Understanding Dog Reactivity.
You might have seen a dog in the neighbourhood barking and lunging on the end of the lead. Or, perhaps, even your own dog engages in this behaviour? Either way, it seems to be a commonly occurring problem in pet dogs and is often referred to as reactivity. Read our Holidays4Dogs article to find out more about understanding dog reactivity – including hints and tips on how to help a reactive dog.
Reactivity in dogs typically involves barking, growling and even snapping. The dog may also show signs of fear such as cowering, or pulling on the lead to get away. If the dog is on the lead (when a lot of reactivity occurs ) you may see lunging, or spinning behaviour. But why do dogs behave like this and does it mean they are aggressive?
What is dog reactivity?
When a dog acts in an excessive way to ‘normal’ occurrences this is often referred to as reactivity. Seeing strange people while out walking might illicit no particular response from many dogs. They will pass by without paying much attention, or may show friendly signs of wanting to interact.
Other dogs, however, may react by cowering, barking and lunging, at the sight of a strange person approaching.
There are other situations and triggers which may cause dogs over react.
Some dogs may become reactive at the sight of other dogs, for example. Strange objects, horses, or livestock, might also illicit such a reaction.
Dogs like this, appear to be unable to regulate their emotions and, as a result, make it challenging for owners while out walking.
Once dogs are in this state, it is usually impossible to get their attention, until the trigger is out of sight.
What causes reactivity in dogs?
Fear is one of the most common reasons for reactivity in dogs. However, frustration or, excitement, can also cause dogs to become over aroused and, therefore, reactive.
For fearful dogs, reactivity can occur due to a lack of socialisation during puppy-hood. Dogs that have had negative experiences, such as being attacked by another dog, may then become fearful and reactive in the company of other canines.
The reasons for reactivity in dogs can be multi-faceted, though. It may not be a single, tangible reason, but several factors may be at play – creating a complex mix of both genetic and environmental factors.
What is aggression in dogs?
Aggressive behaviour in dogs, while worrying for owners, is a natural behaviour. Rarely, are dogs aggressive for no reason. Most dogs display aggression as a means 
of making something go away, which is causing them to feel threatened. This might be another person, or dog.
Fear is one of the largest identifying factors of aggression in dogs. In addition, older dogs and male dogs often display higher aggressive tendencies.
Certain breeds may also be more predisposed to aggression than others. Interestingly, research has found that undesirable behaviours become more common as height and weight decreases. Thus, smaller dogs tend to display more aggressive behaviours than their bigger cousins.
Can reactive dogs be aggressive?
While reactivity does not necessarily mean a dog is aggressive, it can lead to aggression. A reactive dog will often respond with a fight, flight, or freeze behaviour. Fight is a common behaviour, as is flight. The dog will either face the threat, or try to flee. Both can result in lunging, barking and/or pulling on the lead in order to fight, or get away.
How to deal with reactivity.
It can be frustrating and embarrassing for owners of reactive dogs, often not helped by the attitudes of other people.
Reactive dogs that struggle meeting other dogs, for example, can often be highly aroused and stressed if another dog comes near.
Many owners of reactive dogs find it difficult to help their dog when other people allow off-lead dogs to come running up.
Making sure dogs are socialised properly all helps to prevent reactivity occurring. However, if your dog is already reactive, it is important that a positive behaviour programme is put in place.
It can be a complex issue to deal with and there is, certainly, no ‘quick-fix’. You can read more about helping the nervous dog in one of our other Holidays4Dogs articles. You may need to employ the services of a canine behaviourist, or a dog trainer, with knowledge of reactivity.
If reactivity is sudden in onset, it would be a good idea to seek the advice of a vet to rule out any medical conditions.
Management and training.
Avoid situations where your dog is likely to be affected by triggers. This keeps your dog ‘under threshold‘ – that is, at the point before he becomes over stimulated and is still able to listen to you and take treats. This is not defeatist – it is simply managing your dog’s environment, so you can embark on a positive training plan, involving desensitisation and counter conditioning.
Resources.
Reactivity is stressful for dogs and can be challenging and upsetting for owners to deal with. However, by understanding dog reactivity, you will be better able to help your dog. With a positive programme of training, the situation can be improved dramatically. It is important to note that harsh training methods should never be employed. Avoid any trainer who suggests this. Forcing dogs to ‘face their fears’ or, punish them for reactive behaviour, will only make matters worse.
For further help and advice please visit Yellow Dog or, My Anxious Dog.
Reactive Dogs UK also have a wealth of advice, information and resources.
