By Kaylen Alvarez

For as loveable and sweet as man's best friend can be, there exists a portion of our population that is afraid of dogs — skeptical of their often unpredictable nature — and there are also many dedicated dog owners struggling to rein in their hostile pup's incalculable behavior.

So whether you own an aggressive or reactive dog, or simply are afraid of them, here are some things you should know.

Reactive Dogs

Reactive dogs are a specific subset of easily-triggered canines. The root of their behavior can be credited to a few key factors: Genetics, hormones, lack of socialization, traumatizing past experiences, or lack of training.

Reactivity can be categorized as the manifestation of overexcitement, or the release of pent-up frustration when a dog's senses have been aroused by common stimuli — such as the

confinement of a leash, off-leash dogs, congested spaces, barking dogs, other animals in general, etc. Every reactive dog has their own triggers, and it is up to their owner to identify them in order to take next steps.

Though it can often be the prelude to true aggressive behavior, reactivity comes first. It should not be confused with aggression, nor is it a sure thing that all reactive dogs will become aggressive.

Don't know if you have a reactive dog or not? An easy way to tell is to take your pup on a 'test walk.' Monitor their behavior on a leash, observe how they interact with other dogs, people, and the environment around them. Common reactivity identifiers include barking, jumping, lunging, growling, or pulling when exposed to their triggers. Reactive dogs can even be overly defensive of their food, toys, or humans.

If you do have a reactive pup, it is important to be their advocate. They are trusting you to protect them from triggering environments and uneducated strangers who may not respect their space.

Aggressive Dogs

The categorical difference between reactive and aggressive dogs, according to Cornell University, is that reactive dogs operate out of fear, whereas aggressive dogs act with determination to inflict harm. Early signs of aggression can be nipping or biting as a puppy due to overstimulation, rough play, and snapping when experiencing physical discomfort.

The causes and triggers are similar to reactive dogs, with genetics and trauma acting as a catalyst for volatile behavior.

Body language is the biggest indicator that your aggressive dog might lash out. Anxious behavior such as a tucked-in tail, panting, lip licking, intense eye contact, growling or showing teeth can be a tell-tale sign.

Managing Behavior

Once you've determined whether or not you have a reactive or aggressive pup, you can begin taking the next steps.

"Aggression and reactivity can't necessarily be 'cured,'" Central Florida dog trainer, Samantha Criswell said, "but with proper training from a positive reinforcement or science-based trainer, it can be managed."