Dog training glossary
Redirected Aggression
Quick answer
A dog that's highly aroused or frustrated by one thing suddenly directs a bite or snap at something else nearby instead, often the closest available target.
Written by the TailorPup team, updated September 2026. See our editorial approach.
What it means
Redirected aggression typically happens when a dog is in a highly aroused state, barrier frustration at a fence, intense excitement watching another dog through a window, and can't reach the actual target of that arousal. In that state, anything or anyone that touches, grabs, or is simply close to the dog in that moment, including its own owner, can become the unintended target of a bite. It's a normal, well-documented arousal phenomenon rather than a sign of a generally aggressive dog, and is best prevented by avoiding physical contact with an already over-threshold dog and reducing the barrier-frustration setup that triggers it.
A real example
Two dogs are barking excitedly at a fence at a passing dog they can't reach; when their owner reaches down to pull one back by the collar, that dog spins and snaps at the owner's hand instead of the fence.
Common mistake
Grabbing or physically handling a dog that's already highly aroused or over threshold, which is exactly the situation most likely to trigger a redirected bite.
Related terms
Know the term.
Now build the plan.
TailorPup turns concepts like this into a personalized 12-week plan for your dog's breed, age, and behavior.