In that case, he could be pushed over the line into aggressive behavior, creating a bite risk. Suppose we let those behaviors continue to grow and continue without addressing the behaviors or the situation. In most situations where a stranger is present, he barks and growls while hiding behind me for that feeling of comfort and safety. We are working with our youngest dog Lucifer on his reactivity toward strangers. Some common aggressive behaviors include snapping, muzzle punching (when your dog hits a person or animal with their nose, mouth closed), and biting. This is when they cross the line from reactivity into aggression. If that frustration continues to build up, it’s like a pot of water on the stove – it will eventually boil over. Your dog’s reactive response is a sign of feeling overwhelmed or frustrated.
But reactivity that isn’t addressed and managed can turn into aggression. It is important that we understand the difference between the two.Ī reactive dog is not automatically an aggressive dog. The terms “reactivity” and “aggression” are often used interchangeably, but they have different meanings. It also includes dogs that are internalizing their reactivity by shutting down.ĭoes that internalize their reactivity may be seen shaking, whining, pacing, or trying to hide, all while failing to listen to their usual obedience commands. This includes dogs reacting outwardly by barking, lunging, or growling at their triggers. The most straightforward definition for a reactive dog is that they become so obsessed and preoccupied with their trigger that they can no longer be handled or moved out of the situation to safety. One question that I often hear is, “How do I know if my dog is reactive?” The answer is simple – watch for the signs in your dog’s daily behavior and body language. Not only will this make life with your dog more manageable, but it’s also crucial for your dog’s mental health! What Are the Signs of a Reactive Dog?
TRAINING REACTIVE DOG ON LEASH HOW TO
Reactivity is a sign that your dog is having a hard time in that situation and doesn’t know how to respond in a healthy way.Īs their owner, it’s your job to help condition your dog to better respond to their triggers. The most important thing to remember with a reactive dog is that these behaviors don’t mean your dog can never be a loving, family pet. This is a response frequently seen in shelter environments, where dogs are stressed to the point that they hide in the back corner of their kennel, failing to acknowledge people nearby. Reactive behaviors are often viewed as aggressive, but you may also notice your dog becoming overwhelmed and shutting down. Your reactive dog is responding in the same way. Instead, it indicates that your dog is so stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed by the trigger’s presence that their reaction escalates into unwanted behaviors.Ĭonsider the young child who, unable to tell you that a situation is uncomfortable, starts to have a meltdown to express their discomfort. Reactivity doesn’t mean that a dog wants to or enjoys acting out in the presence of a trigger. Before we dig into the training, we should start with the basics.
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