the older dogs often step in and guide the younger ones. Sometimes that includes a growl or body block—not out of dominance, but wisdom. They’re saying, “Not now, mate,” or “That toy’s mine, find your own.” It’s calm, clear, and usually over in seconds.
This is functional aggression, and it helps dogs live together peacefully. When the rules are clear, and boundaries are respected, there’s a lot less need for conflict.
Why Dogs Use Aggression
So why do dogs use aggression at all? Simple. It works.
🔹 It keeps them safe.
🔹 It protects important resources (like food, space, or rest).
🔹 It helps avoid fights by sending early warnings.
In natural or free-ranging dog populations, you rarely see full-on fights. Why? Because dogs have developed all these clever, ritualised ways to avoid injury. It’s smart survival.
In our homes, though, things get a bit trickier. We humans often miss the signs or shut them down—usually with the best of intentions. But when a dog learns that growling gets them told off, they may skip the warning next time and go straight to a bite. That’s not a dangerous dog—that’s a dog who wasn’t heard.
So What Do We Do about Dog Aggression?
The answer isn’t punishment. It’s education and connection.
✅ Learn your dog’s language—their emotional states, their body language, their signs of discomfort.
✅ Respond early and gently when they’re struggling.
✅ Set them up to succeed with predictable routines, fair boundaries, and positive reinforcement.
When we listen to what our dogs are telling us, they don’t have to shout.
When we respond with empathy and structure, their need to use aggression reduces naturally.
Aggression isn’t about having a “bad dog.” It’s not about being an alpha or needing to show who’s boss. It’s about communication. It’s about emotion. It’s about needs being unmet or signals going unheard.
As a behaviourist, and someone who’s lived with more dogs than most people ever will, I can tell you this: when you respect aggression as part of your dog’s communication toolkit, you start to build trust—not fear.
So let’s stop fearing the growl.
Let’s start listening to what our dogs are trying to say.
Because once you understand their language—once you Become Bowlingual®—everything changes.
From my family to yours,
Darran the Dogman
Coming Soon: The Aggression Support Community (Limited Access)
Struggling with your dog’s behaviour can feel isolating. But you’re not alone—and soon, you won’t have to figure it out by yourself.
We’re launching an exclusive online community for dog owners dealing with reactivity and aggression. This is more than a Facebook group. It’s a guided, expert-supported space designed to help you decode your dog’s behaviour, build trust, and create lasting change—without shame, punishment, or confusion.
💬 Weekly expert Q&As with Darran the Dogman
🎥 Access to exclusive video trainings & real-life case studies
🤝 A private, judgement-free space to ask questions and share progress
📚 Ongoing education in real dog psychology—not outdated pack theory
But here’s the thing—we’re keeping it small.
To protect the quality of support and interaction, we’re only opening doors to a limited number of dog owners during the first round.
Join the waiting list now to secure your spot.
Be the first to know when we open—and gain early access bonuses you won’t want to miss.
This is your chance to be part of something real, respectful, and truly transformative.
Let’s take the guesswork out of aggression—together.
Join our waiting list now to break the cycle of reactivity—and finally breathe again.