Reactive Dog Training in Brisbane
Helping Your Dog Feel Safe & Confident
Does your dog bark, lunge, or react aggressively toward other dogs, people, or noises? Reactivity often stems from fear, frustration, or lack of confidence, and without the right training, it can and usually becomes worse.
At Candid Dog Training, I specialize in reactive dog training in Brisbane, helping owners understand and manage fear-based, aggressive, or overstimulated behaviours. Using a science-based, balanced training approach, I teach you how to build confidence, reduce stress, and improve your dog’s behaviour so you can enjoy stress-free walks, visitors, and daily outings.
Understanding Reactivity in Dogs
Reactivity in dogs refers to an exaggerated emotional response to common stimuli that most dogs would handle with ease. Reactive dogs may bark, lunge, growl, whine, cower, or pull on the leash when faced with a trigger, such as other dogs, strangers, loud noises, or unfamiliar environments.
While reactivity is often mistaken for aggression, the two are not the same. Reactivity is typically rooted in fear, anxiety, frustration, or over-excitement, whereas aggression is an intentional behavior meant to increase distance, defend, or inflict harm.
Manage Your Dog’s Reactivity
What Causes Reactivity? Common Factors in Reactive Dogs
Reactivity doesn’t develop out of nowhere—it’s often influenced by a combination of genetics, early experiences, training (or lack thereof), and environmental factors. Some of the most common causes include:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 behaviors 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.
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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.
Common Triggers for Reactive Dogs & How to Manage Them
A trigger is anything that causes a dramatic reaction from your dog. Triggers vary between dogs, but common ones include:
Other dogs – Many reactive dogs struggle with seeing or passing other dogs, especially on a leash.
Strangers or specific people – Men with beards, people wearing hats, or even children can sometimes trigger a fearful response.
Fast-moving objects – Bicycles, skateboards, and cars can spark a chase response or fear reaction.
Unfamiliar environments – New places, crowded areas, or noisy streets can make reactive dogs feel overwhelmed.
Loud noises – Thunder, fireworks, or sudden sounds can cause panic-driven reactions.
Why Reactivity Needs to Be Managed
Reactivity is stressful for both dogs and their owners. A dog that constantly overreacts to the world around them is likely feeling overwhelmed, unsafe, or frustrated. If left unaddressed, reactive behavior can escalate into aggression, making everyday activities like walks or vet visits more difficult.
The good news? Reactivity can be managed and improved with the right training.
Help Your Dog To Stay Calm
Signs Your Dog May Need Reactivity Training.
When to Seek Help.
Does your dog struggle with:
Barking, lunging, or growling at other dogs on walks?
Pulling on the leash when they see people, bikes, or joggers?
Barking excessively at noises, visitors, or passers-by?
Overreacting to cars, scooters, or other fast-moving objects?
If you answered yes, reactivity training can help your dog stay calm, focused, and under control in these situations.
How I Help Reactive Dogs in Brisbane.
A Science-Based Approach
At Candid Dog Training, I don’t just suppress reactivity—I teach dogs new coping strategies so they feel more comfortable and in control. My training focuses on:
Get Professional Reactivity Training in Brisbane
Let’s Help Your Dog Feel Safe & Confident
You don’t have to struggle alone. With reactive dog training in Brisbane, you can help your dog feel calm, safe, and in control—leading to better walks, less stress, and a happier life together.