Punishing a dog for reacting to other dogs can actually make things worse. If your dog already feels scared or threatened, adding pain or fear—like yelling, kicking, or shocking—only deepens the negative association. Instead, counter-conditioning helps create a positive link. If your dog sees another dog and receives praise, treats, or play, they’ll start to associate dogs with good things, not bad ones.

In many cases, yes—especially when the aggression is fear-based, which it often is. Dogs quickly learn that barking or growling keeps scary things (like strangers or other animals) away. This reinforces the behavior. With the right approach, we can change that response and build trust instead.

Proper socialization can prevent aggression, but if that window is missed, exposure must be handled carefully. Public spaces can overwhelm reactive dogs. I offer controlled environments with non-reactive helper dogs to gradually build new responses in a calm, safe way—while coaching you through it.