01/14/2026
That sounds a lot like facts to me!
Innoculation
Reactivity is one of the only behavior issues where the solution and the problem look identical from the outside.
Yes, dogs need exposure to the things they react to.
No, that does not mean throwing them into chaos, or “letting them work it out.” Unmanaged exposure is not training. It’s rehearsal.
Every time a dog explodes, they’re practicing the very behavior we’re trying to change. And practice makes permanent.
Real progress comes from structured exposure:
• At a distance the dog can handle
• With clear guidance and boundaries
• With calm, repeatable success
• Before the dog tips over their threshold
That’s how exposure becomes medicine instead of poison. If your dog is reactive, the answer isn’t avoidance forever, but it also isn’t “just keep exposing them.”
It’s controlled, intentional, well-timed exposure that actually teaches the dog how to cope. This is where most people get stuck. And it’s why reactivity can feel so frustrating. 🐶❤️
