“Listen to your dog’s whisper so he doesn’t have to shout.”
— Chirag Patel, Domesticated Manners

Bites rarely happen “out of the blue.” Dogs have a highly developed social communication system. This graphic (based on the BSAVA’s Ladder of Aggression) summarizes your dog’s expressions when feeling stressed or threatened.

While the model offers a structured approach to understanding canine behavior, it’s crucial to recognize its limitations. Dog behavior is inherently complex, with individual variations that can make the progression of stress responses non-linear and unpredictable. Each dog may react differently, potentially skipping steps or exhibiting behaviors in a unique sequence.

Now you know, do you feel you’ve been missing essential conversations with your dog? We got you. It’s kind of what we do. Contact a professional dog trainer today!

Ladder of Stress in Canines

Ladder of Stress in Canines

The Ladder of Stress emphasizes the importance of individualized observation, understanding, and intervention when working with dogs experiencing stress or potential aggressive triggers.