What posture can a handler adopt to reduce the potential for dog aggression?

Adopting an assertive but non-threatening posture is effective in reducing the potential for dog aggression because it conveys confidence and control while not provoking fear or challenge in the dog. This type of body language can include standing tall with a relaxed demeanor, avoiding direct eye contact, and using calm and steady movements. Dogs are highly sensitive to human body language, and an assertive posture can help establish a sense of leadership without escalating the situation or appearing confrontational.

In contrast, a submissive and withdrawn posture can often signal weakness to a dog, which may inadvertently provoke aggression or encourage more assertive behavior from the animal. Overly aggressive and loud behaviors can instill fear or defensive aggression in the dog, leading to a higher risk of a negative encounter. Lastly, being dismissive and uninterested can be misinterpreted by the dog as indifference or lack of control of the situation, which may lead the dog to escalate its behavior to get attention or assert its own dominance.