Canine Calm Reactivity: #2

Understanding Reactivity

In our last post, we talked about what reactivity really means. To recap: reactivity itself isn't a bad thing. We all react to things — it’s part of being alive. What we need to ask is, is this reaction bigger than what’s needed for the situation?

For dogs, reactivity can look like barking, lunging, whining, spinning, or even freezing. But underneath those outward behaviours are deeper emotions: fear, anxiety, frustration, excitement — or a mix of all the above.

Some dogs overreact because they’re scared and want space. Others overreact because they’re frustrated that they can’t get to something exciting. And just like humans, how a dog reacts depends on the situation and their emotional state in that moment.

So what can you do?

Start by spending time simply watching your dog — without judgment. Try to let go of the story that they’re “naughty” or “being difficult,” and instead get curious. What is their body telling you?

• Did their ears flick forward or back?

• Did their breathing change?

• Did they freeze before lunging?

• Did they look away or lick their lips before barking?

Ask yourself: How close were we before my dog reacted? That distance is incredibly valuable — it’s your dog’s way of saying, “This is as close as I can cope right now.”

Understanding these early signals is key. Reactivity doesn’t just happen — it builds. The more skilled you become at noticing the early signs, the better you’ll be at helping your dog before things escalate.

You Have More Control Than You Think

One empowering truth: you have more control over your walks than you may realise.

You can choose:

• What time of day you go out — early mornings or quiet evenings can mean fewer triggers.

• Where you walk — some routes are calmer and quieter than others.

• Whether you walk at all — on tough days, it might be better to skip the walk and do some enrichment at home instead.

• To hire a secure field — giving your dog space to explore freely can be a game-changer for their confidence and wellbeing.

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Support Instead of Suppress

If your dog is scared and you ask them to sit or block their view, you may unintentionally increase their fear. They’re unable to move, unable to assess the situation, and now their person seems tense too. That can make a scary situation even scarier.

If your dog is bursting with excitement and wants to say hello, but you stop the greeting (because you know they’re not ready for it), they may get frustrated. That frustration can quickly spill into barking, jumping, or pulling.

In both cases, your dog isn’t being “bad” — they’re trying to cope with feelings they don’t yet know how to handle.

So What’s the Goal?

• Watch before you act. Pay attention to the early signs of stress or overexcitement.

• Create distance before your dog feels the need to react.

• Support rather than suppress. Let your dog know you see them, and help them feel safe.

• Train in low-stress environments to build focus and calm responses.

• Make choices that set your dog up for success. A quiet path today might mean a better walk tomorrow.

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• In our next post, we’ll explore your role in all this — how your mindset, body language, and emotions directly affect your dog’s behaviour, and how to become a calm, confident presence your dog can rely on.

  Until then, remind yourself: your dog’s reactivity is not a reflection of failure. It’s a chance to deepen your understanding, build trust, and grow together.

  And if you have questions about your own dog, feel free to post them below — I’ll do my best to answer and support you. You’re not alone in this.