Canine reactivity, sometimes called reactive dog behaviour, is one of the most common issues dog guardians face. If you’ve ever searched “why is my dog reactive?” or “reactive dog training near me”, this guide is for you.
🐾 What Is Reactive Dog Behaviour?
A reactive dog shows an over-the-top emotional response to everyday stimuli, such as barking, lunging, growling, or freezing in reaction to people, dogs, bikes, or noises. While it might look aggressive, reactivity is not bad behaviour – it’s communication.
Most reactive behaviour is rooted in:
- Fear (“I’m scared and need space!”)
- Frustration (“I want to get to that thing, but I can’t!”)
- Overexcitement (especially in adolescent dogs)
Understanding your dog’s emotions is the first step to helping them feel safe and in control.
Why Does Reactivity Happen?
Reactivity can happen for several reasons:
- Lack of early socialisation
- Negative past experiences
- Pain or discomfort
- Breed tendencies and genetics
No two dogs are the same, which is why personalised strategies work best.
Management Comes First (And It’s Not Giving Up)
Before we think about training, we need to reduce your dog’s stress levels. When dogs are reactive, they’re operating in fight-or-flight mode, and so learning is near impossible. If your dog is still rehearsing the ‘unwanted’ reactive behaviour, it’s near impossible for us to teach new skills and build more positive interactions for them.
Effective management includes:
- Temporarily avoiding known triggers where possible
- Walking at quieter times of day
- Using hedges, cars, or natural barriers
- Using a front-clip harness for safety and control
Management doesn’t mean you’re avoiding the problem. It means you’re protecting your dog’s emotional bandwidth so they can succeed later.
The #1 Mistake That Makes Reactivity Worse
Flooding, which is exposing your dog repeatedly to a trigger in hopes they’ll “get used to it”, often backfires. Without building positive associations or allowing space, this only reinforces fear or frustration, and typically we dogs completely shut down in response. Progress happens when your dog feels safe, not forced.
One Simple Change You Can Make Today
Give your dog more distance from triggers. This one change can drastically reduce reactivity. A dog who explodes at 3 metres might remain calm at 10. That space is where learning starts.
Don’t worry about looking “weird” crossing the street or hiding behind a hedge – your dog’s wellbeing is worth it.
Why You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
Working with a qualified behaviourist means you’ll get:
- A personalised plan tailored to your dog’s needs
- Tools that are kind, effective, and science-based
- Emotional support and guidance as you navigate this journey
Training a reactive dog isn’t about “fixing” them, it’s about understanding them and helping them to feel safer within their world. If you’d like support with your dog’s reactivity journey, let’s chat!
Want Real Tools That Work? Join Our Dog Reactivity Webinar!
Tired of conflicting advice and dead-end Google searches? The Dog Reactivity Webinar offers clear, actionable guidance for overwhelmed dog owners:
✅ Understand why your dog is reactive
✅ Learn practical tools to manage and reduce reactivity
✅ Discover how to build calmer, more confident walks
✅ Ideal for dogs reactive to people, dogs, or environmental triggers
📣 Click here to join the Dog Reactivity Webinar and start your dog’s transformation today.
📌 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is reactivity the same as aggression?
A: Not always. While some reactive dogs may display aggressive behaviour, most are simply overwhelmed or frightened. Reactivity is a response, not a personality trait.
Q: Can I fix my dog’s reactivity?
A: With time, consistency, and the right approach, you can absolutely make progress. Some dogs may always need a little extra space, but reactivity can be significantly reduced.
Q: Will the Dog Reactivity Webinar help with people or child reactivity, not just dogs?
A: Yes! The strategies covered apply to reactivity caused by any trigger, including people, traffic, noises, and more.
Q: My dog is reactive on walks – can this webinar still help?
A: Definitely. Walk-based reactivity is one of the most common forms we deal with. The webinar will give you tools to make walks safer, calmer, and more enjoyable for both of you.
Q: I’ve tried training before and it didn’t work. What makes this different?
A: Many reactive dog owners have tried outdated or one-size-fits-all advice. This webinar is rooted in modern behavioural science, and offers real-life, practical techniques that respect your dog’s emotional needs.
You don’t have to struggle alone. You and your dog deserve peaceful, joyful walks, and we’re here to help you get there.
📣 Join the Dog Reactivity Webinar today →
Follow us on Instagram for more training tips and to see some of our work!