Reactivity/Aggression/Anxiety

At Olympus Dog Training, we understand how overwhelming it can feel when your dog struggles with aggression, reactivity, or anxiety. These behaviours can create stress at home, tension on walks, and uncertainty about your dog’s future. Our goal is to replace that stress with confidence—for both you and your dog.

We believe that unwanted behaviours are often a result of fear, frustration, or miscommunication. That’s why our approach focuses on balanced training, positive reinforcement, and clear structure, helping dogs feel more secure, calm, and in control of their environment. By addressing the root cause—not just the symptom—we create lasting change.

Every case is different, which is why we design tailored training programs based on your dog’s individual needs and your goals as their owner. Whether it’s leash reactivity, aggression toward people or dogs, or anxiety when left alone, we use proven methods to bring out a more relaxed, confident version of your dog.

Our mission is not only to rehabilitate behaviour but to strengthen the bond between you and your companion. With the right guidance, tools, and consistent communication, even the most challenging dogs can make remarkable progress—giving you peace of mind and restoring harmony in your home.

Reactivity vs Aggression whats the difference

Reactivity

Reactivity is not aggression — it’s a heightened emotional response to stimuli such as other dogs, people, or movement. Scientifically, reactivity stems from an overactivation of the limbic system, the part of the brain responsible for emotional processing and survival responses. When a dog is reactive, their stress hormones (like cortisol and adrenaline) flood the system, reducing their ability to think clearly and respond calmly. This can develop from fear, frustration, under-socialisation, or inconsistent handling, leading to lunging, barking, or pulling when overstimulated.

A reactive dog is often loud and dramatic but not truly dangerous if managed correctly.

At Olympus Dog Training, we address reactivity through calm, structured exposure, impulse control training, and emotional regulation. By teaching dogs how to process stimulation without losing control — and helping owners provide confident, consistent leadership — we reduce anxiety and replace reactivity with focus and trust. Our approach is grounded in canine behavioural science and balanced methodology, transforming chaotic reactions into calm, composed responses in the real world.

Aggression

Aggression in dogs is rarely about dominance — it’s a complex emotional and behavioural response rooted in factors such as fear, anxiety, frustration, territoriality, resource guarding, or poor impulse control. Scientifically, aggression is a stress-related behaviour that activates the dog’s sympathetic nervous system (the fight-or-flight response). When a dog feels uncertain or lacks clear guidance, this system can become overactive, leading to defensive or reactive behaviour.

An aggressive dog is usually demonstrating behaviour designed to intimidate or injure.

At Olympus Dog Training, we approach aggression through behavioural analysis and structured rehabilitation, not punishment. By identifying triggers, reducing stress, and rebuilding trust through clear communication and leadership, we help dogs regain emotional stability and confidence. Our methods are grounded in learning theory, canine psychology, and balanced training principles, ensuring every dog is understood, guided, and safely reconditioned. The result is a calmer, more confident companion and a safer, more harmonious home.

Whats the difference

Reactivity and aggression are often confused, but they describe two very different behaviours in dogs.

Reactivity is an over-the-top emotional response to a trigger. This might be another dog, a stranger, a loud sound, or even a moving object. A reactive dog isn’t necessarily trying to harm — they are usually overstimulated, frustrated, or anxious.
Aggression, on the other hand, is behaviour with an intent to cause harm or drive something away. Unlike reactivity, aggression is not just about excitement or overstimulation; it’s a purposeful action to create distance, protect resources, or neutralise what the dog perceives as a threat.

Understanding the difference matters, because the training approach for a reactive dog (helping them stay calm and focused) differs from that of a dog showing genuine aggression (working on safety, control, and long-term behaviour modification).

Click on the tabs to find out more about each

Behavioural Consult
2 hr
250 Australian dollars
More Info

Reactivity/Aggression/Anxiety

Reactivity vs Aggression whats the difference

Reactivity

Behavioural Consult