30/01/2025
❓How reflexes play a role in reactivity❓
Reactivity in dogs is a common behaviour concern that many pet guardians face. Whether it’s barking and lunging at other dogs, startling at sudden noises, or freezing in fear, these reactions can feel overwhelming to deal with. But did you know that many of these responses are similar to reflexes?
A reflex is an automatic, unconscious reaction to a stimulus. For example, when you accidentally touch something hot, you immediately pull your hand away without even thinking about it. This happens because of a quick communication loop in your nervous system called a reflex arc.
In reactive dogs, something very similar occurs. Their responses are not "bad behaviour" or conscious choices—they’re automatic reactions driven by their nervous system, often as a result of fear, stress, or past experiences.
So let's break it down in a Dog’s Brain During Reactivity...
𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐫 (𝐒𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐮𝐥𝐮𝐬)
Imagine a dog who reacts to other dogs on walks. The trigger is the sight or sound of another dog approaching. This stimulates the dog’s sensory system (like their vision or hearing), similar to how touching a sharp object activates pain receptors in a reflex.
𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠
The sensory information travels to the dog’s brain, where it reaches the emotional processing centre called the amygdala. The amygdala acts like an alarm system, deciding if the situation is safe or dangerous. For reactive dogs, this alarm system is often overactive due to previous negative experiences or a heightened sensitivity to certain stimuli.
Unlike humans, dogs can’t pause and consider their options when this alarm is triggered. Their brain prioritises immediate survival, bypassing the rational decision-making areas.
𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 (𝐌𝐨𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞)
The brain sends signals to the dog’s muscles, resulting in an immediate reaction like barking, lunging, freezing, or even running away. Just like pulling your hand away from something hot, the dog’s response happens automatically.
Understanding how reflexes contribute to reactivity can help you approach some common behaviour challenges with more empathy and clarity.
𝟏. 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐮𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐭 𝐎𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐃𝐨𝐠𝐬
A reactive dog may view another dog as a potential threat, even if no danger exists. For example, a dog who had a negative encounter in the past might perceive every dog they see as a risk. The trigger (seeing the other dog) sets off the amygdala, which bypasses the thinking brain and leads to immediate barking or lunging.
This reaction is often rooted in fear, frustration, or overexcitement. The dog isn’t “choosing” to misbehave; they’re trying to protect themselves or create distance from what they perceive as a threat.
𝟐. 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐨𝐮𝐝 𝐍𝐨𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐬
Dogs startled by fireworks, thunder, or sudden bangs are experiencing a reflexive startle response. The loud noise acts as a trigger, and their nervous system instantly reacts with behaviours like shaking, hiding, or running away.
This response is instinctive, and designed to help the dog avoid danger. Unfortunately, in the modern world, these triggers are often inescapable, leaving the dog stuck in a cycle of fear.
𝟑. 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐜𝐡
Some dogs are sensitive to certain types of touch—like being patted on the head or having their paws handled. If a dog associates these actions with discomfort or pain, their reflexive response might be to pull away, growl, or snap.
Understanding this matters because recognising that reactive behaviours are often automatic - meaning the dog has no control over their response, so it's up to us to change how we approach them. These behaviours aren’t signs of defiance or disobedience but rather a lack of coping skills and their way of dealing with overwhelming stimuli.
As guardians, it’s important to help our dogs feel safe and reduce their need to rely on these reflexive responses.
I’ve tackled the involuntary responses, which is a great start, but you’re probably wondering, ‘That’s all well and good, but how do I actually help my dog now?
Gradually exposing your dog to their triggers in a controlled, positive way helps to change their emotional response over time. For example, pairing the sight of another dog with treats from a very far distance to start with can teach your dog that other dogs predict good things, not uncertainty or danger.
Avoiding overwhelming situations for a long time while you’re working on gradual exposure gives your dog space to feel calm. For instance, choosing quiet walking routes or using cars for barriers, bushes, or fences can prevent unwanted encounters.
Teaching new alternative behavioural skills, such as looking at you instead of barking, helps shift your dog’s focus away from the trigger temporarily if you are not actively working on systematic desensitisation (gradual exposure).
Reactivity can feel challenging, but it’s important to remember that your dog isn’t being stubborn or “naughty.” They’re responding instinctively, much like you would if you touched something hot or saw something that you were scared of (like a tarantula or cockroach). But, if you understand the reflexive nature of your dog’s behaviours, you can approach reactivity with patience, empathy, and the right training strategies to help your dog feel safer in their world.🥰🐾
