REACTIVE DOG SUPPORT

Reactivity can be inherited from a dog’s parents, meaning some puppies are naturally more prone to fearful or excitable behavior.

Certain breeds have a higher likelihood of reactivity due to their genetic background. For example:

• Herding breeds (e.g., Border Collies, Australian Shepherds) may react strongly to movement due to their instinct to control and chase.

• Guarding breeds (e.g., German Shepherds, Rottweilers) may be more defensive or territorial.

• Hunting breeds (e.g., Terriers, Hounds) may have heightened sensitivity to sudden stimuli.

Meeting a puppy’s parents can give insight into their temperament, as reactivity traits often run in families.

While genetics play a role, environment and training can significantly influence a dog’s behaviour.

Early exposure is crucial. Puppies have a critical socialization window (3–16 weeks old) where positive experiences help shape their confidence and adaptability.

Fear of the unknown. Dogs that haven't been properly exposed to different people, animals, sounds, and environments may see them as threats later in life.

Missed opportunities. A puppy raised in an isolated or overly protected environment may struggle to handle everyday situations, leading to fear-based reactivity.

Inconsistent or negative experiences. Socialization isn’t just about exposure; it must be positive. If a puppy has frightening encounters with other dogs or people, they may become reactive instead of confident.

Adult dogs can still learn. While early socialization is ideal, adult dogs can still build confidence through structured exposure, counter-conditioning, and appropriate training.

Fear learned through trauma. A single negative encounter (e.g., being attacked by another dog, startled by a loud noise, or handled roughly) can create long-lasting fear-based reactivity.

Repeated failed escape attempts. If a dog feels trapped or unable to escape a stressful situation (e.g., being forced into interactions they fear), they may develop defensive reactivity.

Association with specific triggers. A dog that has had a bad experience with a certain type of person (e.g., men with beards, people in hats) or another dog may generalize their fear and react to all similar triggers.

Pain or discomfort. A dog that experienced physical pain (e.g., an injury during a social encounter) may associate that pain with certain stimuli, leading to avoidance or aggression.

Post-Traumatic Stress Responses. Just like humans, dogs can carry emotional scars from past trauma, which can resurface in stressful or unfamiliar situations.

Reactivity can worsen over time. Without intervention, fearful or defensive behaviour can escalate, making future encounters more difficult.

Dogs need coping skills. Without proper training, dogs may struggle to process and respond calmly to stressful situations, leading to overreactions like barking, lunging, or growling.

No clear communication. Dogs rely on consistent guidance from their owners. If they haven’t been taught how to respond appropriately to triggers, they may develop reactive behaviours out of uncertainty or frustration.

Reinforced reactivity. If a dog reacts negatively (e.g., barking at other dogs) and this behaviour unintentionally gets rewarded (such as by creating distance from the trigger), they learn that reactivity "works" to control their environment.

Leash reactivity & frustration. Without proper training, dogs can become reactive due to barrier frustration, especially when restrained on a leash and unable to interact freely.

Training builds confidence. Structured, positive training teaches dogs that they don’t need to react impulsively, instead helping them learn alternative behaviours like checking in with their owner, disengaging from triggers, or focusing on commands.

Behaviour modification is possible. While lack of training can lead to reactivity, proper training using counter-conditioning, desensitization, and positive reinforcement can reshape a dog's reactions over time.

Fear-Based Reactivity. Many reactive dogs are actually fearful, trying to create distance from a perceived threat (e.g., another dog, a stranger, or an unfamiliar object). They may bark, lunge, or cower to avoid confrontation.

Frustration-Driven Reactivity. Some dogs react because they want to interact but can’t (e.g., being on a leash, behind a fence, or restrained in any way). This frustration can turn into intense barking, lunging, or pulling.

Excitement Overload. Highly energetic dogs may become reactive out of pure overstimulation rather than fear or frustration. Their emotions become too much to handle, leading to jumping, barking, and erratic movements.

Leash Reactivity & Barrier Frustration. Dogs that cannot reach what they want (another dog, a person, or a moving object) may develop reactive behaviours out of sheer frustration. This often happens when dogs are frequently restrained without learning how to stay calm.

The Fight, Flight, Freeze Response. Reactive dogs may exhibit different stress responses:

• Fight – Barking, lunging, or growling to drive the trigger away.

• Flight – Trying to escape or avoid the trigger.

• Freeze – Becoming stiff, refusing to move, or shutting down.

Emotion Regulation Through Training. Teaching a reactive dog alternative behaviours, impulse control, and emotional regulation helps them respond more calmly to triggers.