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If you’ve found your dog to be unpredictable at times - easily ‘set off’ by strangers or other dogs for example - you might have a reactive dog.
Reactivity in dogs can stem from all kinds of triggers and is somewhat common, but it can become an issue if you find it tricky to handle your dog and return them to a neutral state.
In this article, we’ll lay out the signs of reactivity in dogs, what causes a dog to be reactive by nature, and some hints and tips to keep your dog regulated during trigger situations.
If you’re wondering if your dog is reactive, it’s likely they launch into behaviours that are suddenly excitable, fearful and impulsive whenever they come across a trigger. If you recognise any of the following signs, it may be time to look for the next steps to help your reactive pooch.
If your dog is reactive, they may behave in the following ways when they are ‘triggered’...
When we reference a ‘trigger’, this can be anything your pooch feels particularly emotional around, such as next door’s cat, bigger dogs, red cars, motorbikes, squirrels, the post person, etc.
A trigger might be very specific to your dog - like teenage boys on bicycles, for example, which stems from a stressful experience your dog once had. Or the triggers may be vague and hard to pin down.
Your dog may seem upset by some dogs and not others, for instance, for no obvious reason.
The reasons a dog is reactive can be very broad and vary from dog to dog.
Generally, a dog being sensitive when triggered can stem from any of the following…
If your dog’s reactivity is hard to handle, there are steps you can take to manage and reduce the sudden behaviours.
Firstly, try to identify your dog’s triggers.
Observe what sets your dog off (other dogs, people, noises, bikes), make a note of them and pre-empt your dog's reaction if you see them up ahead when on a walk.
This way, you can firstly manage distance by giving them a wide berth, crossing the street or taking another route to prevent your dog from getting worked up.
That said, eventual and gradual exposure therapy is the next step to showing your pooch they can be calm in triggering scenarios.
Regularly teach focus and self-control with cues like ‘look at me’, ‘leave it’ and ‘sit/stay’ - starting out in low-stress situations and slowly exposing your dog to triggers at safe distances.
Remember to stay calm yourself - adopt a calm and steady voice and stance, and avoid jerking the lead harshly, as your dog will pick up on your emotions, too.
Each time your dog responds calmly to what once triggered them, or quickly returns to neutral after an initial reaction, reward them with a healthy dog treat and lots of praise.
This will reinforce good coping skills and show your pooch there’s nothing to be afraid of.
Training your dog to manage their emotions and stay regulated begins at home, and can be encouraged with exercise, training activities and a healthy, nutrient-dense diet for dogs.
Going for walks in new environments exposes them to new sights, smells and potential triggers, and reduces pent-up energy so they’ll be calmer in general.
When it comes to food, keep fatty treats and human food to a minimum, and keep their meals full of nutrients and supplements so they feel calm and rested from the inside out.
Yes, a wholesome diet for dogs full of fresh, natural ingredients can really help a dog to stay calm and regulated, as the gut and brain is intrinsically linked through the gut-brain axis.
High-quality proteins and amino acids like L-tryptophan (found in Turkey and in our Calm & Relaxed Wet and Dry food) can help boost feel-good brain chemicals, omega-3s found in oily fish can ease stress, and fibre-rich foods keep their gut and mood in check.
Steering clear of artificial additives and nasties can help reduce hyperactivity, so your pooch will feel more relaxed and focused throughout the day, therefore less reactive when out and about.
If you’ve tried everything to calm your dog and reduce their reactive tendencies, but they still go crazy now and then, it’s completely normal to seek professional help.
A pet behavioural therapist can give you a personalised training plan that homes in on your dog’s particular triggers and quirks, so eventually your pooch will move through the world with a level of relaxed confidence.
Do you have any experiences with reactive dogs? Let us know in the comments what helped you and your pooch.
There isn’t really a specific breed that shows more reactivity than others; a dog’s level of reactivity will be mostly due to their past experiences, temperament and level of socialisation as a puppy.
However, some breeds are more protective of their owners than others due to being working dogs, herding dogs or guard dogs.
Whereas small dog breeds can be perceived as more reactive due to everything seeming large and threatening to their small stature. This doesn’t have a significant sway factor, though, as all dog breeds have the potential to be reactive.
If your pooch is totally ignoring your cues, constantly lunging on the lead or freezing at triggers, these are signs your pooch finds it hard to regulate themselves and could do with some help reducing their reactivity.
Reactivity can show up at any age, but it often becomes noticeable when your dog is an adolescent or young adult dog, when confidence and social skills are still developing.
This is why training and socialising dogs in their early years is so integral, so they grow to become more regulated as they mature.
No - the owner is likely trying their best to control their pooch each time they’re reactive.
Reactivity usually comes from a mix of temperament, past experiences, environment and genetics, and the owner is rarely to blame.
Give your reactive dog a foundation of calmness with a nutritious grain-free dog food full of whole proteins, tasty vegetables and supplements - or try our calming treats for dogs with Turkey and Hemp, for natural relaxation.
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