Over the past year, I’ve had the pleasure of walking a lovely dog who, up until recently, was calm and a joy to walk. However, following a difficult encounter with an aggressive dog, she’s become reactive on walks. Reactivity in dogs can develop unexpectedly, and it’s often triggered by a negative experience. In my case, I've had to swap her to solo walks to help her feel more comfortable while her owners worked on her reactivity.
I want to share what I’ve learned about reactivity, why it happens, what it looks like and some training tips to help reactive dogs regain their confidence.
What is reactivity?
Reactivity in dogs generally refers to an overreaction to certain stimuli, such as other dogs, people or even moving vehicles. This reaction can range from barking and lunging to growling or snapping. For many dogs, reactivity is a result of fear, frustration or poor socialisation. In the case of the dog I walk, her reactivity started after an encounter with an aggressive dog, which left her feeling more on edge and defensive when out on walks.
Why do dogs become reactive?
There are many reasons why a dog may develop reactivity, and it’s important to understand that it’s not about aggression but rather a way for dogs to express their discomfort. Some common causes include:
Fear or anxiety: Many reactive dogs are trying to create distance from something that makes them feel afraid or anxious. This can be another dog, a stranger, or even a particular noise.
Frustration: Dogs who are on lead and unable to interact freely with other dogs or their environment can become frustrated, leading to reactive behaviour.
Past experiences: Negative experiences, like the aggressive dog encounter my dog faced, can lead to heightened alertness and defensiveness in future situations. This fear-based reactivity can linger long after the event.
Poor socialisation: If a dog hasn’t been properly socialised from a young age, they may struggle to cope with new stimuli or environments.
What does reactivity look like?
Reactivity can show up in different ways depending on the dog and the situation. Common signs include:
- Barking and lunging: The dog may try to bark loudly and lunge towards what is triggering them.
- Growling or snarling: More serious reactions can include vocalisations that indicate the dog feels threatened or unsafe.
- Pulling on the lead: A reactive dog may pull harder on the lead, trying to get closer to or further from the stimulus.
- Stiff body language: You might notice the dog’s body becoming stiff, with ears pinned back, tail tucked or hackles raised.
- Excessive panting or drooling: These can be signs of stress and discomfort, indicating the dog is feeling overwhelmed.
Training tips for reactive dogs
While reactivity can be challenging, there are several techniques you can use to help your dog feel more secure and confident. Here are some approaches that can make a big difference:
1. Distance management
One of the most effective ways to manage reactivity is to create space between your dog and whatever triggers them. On walks, try to anticipate potential triggers and move to a safe distance before your dog reacts. Over time, gradually decreasing this distance while keeping your dog calm can help them feel less threatened.
2. Positive reinforcement
Rewarding your dog for calm behaviour is key. Carry treats or a favourite toy on walks, and reward your dog when they notice a trigger but remain calm. This helps your dog associate the trigger with something positive and reduces their anxiety over time.
3. Desensitisation
Desensitisation involves exposing your dog to the trigger in small, controlled doses while keeping them calm. Start from a distance where your dog feels safe and gradually decrease the distance over time as they become less reactive. It’s important to go at your dog’s pace and not rush this process.
4. Counter-conditioning
This technique involves changing your dog’s emotional response to a trigger. For example, if your dog reacts to other dogs, you can use treats to create a positive association when they see another dog from a distance. Over time, they may begin to associate other dogs with rewards rather than fear or frustration.
5. Calming signals
Pay attention to your dog’s body language, as this can help you spot signs of stress before they react. Things like licking their lips, yawning, or turning their head away from the trigger can all be early signs of discomfort. If you notice these signals, it may be a good time to create more distance or end the interaction before the situation escalates.
6. Professional help
If you’re struggling with reactivity, it’s always a good idea to seek professional advice. A qualified dog trainer or behaviourist can help assess the situation and develop a tailored plan to manage your dog’s reactivity.
Handling a reactive dog requires patience, understanding and a bit of extra effort. While it’s been a challenge working with a dog who has become reactive, it’s also been rewarding to see her progress. By swapping to solo walks and using positive reinforcement techniques, her owners and I are helping her feel safer and more confident. If your dog is struggling with reactivity, remember that it’s not their fault, and with the right support, you can help them through it.
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