A reactive dog is usually a fearful dog. Causes can be genetic, but they are more likely due to a lack of socialization, prior bad experiences or a lack of training. Aggressive dogs show similar signs but are determined to cause harm and destruction.
The Bottom Line. Sadly, they do not. The only way to counter reactivity is through consistent and positive training. You should never punish a dog for reactivity or it will only become worse.
Reactive behaviors usually crop up in adolescence around 6 to 18 months of age and tend to get worse as the dog reaches social maturity around 2 or 3 years of age. Your pup will not “grow out of” this behavior.
Reactive dogs are often motivated out of excitement (high-arousal), which can lead to frustration. Many times humans have unintentionally created this behavior because dogs were never taught how to be appropriately social around other dogs in an appropriate manner.
While a dog of any breed can develop reactivity, we mostly see it in high-strung herding breeds or guard dogs. Dog breeds in which reactivity is common are Australian Shepherds, Heelers, German Shepherds and crosses of those breeds.
Most dogs diagnosed with canine autism are reactive and often lack socialization skills. Reactive animals often inherit an anxiety disorder. The most common traits of dogs with autism include anxiety and poor socialization skills. Most dogs diagnosed with canine autism are reactive and often lack socialization skills.
A reactive dog is usually a fearful dog. Causes can be genetic, but they are more likely due to a lack of socialization, prior bad experiences or a lack of training. Aggressive dogs show similar signs but are determined to cause harm and destruction.
The time it takes to calm a reactive dog depends on many factors so there is not a definitive answer. Fearful and over reactive behavior will not go away on its own. The dog will not grow out of it. Left untreated, both the frequency and the intensity of the problems will increase.
In most cases, the best way to get a reactive dog ready for socializing is to slowly expose them to their triggers in a controlled environment and reward them with natural dog treats until they no longer react so strongly.
Many reactive dogs may be managed through training and behavioral conditioning, however, some dogs may need additional help such as anti-anxiety or antidepressant medications to control their actions and reach their full potential.
If your dog demands your attention by barking or jumps up on you, you might have seen the training advice to ignore these unwanted behaviors. This is well-intended but incomplete advice – if you only ignore the behavior, your dog will probably never learn to stop barking, jumping, or pulling.
For many of our clients, a muzzle provides a safer way to allow their dog to be a part of the family and family's activities, rather than being in isolation. It is also a great way to improve safety while working to improve a dog's aggressive or reactive behavior.
To build your dog's confidence in a more general way, provide them with enrichment activities and relationship-based training. Simply feeding your dog via food puzzles and getting them involved in nose work (which, by the way, is fun for both dogs and their people) can make them more confident.
"Many times reactive dogs can [improve] with very consistent training and work," Hoover says. "However, when a fear-based behavior becomes ingrained in a dog, it may never entirely go away.
Reactivity is common with dogs who suffer from anxiety. Often this becomes more obvious during adolescence or a secondary socialisation/fear period but then doesn't fade as the dog becomes an adult.
Give your dog days off walks. I know this is a hard one as we have it drilled into us to walk them twice a day every day, but this does not always benefit a reactive dog. All dogs have stress buckets just as we do and it can take up to and over 72 hours and over for their stress bucket to empty.
Dogs considered highly reactive also include the Boston, Fox, Cairn and Yorkshire Terriers, Pekingnese, Weimaraner, Pug, Irish Setter, Shetland Sheepdog, Shih Tzu, Poodle, Bichon Frise, Springer Spaniel, the Westie, Chihuahua and the Dachshund.
Tugging on the leash or keeping it too taut will only make a reactive dog feel more trapped. Creating a safe distance and using barriers are much more effective. Do not overload your dog. If your reactive dog is exposed to too many triggers in too short a period, they will likely feel overwhelmed and react.
Reactivity is very common: Our own research shows that 75% of dog owners say they have a dog that shows some signs of reactivity.