USA Dog Behavior Podcast · March 10, 2026 · 9 min
How You’re Accidentally Making Your Dog More Fearful or Aggressive
Many owners of reactive, fearful, or aggressive dogs are unknowingly sending signals that reinforce their dog’s fear. Subtle changes in voice, body language, or leash handling can act as cues that something in the environment is dangerous. Over time, dogs begin to associate these handler behaviors with the appearance of a threat. In this episode, dog behaviorist Scott Sheaffer explains how these unintended cues develop and why dogs are so sensitive to human behavior. You’ll learn how reassura...