Blog — Dangerous Dogs

A dog fight is one of the most frightening and emotionally overwhelming experiences that many of us dog lovers will experience. Even when the physical injuries are minor, the emotional impact can be significant. The sounds, the intensity, and shock of watching two dogs you love inflicting violence on each other can leave you feeling disheartened, scared, and uncertain about what to do next. Many people immediately want to solve the problem. They want to know why it happened, whether it will happen again, and how they can make sure their dogs are safe together in the future. Those questions...

There is a profound difference between a dog who is regulated and a dog who is chemically restrained. If we do not understand that distinction clearly, it becomes very easy to mistake nervous system suppression for healing. One of the things I see often in behavior work is dogs being described as “doing better” on medication because they appear quieter, slower, less reactive, or less outwardly expressive. From the outside, it can look like progress. But sometimes, underneath that quieter presentation, the nervous system is actually carrying more distress, not less. This conversation becomes especially important when multiple sedating or...

One of the most common recommendations people receive for fearful dogs is to have strangers offer the dog treats in order to “build positive associations.” And while the intention behind this is usually compassionate, it can actually create a tremendous amount of nervous system conflict for many dogs. Especially dogs who already feel wary, pressured, hypervigilant, or uncertain around people. From the outside, it can appear successful because the dog approaches and takes the food. Humans naturally interpret this as comfort, progress, or social willingness. But taking food is not always the same thing as feeling safe. A nervous system...

Why Some Shelter Adoptions Are Putting People and Dogs in Danger — and How We Can Fix It Every year, thousands of dogs leave shelters and enter loving homes. It's the moment every staff member, volunteer, and adopter hopes for. But what happens when a dog with a history of aggression or high reactivity lands in the hands of someone unprepared? The consequences can be devastating — not just for the dog, but for families, neighbors, and the wider community. What starts as a story of hope can quickly turn into fear, injury, or heartbreak. Across the country, a troubling...