Reactivity - tools, tips & training

Understanding Reactive Dogs: A Guide for Owners

Reactive dogs can display behaviors such as lunging, barking, pulling on the lead, and resource guarding. These behaviors stem from fear, anxiety, overexcitement, or frustration. Understanding the root cause and using fear-free, positive reinforcement techniques can significantly improve their behavior and quality of life.

1. Lunging and Pulling on the Lead

Why it Happens:

• Overexcitement (e.g., wanting to greet other dogs or people)

• Fear or anxiety (e.g., reacting to a perceived threat)

• Frustration from lack of proper leash training

Fear-Free Exercises:

• Engagement Training: Reward your dog for looking at you during walks to increase focus.

• LAT (Look at That) Exercise: Reward calm behavior when your dog notices a trigger but does not react.

• U-Turns & Emergency Escapes: Teach a quick turn-around cue to move away from triggers safely.

• Loose Leash Walking Techniques: Use positive reinforcement to encourage walking at your pace without tension.

Online Resources:

• Reactive Dog Training Guide – Karen Pryor Academy

• LAT Exercise Explained – Clicker Training
  

2. Resource Guarding (Food & Toys)

Why it Happens:

• Natural instinct to protect resources

• Past experiences of scarcity or competition

• Anxiety and fear of losing valued items

Fear-Free Exercises:

• Trade-Up Game: Offer a higher-value reward in exchange for the item your dog is guarding.

• Drop It & Leave It Commands: Reinforce voluntary relinquishment of objects using positive reinforcement.

• Desensitization and Counterconditioning: Gradually approach while your dog eats, dropping high-value treats to build trust.

• Hand Feeding: Builds positive associations with human presence near food.

Online Resources:

• Preventing Resource Guarding – ASPCA

• Force-Free Resource Guarding Training – IAABC

3. Reactivity Toward Other Dogs or People

Why it Happens:

• Fear, trauma, or lack of early socialization

• Barrier frustration (leash or fence)

• Poor past interactions

Fear-Free Exercises:

• Counterconditioning & Desensitization: Gradually expose your dog to triggers at a distance while rewarding calm behavior.

• Parallel Walking: Walk alongside a calm dog at a safe distance to encourage neutral behavior.

• Pattern Games (Leslie McDevitt’s Control Unleashed): Teach predictable, rewarding behaviors that help your dog focus.

Online Resources:

• Understanding Dog Reactivity – The Whole Dog Journal

• Counterconditioning Techniques – Fear Free Pets
  

4. Noise Sensitivity & Fear-Based Reactivity

Why it Happens:

• Genetic predisposition

• Past traumatic experiences

• Sensory overload

Fear-Free Exercises:

• Gradual Sound Desensitization: Play low-volume recordings of scary noises while offering rewards.

• Safe Space Training: Create a calm, quiet area where your dog can retreat when stressed.

• Calming Aids: Consider anxiety wraps (ThunderShirt), pheromone diffusers, or calming music.

Online Resources:

• Noise Phobia Treatment – VCA Animal Hospitals

• Desensitization for Sound Sensitivity – The Spruce Pets
  

Final Tips for Managing Reactivity

• Avoid Punishment: Fear and aggression cannot be punished away; this often worsens the behavior.

• Use High-Value Rewards: Find what motivates your dog most (treats, toys, praise) to reinforce calm behavior.

• Seek Professional Help: A certified force-free trainer or behaviorist can tailor strategies to your dog’s needs.
  

By using positive reinforcement and a patient, structured approach, your reactive dog can learn to feel safe and confident in their environment.

Additional Resources:

• The Academy for Dog Trainers
  

• Fear Free Happy Homes
  

With consistency and compassion, you can help your dog navigate the world with confidence!