22/11/2024
🐾 Understanding Dog Reactivity: You’re Not Alone, and Help is Here 🐾
Does your dog bark, lunge, or get overly excited around other dogs, people, or new stimuli? This is called reactivity, and while it can feel isolating, it’s much more common than you think - even I have a reactive dog (yes, I’m photo-shaming him 🤣), and I do this for a living! 🤪
💡 What is Reactivity?
Reactivity is your dog’s heightened response to specific triggers, often due to fear, frustration, or overstimulation. It’s not “bad behaviour”—it’s communication! Your dog is saying, “I’m uncomfortable or unsure about this situation.”
🌟 Causes of Reactivity:
• Lack of socialisation during critical periods
• Traumatic experiences or fear
• Frustration from wanting to interact but being unable to
• Breed tendencies (some dogs are naturally more vocal or alert)
💬 You’re Not Alone:
Having a reactive dog can feel overwhelming and isolating, especially when it feels like everyone else’s dog is calm and easy-going. But trust me—it’s more common than you realise. With time, patience, and the right approach, reactivity can improve, and you’ll strengthen your bond with your dog along the way.
💪 How Can You Help?
1️⃣ Identify Triggers: Observe what causes your dog’s reactivity—other dogs, strangers, loud noises?
2️⃣ Create Distance: Give your dog space to feel safe. Move away from triggers before they get overwhelmed.
3️⃣ Reward Calm Behaviour: Use positive reinforcement to reward calm reactions, even at a distance.
4️⃣ Practice Counterconditioning: Pair triggers with something positive, like treats, to change your dog’s emotional response.
5️⃣ Seek Professional Help: A dog trainer or behaviourist (like me!) can design a step-by-step plan tailored to your dog’s needs.
✨ Remember: Reactivity doesn’t mean your dog is aggressive! With the right tools and support, even the most reactive dogs can learn to feel more confident and relaxed.
You’re not alone in this. I understand because I’ve been there too—and I’m here to help! DM me or visit www.ravenpaws.co.uk to learn more about my training programs 💕