Published by RocDog Weekly Newsletter 8/2/2026 v.215
Paul Anthony, Founder of RocDog
Behaviorists describe canine aggression as a ladder of escalating warnings rather than a single event. A dog typically moves through subtle signals such as turning away, freezing, or lip licking before progressing to growling, snapping, and finally biting if earlier signals are ignored. Understanding this progression helps handlers intervene at the lowest possible rung.
In a therapy setting, this knowledge protects both the dog and the public. Handlers will practice identifying where on the ladder a dog is operating using video case studies, then discuss appropriate handler responses at each stage, including removing the dog from the environment before signals intensify.
Context matters as much as the signals themselves. The same dog may tolerate a crowded hallway on one visit and stack warnings quickly on the next, depending on heat, noise, fatigue, pain, or an unfamiliar handler.
Teams should treat EVERY VISIT as a fresh assessment: check the dog before entering, watch for shortened greetings, slowed responses to cues, or a reluctance to re-engage after a break, and note what they observe so patterns become visible over time.
BONUS:
Please visit the link below to learn more about how to check-in with your dog and evaluate their state-of-mind for visits or other public outings:
Video on how to check in on your dog’s desire to start and continue a visit.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5XRtE2cYRb4
Think you are interested in becoming a therapy dog team? Want a variety of options for therapy dog visits?
Considering joining RocDog.