Reactivity

What is Reactivity?

Reactivity in dogs refers to an unwanted response triggered by various stimuli, such as other dogs, people, or objects. This reaction can manifest in several behaviors, including barking, lunging, growling, jumping, and whining. The more a dog exhibits this reactive behavior, the stronger the neural pathway in their brain becomes, making this response their default reaction.

Many people mistakenly equate reactivity with aggression, but this is not accurate. Reactivity indicates that a dog is struggling with emotional regulation and may not know how to cope with feelings of fear, excitement, or frustration. If reactivity is not addressed, it can potentially escalate into aggressive behavior.

How Common is Reactivity?

Depending on the source, statistics indicate that between 70% and 90% of dogs experience some form of reactivity. In my experience as a dog trainer, about 80% of the dogs I work with demonstrate this behavior, which is a significant number. Reactivity exists on a spectrum, ranging from mild to severe. Moreover, pet parents may perceive the severity of their dog's reactivity as being higher or lower than it actually is.

How does reactivity occur?

Triggers that may lead to reactive behaviors in dogs are typically caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Possible contributors to the development of reactive behaviors may include:

• Developmental factors such as abuse and traumatic events during a puppy's developmental phase, or a lack of proper socialization early in life, can lead to increased fearfulness in dogs.

• Environmental factors can significantly impact a dog's behavior. If a dog is raised in an overly sheltered environment or exposed to violence, it may develop fear and reactivity. In some cases, these conditions can lead to anxiety disorders or PTSD, which increases the likelihood of reactive episodes.

• Some dog breeds have a genetic predisposition to reactively behave; terrier breeds often react towards other dogs, while herding breeds are more reactive to motion, especially when it is forward movement.

• Some physical disorders, especially those that cause chronic pain, can lead to reactive behaviors. Additionally, disorders affecting the thyroid may increase anxiety in your dog, which heightens the likelihood of reactivity.

Can we fix reactivity? 

Yes, but not for all dogs. It depends on the severity of the issue and other underlying factors. Some chronic reactivity problems can become potentially dangerous and should be addressed by a veterinary professional. Collaborating with a professional trainer or behaviorist is essential for managing dogs with reactivity disorders.

It is crucial not to scold or punish a dog for its reactive behaviors. Scolding a dog for behaviors motivated by fear often reinforces that fear, increasing the chances that it will escalate into more aggressive reactions. 

In severe cases, when behavioral therapy and training are insufficient to calm the dog, anti-anxiety or antidepressant medications may be recommended to help soothe your companion.

Tips to help with reactivity before it starts

Socialization

Contrary to popular belief, socialization does not mean exposing your dog to every person or animal you encounter. It also does not imply isolating them. Socialization is a balancing act. We want to ensure controlled introductions and structured playtime. Additionally, provide opportunities for social interaction with trusted friends in social settings, allowing your dog to develop and express social skills appropriately under your guidance. Avoid allowing strangers to encourage your dog to be overly social in the name of socialization. Instead, concentrate on teaching your dog to be a well-mannered member of society. Help your dog become comfortable in their environment by shifting from finding everything overwhelmingly interesting to understanding that while it's okay to engage with friends, strangers should be politely ignored.

Minimize greetings between dogs. 

Even if both dogs are friendly and eager to say hello, their excitement can sometimes cause them to forget their leash manners. This can lead to the reinforcement of inappropriate and sometimes dangerous behaviors. When behaviors are reinforced, they tend to become stronger and occur more frequently.

Pulling to reach another dog is problematic for several reasons:

1.  Pulling can be dangerous for both you and the dog. You could fall and sustain injuries.

2. It reinforces the pulling behavior. When a dog pulls, they achieve their goal of reaching the other dog.

3. A tight leash can create tension between the dogs, increasing stress for one or both of them. When greeting on tight leashes, dogs often react by barking and lunging, which can quickly escalate into a dog fight.

These principles apply to interactions with people as well. We want to keep our dogs below their threshold when they see other animals and people. When your dog barks and lunges at another dog, he is reinforcing a behavior we want to eliminate. Our goal is to change this behavior to achieve a calm and neutral demeanor in your dog. We need to allow the undesired pathway to become less prominent while we create a new, calmer pathway for them.

Basic Obedience Training

Engaging in basic obedience training is essential for fostering confidence and a strong bond between you and your dog. Through consistent practice of commands such as sit, stay, and come, you establish a clear and effective line of communication. This mutual understanding not only enhances your dog's behavior but also sets appropriate expectations for both of you in various situations. As you both learn and grow together, you create a more harmonious relationship built on trust and respect.