Reactivity is not aggression. It is a stress response.
Dogs who bark, lunge, or growl at triggers are usually experiencing fear, frustration, or overstimulation. They are not being bad—they are overwhelmed and do not know how else to cope.
Our approach to reactivity focuses on helping dogs feel safe, building their confidence, and giving them better ways to handle challenging situations.
Reactivity can stem from many sources including lack of early socialization, past negative experiences, fear, frustration, or genetic predisposition. Often, it is a combination.
The key to addressing reactivity is understanding what is driving it for your specific dog—and then working on the underlying emotional state, not just the surface behavior.
If you are struggling with a reactive dog, our Behavior Programs can help. Reach out to learn more.
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