Reactivity in Dogs, It’s Not a Choice. It’s a Call for Help.

There’s a common misconception that dogs choose to be reactive. Whether it’s barking at other dogs, lunging on lead or growling at strangers, many people assume the dog is simply being “bold”, “stubborn” or “disobedient”. But here’s the truth that needs to be shouted from the rooftops, reactivity is not a choice. It’s a stress response, a survival instinct and often a sign that your dog is overwhelmed, anxious or scared.

At Paws Academy, we work every day with dogs who have been labelled as “reactive” or “problem dogs”. And here’s what we can tell you from years of hands-on experience, dogs aren’t trying to give you a hard time. They are having a hard time.

Let’s unpack what reactivity actually means, why your dog is reacting the way they are and what you can do to help them feel safer and more secure in the world around them.

What is Dog Reactivity?

Reactivity is a behaviour. It’s a visible response to a stimulus that your dog perceives as threatening or overly stimulating. This might look like barking, growling, lunging or freezing. The trigger could be another dog, a person, a bike, a loud noise or even something as subtle as a change in environment.

It’s important to understand that reactivity is rooted in emotion, not intention. Your dog isn’t making a conscious decision to embarrass you in public or ruin your walk. They are reacting in the only way they know how to cope with that moment of stress or discomfort.

Just like humans, dogs have thresholds. When that threshold is crossed, whether due to fear, frustration or lack of confidence, their ability to think clearly is compromised. That’s when we see the outbursts.

Why Dogs Become Reactive

There are many reasons a dog might develop reactivity. It can stem from a lack of early social exposure, a negative experience, genetics, trauma or simply not feeling safe in their surroundings. And sometimes, it’s a mix of all of the above.

Puppies go through sensitive development periods, and if during these phases they encounter something that frightens them or overwhelms them, that memory can leave a lasting imprint. Similarly, dogs who have had rough starts in life or come from rescue backgrounds might have learned that the world isn’t always safe.

It’s not always about fear, though. Some dogs become reactive due to frustration, they desperately want to engage but have learned that they can’t, often because they’re on a lead or behind a barrier. This is known as barrier frustration and is commonly mistaken for aggression.

The key takeaway here is that reactivity isn’t about misbehaving. It’s about coping. And when we understand that, we can start to approach it with compassion and strategy rather than punishment or shame.

The Myth of “Training It Out”

One of the biggest mistakes we see is when people try to “train out” reactivity using outdated techniques. Yanking the lead, shouting commands, or forcing a dog to face their trigger head-on is not only ineffective, it’s harmful.

Imagine being afraid of heights and someone forces you to stand at the edge of a cliff while shouting at you to relax. That’s how it feels to a reactive dog being made to “face their fears” without proper support.

Reactivity can’t be trained out through obedience alone. You can’t just “sit” or “stay” your way through fear. What’s needed is a thoughtful, evidence-based behaviour plan that works with the dog’s emotional needs, not against them.

What Does a Reactive Dog Need?

Above all else, reactive dogs need to feel safe. They need to know that their human is paying attention, advocating for them and helping them navigate a world that sometimes feels scary or overwhelming.

This starts with observation. Notice your dog’s body language. Learn the early signs of stress such as lip licking, yawning, turning away, pacing. These are your dog’s way of saying, “I’m not OK right now.” If you can spot these signs early, you can intervene before things escalate.

Management is also a big part of the equation. That might mean adjusting walks to quieter times, using a longer lead to give your dog space, or using equipment that keeps both of you safe. It’s not about avoiding forever, but about setting your dog up to succeed.

And then there’s desensitisation and counter-conditioning, two scientifically proven methods that involve gradually and gently helping your dog change their emotional response to their triggers. It’s slow work. But it’s incredibly powerful.

You Are Not Alone

One of the hardest parts of living with a reactive dog is the judgement. The looks from passers-by, the comments from well-meaning strangers, the feeling of isolation. We see you. We know what it’s like to dread walks or to leave the house with anxiety in your chest.

But you are not alone. Thousands of dog guardians are dealing with exactly what you’re dealing with. And there is help available.

Reactivity is not a life sentence. With the right guidance, your dog can learn to feel safer, calmer and more confident. And you can enjoy a better life together.

How Paws Academy Can Help

At Paws Academy, we specialise in helping dogs who are struggling with reactivity. We offer both in-person training sessions and virtual consultations, so no matter where in the world you are, support is always within reach.

We’ll work with you to understand your dog’s unique needs, triggers and history. From there, we create a personalised training plan that focuses on building trust, improving communication and creating a more peaceful day-to-day life for you and your dog.

Whether your dog is reactive to other dogs, people, vehicles or even just the world in general, we can help. We’ve worked with hundreds of dogs who’ve gone from anxious and reactive to relaxed and engaged. And we’d love to help you too.

It’s Not About Perfection

We want to be very clear — progress is not a straight line. There will be good days and harder days. That’s normal. What matters is that you show up, consistently and compassionately.

Reactivity is complex, but it’s also a language. When you start to learn that language and respond with understanding rather than control, things start to shift.

You don’t need to fix your dog. You just need to listen, learn and lead them gently forward.

And remember, your dog isn’t being bad. They’re having a moment. A moment that deserves your support, not your frustration.

Ready to Make a Change?

If you’re dealing with reactivity, reach out to us at Paws Academy. Whether you’re based in Ireland or halfway across the world, our expert team is here to support you.

We offer:

• One-to-one in-person training in select areas

• Fully customised virtual consultations

• A kind, practical and modern approach to behaviour

• Trainers who genuinely care and understand

Let’s take the next step together. Because every dog deserves to feel safe. And so do you.

Contact us today to start your journey.