Dog aggression is one of the most misunderstood behaviors in the dog training world. For years, the pet industry has taught owners that aggression stems from fear, lack of socialization, or an abusive past. While these factors might play a role, they are rarely the root cause.

I’ve been working with severely aggressive dogs in northeast Indiana for over 11 years, including areas like Fort Wayne, Auburn, Kendallville, Angola, and Columbia City. My track record speaks for itself. The client reviews and videos I’ve collected as evidence of my success are undeniable. Time and again, I’ve taken cases that seemed completely hopeless and turned them into fairy-tale relationships between dogs and their owners.

No offense to the reader, but if you’re struggling with aggression in your dog, it’s safe to say something in your approach isn’t working. You may think you know your dog well—and in many ways, you probably do—but when it comes to aggression, something is off. I encourage you to read this article with an open mind, because there’s a chance you could be entirely wrong about everything you think you know.

Aggression isn’t as complicated as the pet industry would have you believe, but it is greatly misunderstood. Let’s break down the truth about aggression and how you can stop it.

Aggression Isn’t About Fear or Abuse—It’s About Control

The pet industry has long promoted the idea that dog aggression is rooted in fear. This is one of the most common explanations owners hear, but it’s not my position. While fear might sometimes trigger aggression, it isn’t the root cause. I’ve worked with many fearful dogs in Fort Wayne, Angola, and other northeast Indiana areas that remain calm and non-aggressive because they trust their owner’s leadership.

Aggression actually stems from control. Dogs use aggression as a tool to manage people, other dogs, or situations. For example, I worked with a Boxer in Auburn who lunged at visitors entering the home. His aggression wasn’t rooted in fear; he was trying to control who could enter his territory. Once the owners established clear boundaries and reclaimed leadership, the aggression disappeared.

The same is true for bossy dogs. These dogs naturally enjoy being in charge and use aggression to assert their authority. Whether it’s a growl to keep someone away from their toy or a snap at someone they don’t like, the goal is the same: control. Aggression isn’t about fear or past trauma—it’s about a dog’s attempt to take charge when there’s a lack of leadership.

The “Abused Dog” Myth

Another misconception is that abused dogs are more likely to be aggressive. While abuse can affect a dog’s emotional state, aggression doesn’t usually stem from abuse alone. Most abused dogs I work with in northeast Indiana are timid and avoid confrontation altogether. However, when new owners “compensate” for the dog’s past by avoiding discipline, allowing too much freedom, or letting the dog rule the house, entitlement begins to grow—and aggression often follows.

For example, I worked with a Labrador mix in Kendallville who had been rescued from an abusive situation. Initially, she was calm and loving. But after six months in a home where she was allowed to dictate the rules—taking over furniture, guarding toys, and demanding attention—she became possessive and snapped at her family. Her abusive past didn’t cause the aggression—her empowered position in the home did. I’ve also worked with plenty of dogs who were never abused, but definitely spoiled, and developed this same pattern of behavior.

This dynamic is a reminder that even dogs without abusive histories can become aggressive when given too much control. Abuse might shape a dog’s personality, but it’s actually how they perceive themselves as a leader or a follower that determines whether aggression develops.

How Treat Training Leads to Entitlement and Aggression

The pet industry often promotes treat-based training as the go-to method for teaching dogs, labeling it as “positive reinforcement.” While treats might seem like a harmless way to train, they can actually damage your relationship with your dog and undermine your role as the leader.

In the dog world without human intervention, strong leader dogs don’t willingly give up their resources, especially food. Food is a valuable resource in a pack, and it’s guarded carefully by those in charge. When we give treats freely, it can send the wrong message to our dogs—they may view it as a sign of weakness. Over time, this can lead to entitlement, where the dog expects to be rewarded for every action and becomes frustrated or even aggressive when those rewards don’t come.

I’ve worked with many treat-trained dogs in Columbia City, Angola, and Fort Wayne who became spoiled and demanding because they were conditioned to see food as a transactional tool. These dogs often lose respect for their owners, viewing them as providers of resources rather than leaders. This entitlement can escalate into aggression when the dog feels they deserve something they aren’t receiving.

Dogs don’t need treats to be loved, and they don’t need treats to learn respect. In fact, treating your dog like a member of the pack—refraining from relinquishing resources too freely—builds a stronger bond. Respect and obedience come from leadership, not from bribery.

What Is Discipline?

Discipline often gets misunderstood as mean punishment, but that’s not what it means in the context of dog training. Discipline is about structure, boundaries, and teaching your dog to respect you as their leader. It’s about showing your dog how to behave without resorting to coercion or constant rewards.

One of my little pet peeves is when people say they need to be “dominant” over their dog in order to control them. While this is one way to describe it, I don’t particularly subscribe to this terminology. For example, I have children and I see myself as their “leader” – but I don’t feel like I am dominating my children. I am simply guiding them through structured rules and applying rewards and consequences for their actions as best I can. I don’t feel you need to be “dominant” or “alpha” over your dog in order for them to respect you.

I talk about discipline all the time, but it’s hard to describe because it looks different for every dog. That’s why I don’t recommend owners attempt discipline on their own—it’s not something you can just guess at. Discipline, when applied incorrectly, can lead to confusion or even negative reactions from your dog. However, that doesn’t mean discipline isn’t the answer. It just means you need to learn how to do it correctly.

In my program, I teach the fundamental forms of discipline I use and how to apply them in a way that builds trust and respect. This approach is rooted in years of experience and techniques I’ve refined through working with countless dogs in northeast Indiana. By following this process, you can provide your dog with the leadership they need while avoiding common mistakes.

Why Leadership Is the Key to Stopping Aggression

Dogs are pack animals, and when they sense a lack of leadership, they instinctively try to fill the role. This creates anxiety and behaviors like aggression as they attempt to control their environment. Leadership removes the dog’s need to control, reducing both anxiety and aggression.

Here’s what leadership looks like:

1. Setting Clear Rules: Dogs thrive when they know what’s acceptable.

2. Providing Consistency: Routines build trust and security.

3. Apply Fair Rewards and Consequences: Rewards and consequences should be fair and meaningful.

4. Building Respect: Aggression fades when dogs respect their owner’s authority and are taught to respect other people and dogs accordingly.

Changing the Narrative

The pet industry has created deeply ingrained misconceptions about aggression, and changing this narrative won’t be easy. However, the truth is simple: aggression stems from a lack of leadership, and it can be stopped.

Whether your dog is in Fort Wayne, Angola, Kendallville, Auburn, or Columbia City, the solution is the same. With the right balance of discipline and leadership, you can eliminate aggression and build a healthier, happier relationship with your dog.

If you’re ready to take control, I can help. Together, we’ll address the root cause of your dog’s aggression and create lasting change—not just a temporary fix.