6 Tips For Training a Reactive Dog

Zack Keithy, our author, is a certified veterinarian technician (UC Blue Ash) for over 6 years (contact him here). The articles written here are based on his expertise and experience, combined with a review by our expert vet reviewers including Dr M. Tarantino. Learn more about us here.

Before you go on, I want to emphasize that this guide isn’t a substitute for professional training advice. Reactivity in dogs is not a straightforward or simple thing to deal with, so I highly recommend that you consult with a trainer who specializes in this area or a dog behaviorist. Alternatively, you can invest in a quality online program to help you out.

My goal for this article is to help you better understand your furry friend and to introduce some simple techniques that could lead to significant improvements in their behavior.

What is The Difference Between a Reactive Dog and An Aggressive Dog?

This may be oversimplified, but I think it’s a good starting point to understand the differences.

A reactive dog responds to certain triggers, like other dogs or loud noises, with heightened excitement, fear, or anxiety, often barking or lunging.

An aggressive dog, on the other hand, intends to cause harm and shows behaviors like growling, snarling, or biting as a response to perceived threats.

Reactivity is usually about being overwhelmed, while aggression involves intent to protect or assert dominance.

1. Establish a Communication System

When dealing with a reactive dog, having a solid communication system is your priority.

After all, how else can you let them know when they’re on the right track or when they need to change their behavior?

Think about the classic game of “hotter or colder.”

Before you start playing, you explain the rules: “hotter” means you’re getting closer to the hidden object, while “colder” indicates you’re moving away from it.

Without that communication, the game would be pretty confusing!

To make the game fair, you need to set up a clear way to communicate so your dog knows what’s expected of them.

Start in a low-distraction environment to help them grasp the concept.

Most trainers use simple cues like “yes” and “no” to indicate rewards or corrections.

• “Yes” means, “Great job! A treat or some other reward is coming your way!”
• “No” signals, “Not quite right; let’s try again.”

Use this game to establish your “yes” system!

Check out the best online training for your reactive dog

2. Follow Through on Your Communication

Now that you’ve got your communication system in place, you must ensure your dog understands its significance.

Let’s revisit those cues:

• “Yes” means, “You did well; a reward is on its way.”
• “No” means, “That’s not right; fix it or a correction is coming.”

The second part is super important!

Your dog is constantly testing the waters to see how much they need to listen to you versus how much they can do what they find fun.

They might think that barking and lunging is the best way to get their point across.

Your job is to teach them that your communication system is what really matters.

If you say “yes” or “no” without any follow-up, it’s just background noise to your dog.

When you train, make sure you have a way to follow through on what you’ve asked.

If you ask your dog to do something but don’t follow up, they’ll start to see your commands as meaningless chatter rather than real instructions.

Following through could involve using your space, a leash, or a treat to demonstrate what you want them to do.

3. Teach Relaxation

Reactivity often arises suddenly, usually signaling a lack of confidence in your dog.

What’s likely happening is that your dog’s confidence has been dwindling, and their reactivity is their way of saying, “I’m uncomfortable; I’d like to leave!”

They’ve found a way to communicate that you actually notice.

Consider this: while out for a walk, your dog might have been trying to express discomfort through other behaviors—like trying to back away, jumping up on you, sniffing the ground, or pulling on the leash.

If you missed those subtle signals, you probably didn’t realize they were feeling uneasy.

Or maybe you inadvertently scolded them for trying to escape, jumping up, or pulling away.

Eventually, your dog figures out that barking and lunging gets your attention, and they remember, “If I react like this, my owner will move me away from whatever’s making me uncomfortable.”

If this sounds familiar, focusing on conditioning relaxation and socialization will be key to success for both of you.

4. Stay Attuned to Your Dog

It’s much easier to redirect your dog when they first notice their trigger rather than waiting until they’re already barking and lunging.

You might wonder, “What should I do when my dog starts barking or lunging?”

The real question is: How did you let it get to that point?

Keep an eye on your dog’s body language—their posture, breathing, ears, and focus.

If they appear tense or are staring at something, don’t hesitate to create some distance between them and the trigger.

Changes in their body language can signal when they’re about to react.

The key takeaway here? Intervene early; don’t wait for the explosion.

Addressing your dog’s concerns promptly is the easiest way to prevent reactivity and manage it in the moment.

Remember, a behavior practiced is a behavior learned.

5. Muzzle Train Your Dog

It’s completely normal to feel like your dog’s reactivity is shrinking your world.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to reach out to a behaviorist or a trainer who has experience with reactive dogs.

I often suggest muzzle training for reactive dogs, and here’s why:

1. Peace of Mind: A muzzle can help you feel more secure. It allows your dog to explore the world without the constant worry of what might happen.
2. Safety: At the very least, a muzzle buys you time. It can protect against potential incidents that could lead to lawsuits, vet bills, or worse.
3. Space: People tend to keep their distance from muzzled dogs, even though a muzzled dog is often safer than one without. Your reactive dog needs that space to feel comfortable.

The Baskerville muzzle is a popular choice.

It now comes in many sizes or shapes, and it’s a great starting point for getting your dog used to the sensation of wearing one.

6. Lead with Confidence

If your dog starts reacting during a walk, you need to be ready to help them calm down before the situation escalates.

The best bet is to lead them confidently.

Try circling your dog, changing direction, or creating some distance while playing the Focus Game.

However, be cautious not to project any of your own anxiety by saying things like, “It’s okay” or “You’re fine,” or by petting them in that moment.

Your dog doesn’t need comfort; they need strong leadership.

We want their calm state of mind to be associated with the “scary thing” going away.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The strategies I’ve highlighted here should be enough to help you get a headstart in working towards a sustainable solution.

It’s might take a while, so don’t give up and be patient!

Remember, your other options are readily available – a DIY online training course (lower investment) or a professional dog trainer or behaviorist (higher investment).

Best of luck!