No pet parent wants to have a reactive dog, but reactivity in dogs isn’t unusual. Dogs can be reactive due to fear, frustration, a lack of socialization, or even an underlying health issue – lots of factors can contribute to a dog displaying reactive behavior.
Reactivity is more common than you might think, particularly if you spend a lot of time with your own non-reactive dog, or you have a reactive dog yet every other pup you see out and about doesn’t seem to be, simply walking past other dogs and enjoying some of the best dog treats.
Expert trainer Carolyn Martell, the founder of Good Dog Training, has explained why reactivity is so common, and what to know, in a recent Instagram post, so let’s take a look.
1) Lack of socialization: Often, Martell says, puppies are being kept isolated during the socialization period – from around three to 12 weeks of age – due to fear of disease. “Owners and breeders are failing to socialize puppies and prepare them for the world,” she explains.
Well-meaning puppy parents often believe they should keep their puppies inside before they’ve had all their vaccinations, but you don’t need to.
It’s good to prioritize safety, of course, but you can carry puppies outside before they’ve had all their shots – just don’t place them on the floor, or allow other dogs or animals to get too close. You might find this article useful: I'm a dog behaviorist and these are my 6 tips for socializing a puppy.
2) Breeding reactive dogs: “Only dogs with sound temperaments should be bred,” says Martell. “Dogs with any aggression, anxiety, or reactivity should not be bred. These have a genetic component as well as being learned.”
Of course, spaying and neutering have plenty of other benefits, too, preventing some potential medical and behavioral problems and helping your pup stay happy and healthy for longer.
3) We aren’t meeting their needs: Many dogs are unfulfilled, without sufficient exercise and stimulation – both physical and mental. In the past, dogs would often roam with more freedom, exploring their environment and interacting with more humans and animals.
While it’s important to keep your pup safe, and we’re of course not suggesting that we all start giving our pups freedom to roam around the street at will, we should all be making sure they get the exercise and stimulation they need to let off steam and tap into their natural instincts. Long lines and time off-leash can help, as well as plenty of play at home!
4) We get working dogs as pets: Martell explains that some breeds are more likely to be reactive simply because they’re bred with specific traits. This is particularly true when it comes to dogs from working breeds. While any dog can be reactive, breeds like the Akita and Rottweiler are working dogs, and are often considered to be among the more reactive breeds too.
5) Failing to train our dogs: “Dogs need training,” says Martell. “They also need boundaries and rules. They deserve to have the expectations made clear. They should be able to handle being told no and not always getting their way.”
While training can take a lot of work from both you and your pup, you’ll reap the rewards in plenty of ways, and this is one of them. And remember, it’s never too late to start training your pup!
For more advice on having a reactive dog, don’t forget to check out this article: Owning a reactive dog is hard. Here's how I navigated the social challenges with my pooch. If you're wondering, 'Are shock collars cruel?', check out this trainer's feature.
