An Introduction to Reactivity
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Click
- Published: 07-03-2025, 10:28 AM
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An Introduction to Reactivity
This article is a brief introduction to the problem of reactive dogs – references are provided to give a deeper insight into the condition, problems and management.
Please note:
If your dog is aggressive, bites, fights or could in any way be likely to harm people or animals you need to seek ‘real life’ professional help. It is imperative that any trainer or behaviourist working with reactive dogs is appropriately qualified and uses only force-free methods. The use of force, aversives or status reduction could result in even worse behavioural problems.
If your dog has undergone any change in behaviour such as going from happy and laid back to irritable and snappy, or even the reverse, please consult a vet - there could very well be an underlying medical problem.
What is a ‘reactive dog’?
A reactive dog is one which has an abnormal reaction to normal circumstances such as the presence of strange people, dogs, other animals or even objects which for some reason they find scary. They may show this by barking, growling, snapping or lunging at the cause of their discomfort.
Why are some dogs reactive? (The following are some possible reasons not an exhaustive list)
The cause may be genetic – terriers are bred to react instantly to sound, movement and scent to enable them to hunt and kill vermin so it is unsurprising that this can from time to time present as ‘reactivity’
Lack of good early (pre-birth to 4mth) habituation and socialisation – it is important that the mother of dogs intended to be pet dogs is herself happy and relaxed within a domestic environment. Following the birth of a pup there is a period from 4 - 16wk to introduce him, in an enjoyable and rewarding way, to a range of life experiences similar to those he will have to experience in his adult life (see puppy socialisation plan or puppy resources on the Pet Professionals Guild site
Use of aversive training methods – the use of such methods mitigate against a dogs welfare, may result in a range of behaviour problems and can lead to aggression. http://www.dogwelfarecampaign.org/ Welfare in Dog Training
There is a possibility that certain foods can contribute to the problem
There may be health issues – check with a vet, especially if there has been a change in temperament
Insecurity and fearfulness (this may result from one of the above)
I have a reactive dog is there anything I can do about it?
Yes, you can help a reactive dog by the use of force-free training using positive reinforcement to train alternative, calmer behaviours. Ideally this should be with the help of a competent professional but this is not always possible. Provided your dog is not aggressive (as per the note above) you may find some of our recommended on-line resources useful. Don’t expect behaviour to change immediately, it takes time and perseverance. Each step needs to be practised in a safe environment and then in the presence of the ‘triggers’ without pushing the dog over its threshold. Be aware that thresholds may change from time to time; for instance a dog that has just been upset will have a much lower threshold than the same dog starting from a point of calmness
There may be some basic things that you can start doing immediately such as:
Teaching ‘calmness’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wesm2OpE_2c
Ensuring that your dog isn’t put into situations he finds stressful. Read about thresholds and if you see a situation arising which may take him over his threshold manage (using well-rehearsed methods) or get him out of the situation. Every time your dog reacts it reinforces the behaviour. Whole Dog Journal 'Across a Threshold' - http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/issues/16_4/features/across-a-threshold_20726-1.html
Keeping on a ‘loose leash’, it is natural for a dog in a stressful situation to turn away (flight) or show aggression (fight). A dog on a leash has the former option taken away from them so may feel that they have to resort to the latter. By tightening the leash you increase the trapped feeling. Giving a dog more of a sense of being in control is the basis of BAT training. In her book Click to Calm Emma Parsons also suggests helping your dog to have positive associations with the feeling of the lead tightening.
‘Become a Crazy Dog Lady’ - https://clickertraining.com/how-to-h...r-fearful-dog/ - read this great article by Casey Lomonaco from the Karen Pryor Clicker Training Website. This article describes one of the techniques that I have found most useful with George. Very much in line with the ‘hunting game’ I invented for him and described previously and Pamela Johnson’s ‘Surprise Party’ game https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Adbbgis2svA
Use Counter Conditioning - there is a great site for this https://careforreactivedogs.com/ CARE for the Reactive Dog[ This is an element in several of the above but the C.A.R.E website deals with it specifically.
If I see someone with a dog like that what should I do?
Keep your own dog away, don’t assume that because he is friendly it will be OK
If a dog has a yellow ribbon on its leash or the dog or owner has a yellow vest asking for more space respect this
If it is possible to talk to the owner at another time ask them if they are getting help or would like help – suggest a behaviourist or even coming to the forum where we can try and help them find a suitable one
Sources of information and support for people with reactive dogs.
Websites and on-line resources
BAT – http://empoweredanimals.com
CARE - http://careforreactivedogs.com/
Dogmantics – http://dogmantics.com
Training Positive – http://www.trainingpositive.com
Ladder of communication – https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and...-communication
Training to a muzzle - https://muzzleupproject.com/
Across a Threshold - http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/iss...d_20726-1.html
Yellow Dog Project - https://www.yellowdoguk.co.uk/
Books
Behavior Adjustment Training: BAT for Fear, Frustration, and Aggression in Dogs – Grisha Stewart
Click to Calm – Emma Parsons
Fight – Jean Donaldson
The Cautious Canine – Patricia McConnell
Canine Commandments – Kendal Shepherd – a children’s book but really valuable information including ‘the ladder of aggression’
Dogs that Fight and Bite - David Ryan
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