Recognising Early Signs of Aggression and Insecurity in Dogs
Dogs are incredibly expressive animals but often, their early signals of stress or discomfort go unnoticed until their behaviour escalates. When dogs are unsure, insecure or feeling threatened, they may begin to display subtle warning signs long before a growl or snap occurs. As a parent or carer, recognising these early signs is key to keeping both your child and your dog safe, and to helping nurture a calm, respectful relationship between them.
Understanding the Root of Behaviour
What may appear as “bad behaviour” is often a dog’s way of communicating discomfort. If your dog is snatching toys, food or items from your child’s hand, it’s important to pause and ask: why?
This type of behaviour can be a sign of:
- Resource guarding – the dog is worried about losing access to something they value
- Lack of impulse control – particularly common in young or under-trained dogs
- Overexcitement – the dog is too stimulated and struggles to remain calm
- Insecurity around the child – the dog feels unsure or threatened and is trying to control the situation
It’s not about dominance – it’s about communication. And the earlier you recognise these signs, the easier it is to support your dog and child through positive change.
Early Signs to Watch For
Before snatching or more serious behaviours occur, your dog may be giving these subtle cues:
- Tense body language – stiff posture, frozen stillness, fur raised
- Lip licking or yawning – especially when not tired or hungry
- Turning head away or walking off – a sign they want to avoid the situation
- Growling or showing teeth – a clear message that they need space
- Hovering near toys or food when the child is around – may signal possessiveness or anxiety
If your dog shows any of these signs around your child, it’s important to take action—not through punishment, but with calm, consistent guidance. These warning signs should not be ignored, as the situation could escalate quickly.
What You Can Do
- Don’t Ignore the Warning Signs
Dogs rarely escalate behaviour out of the blue. Respect early signals and remove pressure from the situation. If your dog is snatching from your child, avoid direct confrontation. Instead, calmly redirect the dog and remove the item.
- Manage the Environment
Set your child and dog up for success by creating boundaries:
- Keep toys, treats or food out of shared spaces during playtime
- Feed your dog in a separate, calm area away from children
- Create safe zones for both child and dog
- Teach Your Child About Respecting Space
Help your child understand that dogs need space and time just like people do. Use age-appropriate language and consistent reminders like:
- “We let the dog eat by themselves.”
- “We don’t take toys from the dog.”
- “When the dog walks away, we give them space.”
- Seek Tailored Support
If your dog repeatedly shows signs of stress, insecurity, or aggression toward your child—even if the signs seem mild—it’s crucialto seek professional help before the situation escalates. With early intervention and the right support, these behaviours can be managed and redirected toward calm, confident interactions.
Need help understanding your dog’s behaviour around your child?
At DogTech, we specialise in dog behaviour and family dynamics. Contact us today for tailored, practical support that fits your family: https://dogtech.com.au/contact-us/
