Types of Reactive Behaviors
When Your Dog’s Reaction is Over the Top
Do you feel like you’re walking on eggshells with your dog? One wrong move sets off a whirlwind of emotions! While many pups can easily handle everyday triggers, reactive dogs can be extreme.
Reactivity is an abnormal response to something that upsets your furry friend. Unfortunately, this is a common issue for many dog owners. Intense reactive behaviors may include barking and growling, lunging or jumping, leash pulling, digging, nipping or biting, and hiding. Since dogs can’t tell us why they’re upset, we must help decipher what bothers them. With patience and understanding, you can recognize the different types of reactivity your dog may display.
Fear. When dogs sense danger, their instinct kicks in to protect themselves. Even if there’s no real threat in sight, that fear feels all too real to them. Considered one of the most common forms of reactivity, fear can be triggered by other dogs, erratic children, moving objects, noises, even lack of socialization—anything the dog is unfamiliar with.
Resource Guarding. Our furry family members don’t want to give up their most prized possessions! Whether dinner, a toy, or even their favorite human, dogs may hunch over the object, place a paw on top, stare, give warning growls, or even bite to protect their belongings. Territorial hounds who defend their turf are often valued guard dogs!
Excitement. When our pups spot a familiar face, a furry friend, their favorite toy, or even hear a specific word (“W-A-L-K”), they can get excited! While their enthusiasm is usually playful, it can become difficult to handle if that excitement spirals into a flurry of energy.
Frustration. Fidos feel the pinch when leashes, windows, or fences hold them back from what they want. Unable to reach food on the counter or toys under the sofa may cause agitation. Some dogs get upset when they feel they are not getting enough attention. All that bottled-up irritation can lead to outbursts of annoyance.
Learned behavior. Dogs are sharp observers, constantly reacting to their environment. A pup’s ability to pick up on cues and recall past experiences means they can associate a trigger with an event, either good or bad. A car ride could trigger fear after an unpleasant visit to the vet. A dog that barks excitedly at the doorbell may anticipate favorite visitors.
Pain. Discomfort from various medical conditions may contribute to your four-legged companion’s reactive response. Our pets frequently hide their physical pain, so if your dog suddenly begins acting out, it’s worth visiting your vet.
Reactivity can strike anywhere and vary from mild to wild. Reactive pups can get so caught up in the excitement or stress of triggers that they lose focus, making them hard to control or redirect.
Living with a reactive dog is enormously stressful, but there is hope. By identifying triggers and focusing on training, you can help calm your little dynamo’s responses.
Every pup deserves a peaceful mind and a happy life!
