Signs your dog is reactive and what to do if they are

Tips for a stress-free stroll with your reactive dog

Mother and son walking their white English Bull Terrier dog through the park.

Does your dog tend to bark, lunge, or act uneasy around people or other dogs while you're out for a stroll? Walkies should be a fun time for both of you. But sometimes, the presence of other dogs or people can distress your pooch or make them feel frustrated, especially if they're itching to say hi. It can be tough to see your dog feeling this way. But don't worry, we’re here to help.

Signs your dog is reactive

We generally refer to dogs as being reactive when they show signs of worry or frustration around others on walks. Your dog could be considered reactive if, when on walks, they:

lunge, bark, growl or snarl at another dog or person
bounce around frantically, maybe trying to get out of their collar or harness
grab your clothing or body and shake it
nip another dog they’re being walked with
try to hide behind you, or between your legs
try to jump up into your arms
pull away.

Why is your dog reactive?

Dogs communicate with us and each other through body language and vocalisations.

If your dog feels fearful or anxious around other dogs or people, they may try to hide or get away from them. They may also approach them using threatening body language to make them move away.

If they really love saying hello to everyone and playing with every dog they meet, they may want to move closer.

While on-lead, they might not be able to move away or closer. This can result in frustration, and their attempts to move away or to get closer can intensify.

Reactive behaviour can develop due to a dog's experiences, or lack of, during puppyhood. Some dogs may lack social skills because they haven't learned appropriate boundaries, or how to communicate appropriately. Others may have had bad experiences that make them feel vulnerable when they're faced with similar situations.

Can a reactive dog be trained?

Absolutely. Here are our top tips for helping your dog:

consistently use reward-based training methods and keep them on a lead when needed
choose quiet places and times for walks, when possible, to avoid triggers while you’re working on changing their emotions
if you encounter a trigger, calmly move your dog away, avoiding adding extra tension to the lead (try luring them away with a tasty treat or favourite toy to play with)
reward calm behaviour
practice focus training to help them pay attention to you
learn to recognise your dog's body language. This will help you understand when they're feeling worried or frustrated
speak to your vet to rule out any underlying medical conditions.

Need extra support?

Our reactive Dog School classes are for dogs that would struggle to cope in regular classes. Over six weeks, you'll get advice and practical training from our dog experts.

Together, we can help your little pal be more relaxed, less fearful, and able to enjoy their life to the fullest.

Reactive Dog School

Prevent your puppy from becoming reactive

If you have a new puppy, the best way to tackle reactivity is to prevent it from happening. Our puppy socialisation advice is packed full of tips and tricks to give your new best pal the best start in life.

Our dog school classes are the perfect opportunity for your puppy to learn the skills they need. With expert advice and practical training from our experienced coaches, we'll help pup-pare them for anything life will throw at them.

Introducing your puppy to the world around them