Is Your Dog Reactive or Aggressive? Take the Quiz

Reactivity and aggression can look similar on the surface, but they’re driven by very different motivations. Reactivity is an exaggerated emotional response to triggers, often rooted in fear, excitement, or frustration. Aggression, on the other hand, involves a willingness to bite or attack with the intent to cause harm—unless the dog is acting in true self-defense under reasonable circumstances.

This quiz will help you determine if your dog is reactive, aggressive, or both. By the end, you’ll have a clearer picture of your dog’s behavior and how to approach it effectively.

Reactivity Quiz

Answer Yes (Y) or No (N) for each question.

1. Does your dog bark, growl, or lunge at dogs, people, or objects, even if no contact occurs?
2. Does your dog’s body tense up or stiffen (e.g., raised hackles, weight shifted forward) when they see a trigger?
3. Does your dog fixate or stare intensely at triggers (other dogs, people, cars) without easily disengaging?
4. Does your dog whine, pace, or pant heavily when exposed to triggers?
5. Does your dog react more intensely when on-leash, behind a barrier (fence, window), or in tight spaces?
6. When your dog reacts, do they struggle to calm down quickly, staying tense or hyper-focused even after the trigger is gone?
7. Does your dog’s reactions escalate in busy or high-stimulation environments (e.g., crowded streets, parks)?
8. Would you say your dog has “triggers”?
9. Does your dog primarily react out of excitement, frustration, or fear (rather than aggression)?
10. Does your dog respond to corrections (verbal commands, leash cues) when reactive, or do they struggle to disengage?

Aggression Defined

A dog is considered aggressive if they are willing to bite or attack, with the intent to do damage, for any reason other than self-defense in a truly reasonable circumstance. For example, a dog defending itself from being cornered or physically threatened may act aggressively as a form of self-preservation. This is distinct from aggression that arises without justifiable cause, such as a dog biting to control a resource or reacting violently to minor stimuli.

If your dog has a bite history or has displayed deliberate intent to cause harm, even without physical contact, they may fall into this category. Aggression is not about momentary frustration or fear, or even damage; it involves a sustained, deliberate willingness to harm others.

If this describes your dog, professional intervention is strongly recommended.

Scoring and Results

Count your Yes (Y) answers for the Reactivity Quiz.

• 0–3 Yes Responses: Your dog is likely neither reactive nor aggressive. Their behavior may show minor stress or excitement at times, but it’s within normal limits. Continued guidance and training can help reinforce calm, positive responses.
• 4–7 Yes Responses: Your dog is primarily reactive. Their behavior is emotionally driven—likely rooted in fear, excitement, or frustration—but does not involve intent to harm. Training can help your dog develop calmer, more confident responses to triggers.
• 8+ Yes Responses: Your dog is highly reactive. While their behavior may seem aggressive to others due to its intensity, it remains emotionally driven rather than harmful in intent. However, even though reactivity is distinct in intent, it can still result in similar outcomes—bites, fights, or tissue damage—since reactive situations can escalate quickly. Professional training is essential to manage this intensity and prevent dangerous outcomes.

If your dog meets the definition of aggression as described above, their behavior goes beyond reactivity and requires immediate attention to ensure safety and well-being for all involved.

Final Thoughts

Understanding whether your dog is reactive, aggressive, or both is the first step toward helping them. Reactivity can be disruptive and frustrating, and it can also tilt toward aggression if left unaddressed. Poor interactions with people or other dogs can reinforce reactive patterns and increase the likelihood of escalation.

By identifying the underlying causes and taking action early, you can prevent this progression and create a calmer, safer environment for your dog and everyone around them. Reactivity and aggression may feel overwhelming now, but with thoughtful intervention, positive change is always possible.