Reactivity
It’s not stubbornness. It’s not your dog’s fault. It’s not your failure.
It’s a sign that something is simply too much for them. That their nervous system reacts faster, stronger, and for longer than other dogs’.
A reactive dog is one who can’t “switch off.” Barking, lunging, freezing, bolting – these are not signs of disobedience, but signs of emotional overload.
Often driven by fear, frustration, or simply a low capacity to regulate stress.
And yes, for some dogs it’s a temperament trait – they’re just more sensitive by nature.
Where does reactivity come from?
There’s rarely just one cause. It’s usually a mix of:
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genetic predispositions,
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prenatal or early life stress,
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traumatic experiences,
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lack of emotional support,
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and chronic tension in everyday life.
It’s not about poor training. It’s about difficulty processing the world and managing emotions.
What can you do?
Before thinking about “fixing” behavior, focus on reducing stress.
Create safety and predictability – with clear routines and a calm environment.
Meet your dog’s needs – movement, sleep, social connection, exploration.
Avoid force and punishment – don’t teach your dog their emotions are “bad.”
Offer choice and control – it helps rebuild their confidence.
Be supportive – calm, patient, and attentive.
It’s not about obedience. It’s about emotional balance. Behavior improves when your dog feels better.
Reactivity isn’t a life sentence
This isn’t something to “get rid of.” It’s something to understand.
Reactivity doesn’t vanish overnight. But with the right support, your dog can learn to respond differently.
They need your calm, your patience, and your presence.
And if you don’t know where to begin – book a consultation or check out our courses for guardians of reactive dogs.
