The 5 Biggest Myths About Aggressive Dogs (and What’s Really Going On)

Aggression in dogs can feel scary, frustrating, and hopeless—but much of what we think we know about it simply isn’t true. In this episode, Scott breaks down the five biggest myths about aggressive dogs, from the idea that they’re “just mean” to the belief that certain breeds are destined to be dangerous or that some are never aggressive.

Along the way, he shares real-world case stories from his work with dogs and their families, showing how myths can create more problems—and how understanding the truth leads to real change. If your dog struggles with aggression, or if you just want to understand the issue better, this episode will give you clarity, hope, and practical takeaways.

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Disclaimer
This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. If your dog is displaying aggression toward humans, consult an experienced and knowledgeable canine behavior professional who uses humane, non-aversive methods, and always take precautions to keep others safe.

Scott Sheaffer and USA Dog Behavior, LLC, are not responsible for any outcomes resulting from the use or interpretation of the information shared in this podcast.

Transcript

Welcome back to the USA Dog Behavior podcast! I'm Scott Sheaffer, a certified dog behaviorist specializing in all types of canine behavior issues. In today’s episode we’re going to talk about the 5 Biggest Myths About Aggressive Dogs - and What’s Really Going On.

Aggression is the number-one reason people call me for help. It’s also one of the most frustrating and emotional problems dog owners face.

But here’s the thing—most of what people believe about aggressive dogs is simply not true. And those myths don’t just create confusion. They make the problem worse, and they often prevent dogs from ever getting the help they need.

In this episode, I’m going to break down the five biggest myths about aggressive dogs—and tell you what’s really going on. Along the way, I’ll share real case examples from my work, so you can see how these myths play out in real life.

Myth #1: Aggressive Dogs Are “Mean” or “Bad”

This is probably the most common belief I hear. But the truth is, aggression is not a personality trait. It’s a behavior. It’s how a dog communicates when they feel unsafe, stressed, or threatened.

I worked with a German Shepherd named Max who was called ‘vicious’ by his family and their friends. He lunged at visitors, barked uncontrollably, and nobody trusted him. But when I met him, it became clear: he wasn’t mean at all. He was terrified. His early socialization had been limited, and strangers felt like a threat to him.

Once we worked on building his confidence and helping his family understand his body language, his so-called meanness improved. Max didn’t need punishment — he needed understanding. There are no ‘bad dogs.’ There are only dogs that aren’t being understood.

Myth #2: Aggression Comes Out of Nowhere

Most people tell me, ‘He just snapped out of nowhere.’ But here’s the reality: aggression almost never happens without warning. Dogs usually give lots of signals before a bite—stiff posture, a hard stare, turning their head away, showing the whites of their eyes, or growling.

The problem is, people often miss or dismiss these signals.

Bella, a little Cocker Spaniel, is a great example. She bit whenever someone tried to pick her up, and her owners thought it was completely unpredictable. But when we reviewed videos of her behavior, we saw the truth. Before biting, she froze, turned her head, and showed the whites of her eyes.

Those were clear warnings. Once her family learned to recognize and respect those signs, the so-called ‘sudden’ aggression virtually stopped. Dogs rarely just snap. We just need to learn their language.

Myth #3: Certain Breeds Are Naturally Aggressive

This one is powerful because breed stereotypes run deep. But no breed has a monopoly on aggression. Genetics may influence tendencies, but environment, training, and early experiences play a much bigger role.

I’ve seen Golden Retrievers with severe aggression issues, and Pit Bulls who were gentle as lambs.

One recent case that comes to mind is Diesel, a Rottweiler. Neighbors avoided him because he barked and lunged whenever they passed by on walks. People assumed it was his breed. But what Diesel really had was leash frustration. He wanted to greet people, but he didn’t know how to express it on leash. Once we gave him the right training and outlets, he became much better when approaching people.

Breed wasn’t the problem. His frustration was.

Myth #4: Punishment Stops Aggression

This one is especially dangerous. Punishment can silence growling or snapping in the moment, but it doesn’t solve the root problem. In fact, it often makes aggression worse.

Here’s why: when we punish a dog for growling, they learn not to give that warning anymore. The growl disappears, but the fear or stress underneath is still there. And the next time, instead of growling, they may go straight to biting.

I worked with a Labrador named Daisy who was shocked with an e-collar every time she growled at guests-per a dog trainer’s instruction. Over time, she stopped growling. Her owners thought the problem was fixed. But then Daisy started biting without warning. She had learned not to growl as a warning. Very dangerous.

Once we stopped punishing her and started addressing her fear through positive training and gradual exposure, her aggressive episodes dropped dramatically.

Punishment doesn’t cure aggression. It just hides it until it explodes.

Myth #5: An Aggressive Dog Can’t Be Helped

This is the most heartbreaking myth, because it leads to so many dogs being rehomed or euthanized unnecessarily. The truth is, while not every aggressive dog will become a therapy dog, most can improve greatly with the right plan and management.

Rocky, a mixed-breed rescue, is one of my favorite success stories. He had bitten multiple family members around food, and his owners were at their breaking point. They thought he was beyond help.

But with careful management—like feeding him in a safe space—and behavior modification to reduce his guarding, Rocky improved. Over time, the biting stopped. His family kept him, and he thrived.

So yes, aggressive dogs can be helped. Change is possible with the right kind of help and commitment on the part of the owners.

Closing

 So, there you have it—the five biggest myths about aggressive dogs, and what’s really going on behind the behavior.

Aggression isn’t about bad dogs, or dangerous breeds, or hopeless cases. It’s about communication. Dogs use aggression when they’re afraid, stressed, or overwhelmed. Our job is to listen, to understand, and to give them the tools to feel safe.

If your dog is showing aggression, please don’t panic—and don’t buy into the myths. With patience, the right plan, and professional support, most dogs can improve.

Thanks for tuning in. If you enjoy quick insights into dog behavior, don’t forget to subscribe for more bite-sized episodes and leave a review if you find these episodes helpful. You can find us at USADogBehavior.com or follow us on Facebook by searching for USA Dog Behavior. See you next time, now go love your dog.