Will My Dog Always Be Reactive?
- Naomi White
- Oct 7
- 4 min read
If you’re living with a reactive dog, you’ve probably asked yourself this question more than once. It’s completely understandable because owning a reactive dog can be emotionally, mentally, and physically draining.
You might recognise some of these feelings:
The frustration when your dog reacts out of nowhere.
The embarrassment of feeling judged when your dog lunges or barks.
The sadness of knowing your dog has a wonderful side that others rarely see.
The exhaustion of walking at unsociable hours to avoid other dogs or people.
The constant stress of trying to prevent another reaction.
Does any of this sound familiar?
You might find yourself wishing for a “normal dog,” or feeling guilty about past events that could have contributed to your dog’s behaviour. For some owners, that guilt or frustration can start to impact the bond they share with their dog.
Living with a reactive dog can also affect relationships with others, like tension between family members, or difficulty joining friends for walks or meet-ups. Well-meaning advice from others can sometimes feel hurtful, especially if you’re already doubting yourself.
It’s no wonder that owners often wonder: Will my dog always be reactive?
What is a “Reactive Dog”?
A reactive dog is one who overreacts to certain triggers, like other dogs, people, noises, or fast movement, by barking, lunging, growling, or trying to escape. It’s important to remember that reactivity is not the same as aggression. Most reactive behaviour stems from fear, frustration, or overexcitement, rather than a desire to harm.
Why Do Dogs Become Reactive?
Reactivity can develop for many different reasons. Some dogs are naturally more sensitive or easily aroused. For others, it might stem from:
Lack of early socialisation or positive experiences
A frightening encounter with another dog or person
Genetics or breed traits
Pain or discomfort
A build-up of stress or frustration
Whatever the cause, it’s rarely the owner’s fault and it doesn’t mean your dog is bad!
Will My Dog Always Be Reactive?
The honest answer is: it depends.
That might not be what you want to hear, but the good news is there’s always hope. Many reactive dogs make huge progress with the right support, management, and training. Some may always have certain triggers, but they can learn to cope calmly and recover quickly.
How to Help a Reactive Dog Make Progress
The first step is always management. This isn’t about avoiding the problem forever; it’s about preventing your dog from practicing reactive behaviours and reducing stress so they’re in the right headspace for learning.
To make progress, your dog needs to feel calm and relaxed. Here’s how to start:
Find what your dog enjoys most. Visit secure fields, go on sniffy walks in quiet places, play in the garden, or use enrichment toys at home.
Provide quiet, safe spaces at home. Good sleep and rest are essential to lower stress. Give your dog a cosy area where they won’t be disturbed.
Avoid known triggers (for now). That might mean walking at quieter times or choosing less busy routes. Avoiding reactions isn’t giving up, it’s the foundation for progress.
Focus on decompression. Short, calm walks that let your dog sniff, explore, and relax will do more good than stressful, reactive walks.
Training a Reactive Dog
When you’re ready to start training, it’s best to work with a qualified, force-free behaviour professional. They’ll help you create a plan that’s tailored to your dog and guide you through challenges along the way. Check out our training options here: https://www.houndspot.com/dog-training-surrey
Here’s what the process often looks like:
Use good management to lower stress and prevent your dog from practicing reactions.
Teach foundation skills at home, such as name response, recall, and eye contact.
Take high-value treats on walks and reward your dog for engaging with you.
Visit quiet, open spaces where you can see triggers at a distance. Let your dog look, then call them to you for a treat.
Keep walks calm and slow, it’s less about exercise, more about observation and engagement with you.
The goal is to help your dog calmly observe the world while feeling supported by you. Over time, this builds confidence and reduces reactivity.
Watch for Signs of Stress
Keep a safe distance from triggers and watch for signs that your dog is feeling overwhelmed:
Refusing food or treats
Trying to move away
Ignoring familiar cues
Barking, whining, or growling
If you notice these signs, move further away and give your dog time to recover.
Signs of Progress
Small improvements are important and form the foundation of further progress. You might notice your dog:
Reacts less frequently or less intensely
Recovers faster after a reaction
Starts to look to you for reassurance
Becomes more relaxed on walks
These are all signs that your dog is learning and gaining confidence.
When to Seek Professional Help
Caring for a reactive dog can feel isolating, so remember to support yourself as well. Connect with other owners who understand, celebrate small wins, and remind yourself that your dog’s behaviour isn’t your fault.
If you’re struggling, reach out to a qualified, reward-based trainer or behaviourist who understands reactivity. Avoid anyone suggesting punishment, prong collars, or dominance-based methods because these approaches can worsen fear and anxiety.
Every reactive dog is different, and while there’s rarely a quick fix, progress is possible. With patience and the right support, you can learn the skills to support your dog and improve their ability to cope with various triggers.
If you’d like guidance on how to start, or need a plan tailored to your dog, I’d be happy to help you take those next steps toward calmer, more enjoyable walks together.
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