Reactivity
If your dog barks, growls, or lunges at other dogs or people on walks, you’re not alone— and we can help!
Reactivity is a very common dog behavior challenge that impacts many families. It can be stressful, embarrassing, and limit options for you and your dog. But there are lots of things you can do to help prevent and treat reactivity!
What is Dog Reactivity?
Dog reactivity means your dog has a strong, exaggerated response to certain triggers such as dogs, people, or objects like cars or bikes.
Reactivity may look like barking, lunging, pulling, or growling. While it can involve aggression, many reactive dogs are simply fearful, frustrated, or overly excited.
Reactivity is most commonly seen while on leash, but it can also happen in the home or behind a fence.
What Causes Dog Reactivity?
Reactivity can stem from:
Fear or anxiety
Past trauma (like being attacked by another dog)
Pain or medical issues
Overexcitement or frustration on leash
It’s important to identify the root cause before creating your training plan.
Is dog reactivity the same as aggression?
Not always. Some reactive dogs may bite if pushed too far, but many are simply trying to create distance from something they’re afraid of. Some dogs show reactive behavior because they are overly excited and want to say hi or play.
How long does it take to fix dog reactivity?
It depends! Recovering from a traumatic experience (like being attacked by an off-leash dog) may be different from learning skills to deal with excitement and frustration. Training time also depends on your ability to train consistently, your environment, and your dog’s learning history.
Some dogs improve in just a few sessions, while others require months of training. Our goal is lasting progress!
How should I train a reactive dog?
We recommend positive reinforcement training with a certified trainer or behavior consultant. Tools like prong collars, choke chains, or shock collars may suppress the behavior temporarily but often increase fear and worsen reactivity long term.
At Every Dog, we focus on treating the root cause of reactivity—whether fear, trauma, or overexcitement—for lasting results.
Should reactive dogs be socialized?
Yes, but the specifics will depend on your dog. We don’t recommend “pack walks” or forced exposure. These often make things worse. Instead, we create gradual, structured training plans to help dogs feel safe and comfortable around triggers at their own pace. Some reactive dogs love having dog friends, some may get along with only certain dogs, and others don’t want to interact at all, and that’s all okay!
Will a board-and-train program fix reactivity?
Usually not. Reactivity is context-specific, meaning dogs must practice in their real environment—your neighborhood, your walks.
Additionally, many board-and-train facilities rely on punishment-based methods, which can worsen reactivity. If you explore board-and-train, make sure the provider is a certified positive reinforcement trainer.
What can I do TODAY to improve my dog’s reactivity?
Create a management plan! Limit opportunities for your dog to “practice” their reactivity. Try walking at quiet times, or take your dog to a less crowded place. If you have a yard, try playing with your dog there for exercise and limiting your walks.
Don’t try to DIY it- reach out to a certified behavior consultant to get help!