What Is a Reactive Dog (and What It’s Not)
- Gemma O'leary
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
If you’ve ever felt embarrassed, frustrated, or even hopeless when your dog suddenly explodes at another dog, person, or even a passing bike — I want you to know something right away: you’re not alone.
Reactivity in dogs is incredibly common, and it doesn’t mean your dog is “bad,” “broken,” or “aggressive.” It simply means your dog is having big feelings about something in their environment — and they don’t yet know how to handle those feelings calmly.
Let’s unpack what a reactive dog really is (and what it’s not), so you can start to understand your dog on a deeper level and take the first step toward helping them — and yourself — feel more confident and in control.
💭 What “Reactive” Really Means
A reactive dog is one who overreacts to certain triggers — things like other dogs, people, vehicles, sounds, or even movement. You might see lunging, barking, whining, growling, or freezing.
At its core, reactivity is an emotional response. Your dog isn’t trying to give you a hard time — they’re having a hard time.*
Reactivity can come from many different emotions, such as:
Fear (“That thing might hurt me!”)
Frustration (“I want to go say hi but can’t!”)
Excitement (“New dog! New person! Let’s go!”)
Stress (maybe from lack of sleep, changes at home, or too much stimulation)
Understanding that your dog’s reactivity is emotional — not intentional — is a huge step toward helping them.
🚫 What a Reactive Dog Is Not
A reactive dog is not automatically aggressive.They’re not “dominant,” “stubborn,” or “out of control.”
Aggression involves intent to cause harm — reactivity doesn’t. Most reactive dogs are actually sweet, loving, and eager to please in every other setting. They just struggle when certain triggers show up.
Labeling your dog as “bad” or “aggressive” often does more harm than good. It can make you feel isolated and frustrated, and it doesn’t give your dog the understanding they need to improve.
Your dog isn’t giving you a hard time — they’re showing you they need help.
🧠 Why Reactivity Happens
There’s never just one cause, but some of the most common include:
Lack of early socialization: Not being exposed to certain sights or sounds in a safe way as a puppy.
Trauma or bad experiences: A single scary encounter can stick for life.
Genetics: Some dogs are naturally more sensitive or alert.
Overarousal: Dogs who live in a high-energy state (too much excitement, not enough calm time) often react more strongly.
Owner tension: Our dogs feel what we feel. If we’re tense, they sense it immediately.
If you’re feeling frustrated or anxious about your dog’s behaviour, it’s totally understandable. But remember — reactivity is not your fault and it’s not something you have to face alone.
🧩 The Hidden Link Between Pain and Reactivity
One of the biggest “aha!” moments I see with many clients is realizing that pain and discomfort can directly influence behaviour — often in ways we’d never expect.
Dogs can’t tell us when something hurts, so they show us in other ways — through changes in movement, posture, or even emotional reactions. A dog who suddenly becomes reactive, snappy, or sensitive might not be “acting out” — they could be trying to protect themselves from pain.
As a Dynamic Dog Practitioner, I look beyond behaviour to see what the body might be telling us. Subtle signs like:
Reluctance to jump in the car or onto furniture
Hesitation on stairs
Sensitivity to touch in certain areas
Stiffness after exercise
Restlessness or sudden changes in sleep patterns…can all indicate that something physical is going on.
When a dog experiences ongoing discomfort, their tolerance level drops. Things that once seemed fine — another dog passing by, a noise, even light touch — can suddenly feel overwhelming. The dog isn’t being difficult; they’re communicating that something doesn’t feel right.
By addressing both the emotional and physical side of reactivity, we often see dramatic improvements. Once pain or tension is managed, the dog can relax more easily, learn more effectively, and regain confidence in the world around them.
If you’ve been working on training and not seeing the progress you expect, it might be time to take a step back and ask:
“Could pain be part of the picture?”
This holistic view — understanding the dog’s physical, emotional, and environmental needs — is at the heart of truly effective behaviour work.
🐶 How to Help a Reactive Dog
Here are a few simple places to start:
Distance is your friend.The closer your dog is to their trigger, the harder it is for them to stay calm. Step back until they can focus on you again.
Reward calm behaviour.Mark and treat moments of calmness, even if it’s just a few seconds of relaxed breathing or soft eyes.
Work below threshold.If your dog is barking, lunging, or fixating, they’re already over their limit. Training only “sticks” when your dog feels safe and can think clearly.
Keep sessions short and positive.Progress doesn’t happen overnight — and that’s okay! Celebrate every small win.
Find support.You don’t have to do this on your own. There’s a whole community of dog owners who’ve been exactly where you are (myself included).
💬 A Personal Note from Me
When I started working with reactive dogs, I quickly realized how emotional this journey can be — for both ends of the leash. I’ve seen owners cry from frustration one week and cry from pride the next because their dog finally walked past another dog calmly.
Reactivity can feel isolating, but it doesn’t have to be. With patience, understanding, and the right tools, things do get better. I’ve seen it time and time again — and I’ve lived it too.
If you’d like more tips, encouragement, and a safe place to share your experiences, come join my private Facebook group for reactive dog owners. It’s a judgment-free space full of people who truly get it — and we’d love to have you there.
❤️ Final Thoughts
Reactivity doesn’t define your dog — or you.It’s just one part of your shared story, and with understanding and compassion, it can absolutely change for the better.
You and your dog are a team — and every small step forward counts.
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