Living with a Reactive Dog?
Let's help you and your dog enjoy walks again
Does your dog bark, lunge, pull or become fixated when they see other dogs, people, cars or other triggers?
Walks can become stressful when you’re constantly scanning ahead, changing direction or worrying about how your dog might react.
With the right support, you can help your dog learn to cope more calmly.
Why do Dogs Become Reactive?
Dogs can become reactive for all sorts of reasons including previous experiences, lack of quality socialisation or training, fear and anxiety, frustration, overarousal, underlying medical issues or even pain.
What is Reactivity?
Reactivity describes an intense behavioural response to a particular trigger or situation. Triggers might include other dogs, people, vehicles, sounds or particular environments.
Signs of Reactivity
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Lunging or growling at dogs or people
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Excessive whining or barking
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Grabbing lead, clothes or other items
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Pulling or trying to get away on lead
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Fleeing or hiding
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Hyperfocus toward dogs or people
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Why do Dogs React?
Dogs may react if they feel unsafe and want to increase distance between them and the "trigger". Some dogs may react because they are frustrated and unable to access something they want, such as another dog or person. This frustration can sometimes be redirected towards the lead, handler or another nearby target. They may even just be so overwhelmed with emotion that they struggle to regulate.
What Should I Do Next?
The first step to getting support is to get in touch via the contact form or book a discovery call, we can then discuss what's going on with your dog and have a friendly chat about how we would work together. I'll then provide you with the appropriate steps to get started.​​
Behaviourist Supporting Reactive Dogs In:
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York