An Introduction to Reactivity

Reactivity in dogs refers to an exaggerated or intense response to certain stimuli in the environment, like other dogs, people, noises, or moving objects. This could be down to a number of factors, including fear, frustration, excitement or pain. If your dog feels anxious around other dogs they might hide or get away but more likely they will use threatening body language to make them move away. If they really like other dogs, then they might want to move closer and if they are on lead, they may get frustrated, which leads to bouncing and barking. Understanding why is the first step towards successful behaviour change.

Signs of reactivity vary, but common indicators include:

• Barking or growling at specific triggers

• Lunging while on lead

• Pacing, whining, or hypervigilance

• Freezing or refusing to move

• Over-focusing on the environment or a trigger

These behaviours often escalate if the dog feels trapped or is repeatedly pushed past their emotional threshold.

Reactive behaviour can develop for many different reasons. Sometimes it's genetic, sometimes its down to early life experiences or pain development. It's important to note, it might not be your fault and it is workable. Dr Sarah Heath developed a great way to look at how a dog's emotional well-being works and what factors might affect it called the Emotional Sink. Factors pre-birth and in the first 14 weeks can have a massive impact on how your puppy develops, sometimes making reactivity inevitable.

Is my dog aggressive?

I am not a fan of the term 'aggression'. 'Aggression' is purely a collective term used to describe a series of behaviours such as lunging, barking, growling and snapping. Labelling these behaviours as aggressive isn't helpful. It often leads to an oversimplification of the behaviour that might miss the underlying cause and lead us to change our behaviour as a response. Having a dog labelled as 'aggressive' can be embarrassing, worrying, even isolating and it can often make us feel like there is no way out, making the use of harsh methods or even euthanasia more likely. By looking at your dog's behaviour as a list of descriptive signs and the trigger as a series of factors, including what it is, what distance, when does it happen and why does it happen, we are in a much better place to devise a treatment plan.

Helping a reactive dog starts with understanding and empathy. The first step is identifying what triggers the reaction, how close or intense the trigger needs to be and what your dog does in response (this blog post might help with this). Then, a plan can be developed to help the dog feel safer and more in control.

This often includes:

• Desensitisation and counter-conditioning: Gradually exposing the dog to their triggers at a distance while pairing the experience with something positive (like treats).

• Training alternative behaviours: Teaching cues like “look at me” or “let’s go” to help redirect focus and build confidence.

• Managing the environment: Avoiding overly stimulating situations when possible and using tools like harnesses or visual barriers.

  
  

Working with a qualified, force-free behaviour professional can make a huge difference. With patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, reactive dogs can learn to manage their emotions and engage more calmly with the world around them. Reactivity isn’t a life sentence; it’s an emotional signal. And with the right support, reactive dogs can thrive.

Drop me an email today if you need some support with your reactive dog: alice@education-4-paws.com