Some Aggression Is Normal — Context Matters

Ian Shivers • February 10, 2026

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I understand why obedience is so attractive.

Aggression is a scary word.

When people hear it, they often jump straight to panic.

They worry about safety.
They worry about the future.
They worry that something is “wrong” with their dog.


But one of the first things I do when working with a reactive dog — or even a dog that has bitten — is slow everything down and ask a simple question:


In what context did this happen?



Because sometimes, given the situation, the behaviour actually makes sense.


Behaviour Doesn’t Happen in a Vacuum

Dogs don’t just “be aggressive for no reason.”


Their behaviour shows up:


  • somewhere


  • with someone


  • at a certain distance


  • under certain conditions


  • at a certain stress level



When we ignore the context, we miss the most important part of the picture.


Normal vs Abnormal Aggression

Part of my job is working out whether a dog’s response could be considered somewhat normal for the situation — or whether it’s out of proportion to what’s happening.

That distinction matters a lot.


For example:


  • A dog growling when a stranger grabs them suddenly


  • A dog snapping when cornered with no escape



  • A dog reacting when in pain, frightened, or overwhelmed


These responses may not be desirable — but they can be understandable.


They are often self-protective, not malicious.

On the other hand, aggression that shows up:


  • with no clear trigger


  • at very low levels of pressure


  • in many different situations


  • without warning or recovery



is something we manage very differently.


Why This Distinction Matters

If we treat all aggression as the same, we make mistakes.


We might:


  • push dogs into situations they’re not ready for


  • train skills instead of changing environments


  • expect tolerance where fear is still present


  • ignore safety signals until something escalates


Understanding context helps us decide:


  • how much we need to change a dog’s world


  • what situations should be avoided for now


  • what skills need to be taught



  • how much recovery and support is needed


Context Shapes the Plan

When behaviour makes sense given the situation, the focus often becomes:


  • reducing pressure


  • increasing distance


  • improving predictability


  • supporting the dog’s nervous system


  • teaching safer coping strategies and alternative behaviours


When behaviour is less predictable or more extreme, we may need:


  • stricter management


  • clearer boundaries


  • more controlled exposure


  • longer recovery periods


  • more careful safety planning



The plan changes based on why the behaviour is happening — not just what it looks like.


Aggression Is Information

Aggression is not a personality trait. It’s information.


It tells us:


  • something feels unsafe


  • something hurts


  • something is overwhelming


  • something crossed a line


  • there is an unmet need



Our job isn’t to punish the message. Our job is to understand it.


The Takeaway

Not all aggression means the same thing.


Some aggressive responses are signals that the dog was pushed too far, too fast, or without support.


All aggression points towards an unmet need, whether that is safety, control, frustration or even joy. To address aggression fully, we have to understand the context of when it happens and address the need the aggression met in the first place.


It means we respond to it intelligently.


When we understand context, we make better decisions. Safer decisions. Kinder decisions.



And that’s what actually leads to change.


If you’d like help applying this and in doing so, improving your and your your dogs lives, I can support you in a few different ways.

Through Canine Caregivers, I offer online courses and webinars to build understanding, structure, and consistency at your pace.

If you’re based in Sydney, I also offer 1:1 training across Sydney, socialisation and puppy classes, and can provide all recommended training equipment to support the work we’re doing.

I offer The Complete Care training program that covers every single base you will need as well as The Starter Program which allows you to tailor the training and support you need with flexibility.

— Ian

 Bondi Behaviourist


“A healthy dog is a happy dog and a happy dog is great to live with”.

I understand why obedience is so attractive.

— Ian

 Bondi Behaviourist


“A healthy dog is a happy dog and a happy dog is great to live with”.

Ian Shivers

Pet Parent, Dog Trainer & Behaviourist, podcast and content writer

I’m not here to help you create an obedient dog. I’m here to help you create a better life with your dog built on understanding, trust, and meeting both of your needs.


Whether you’re starting fresh with a new puppy or looking to improve life with your current dog, I’m here to guide you with practical, simple, and effective support.


Hi, my name is Ian, and I’ve been working with dogs and their owners since 2007, helping families build calmer, more connected relationships that last. With 150+ five-star Google reviews, I’m proud to be one of Sydney’s highest-rated behaviourists you can trust.

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