What Is Dog Reactivity? (The Basics)

Dog reactivity is one of the most common behavioral challenges owners face — and one of the most misunderstood.

Reactivity means your dog overreacts to a trigger like another dog, person, or moving object. That can look like barking, lunging, growling, or intense pulling.

But reactivity doesn’t equal aggression — it’s usually rooted in fear, frustration, or overexcitement.

Common triggers include:

• Other dogs or animals

• Strangers or fast-moving people/bikes

• Noisy or crowded environments

• Past negative experiences

The goal of reactivity training:
Help your dog learn to stay calm and confident around triggers. Through distance management, positive reinforcement, and gradual exposure, you can teach your dog that the world isn’t scary — it’s predictable.

 Reactivity is communication. Your dog isn’t being “bad” — they’re telling you how they feel. Listen, train, and guide them toward calmness.