If your dog barks, lunges, or gets overly excited around other dogs, you're not alone! Dogs react for many reasons, some out of excitement, others from fear, frustration, or past experiences. While it can be frustrating, the good news is that reactivity can be managed with patience and training. Just like people, dogs have their own personalities and comfort levels, which shape how they interact with others. Understanding why your dog reacts is the first step to helping them feel calmer and more confident. Let’s dive into the common reasons behind dog reactivity and how you can train them to stay relaxed around other dogs!

1. Fear or anxiety

Dogs that are fearful may react aggressively or defensively to other dogs as a way to protect themselves. Fearful dogs may have had limited positive experiences with other dogs or could be naturally anxious.

Symptoms/Behaviors:
- Tucked tail
- Ears pinned back
- Cowering or trying to hide
- Avoiding eye contact

2. Excitement

Some dogs become overly excited when they see another dog and struggle to contain their enthusiasm. This can be mistaken for aggression due to their intense body language.

Symptoms/Behaviors:
- Jumping up and down
- Barking in a high pitched tone
- Wagging tail or whole body rapidly
- Pulling on the leash excessively

3. Territorial Behavior

Dogs that are protective of their space, their owner, or their home may react strongly to another dog approaching what they consider "theirs."

Symptoms/Behaviors:
- Barking aggressively at dogs passing by the house
- Standing stiff with an intense gaze at the other dog
- Lunging forward with bared teeth
- Growling when another dog enters their perceived territory

4. Past Negative Experiences

Dogs that have been attacked, bullied, or poorly socialized in the past may react out of fear, anticipating another bad experience.

Symptoms/Behaviors:
- Barking or growling as soon as they see another dog
- Moving behind their owner for protection
- Avoiding other dogs entirely or hiding behind objects
- Snarling or snapping as a warning

5. Lack of Socialisation

Dogs that haven’t been properly introduced to a variety of other dogs during their critical learning period (usually before 16 weeks of age) may not know how to behave appropriately.

Symptoms/Behaviors:
- Overreacting (barking, lunging, or running away)
- Not understanding social cues (e.g., trying to play when another dog is showing discomfort)
- Growling or snapping when another dog gets too close
- Submissive rolling onto their back too quickly

6. Frustration (Lead Reactivity)

Some dogs feel restrained when on a leash and become frustrated that they cannot approach other dogs freely. This can lead to excessive barking, lunging, and even aggression.

Symptoms/Behaviors:
- Pulling hard on the leash toward other dogs
- Barking, growling, or whining when seeing another dog
- Rearing up on hind legs when restrained
-Becoming fixated on another dog and ignoring commands

7. Herding or Guarding Instincts

Some breeds have natural instincts to control movement, herd other animals, or guard their "flock." This can lead to them trying to control other dogs or reacting to movement unpredictably.

Symptoms/Behaviors:
- Nipping at the legs of other dogs
- Circling around other dogs to control their movement
- Staring intensely at moving dogs
- Freezing in place before suddenly lunging forward

5 tips to help your dog not react.

No matter the reason, reactivity can be managed with the right training. While specific types of reactivity (like lead aggression or territorial behavior) may require tailored approaches, there are general techniques that can help most dogs learn to stay calm around other dogs. These methods focus on building impulse control, creating positive associations, and reinforcing good behavior. Try these five strategies to help your dog become more relaxed around other dogs.

1. Teach the "Look at Me" Command

One of the best ways to prevent reactivity is to teach your dog to focus on you instead of other dogs. Start in a quiet environment and say "Look at me" while holding a treat near your face. When your dog makes eye contact, reward them. Gradually practice in busier areas, increasing distractions over time. This helps redirect their attention when they see another dog, keeping them calm and engaged with you.

2. Reward Calm Behavior Before They React

Many owners accidentally reinforce reactivity by only intervening when their dog is already worked up. Instead, start rewarding your dog before they react. If they see another dog and remain calm, mark the behavior with a "yes!" or clicker and give a treat. This helps them associate seeing other dogs with staying relaxed rather than reacting.

3. Increase Distance & Slowly Decrease It Over Time

If your dog reacts when another dog is too close, start training from a distance where they can see the other dog but stay calm. Reward them at this safe distance and gradually move a little closer over time. This desensitisation method teaches them that being near other dogs is nothing to get excited or anxious about.

4. Teach an "Emergency U-Turn"

Sometimes, the best way to prevent reactivity is to redirect your dog before they react. Teach a fun, quick U-turn by saying "Let's go!" in an excited tone and leading your dog in the opposite direction. Practice this in calm environments first so that when you need to use it in a real situation, your dog responds without hesitation.

5. Provide Regular Mental & Physical Exercise

A tired dog is a calmer dog. If your dog has too much pent-up energy, they’re more likely to react when they see another dog. Daily exercise, training sessions, and puzzle toys can help burn off excess energy, making them more relaxed during walks and social situations.

Reactivity can feel overwhelming, but with patience, consistency, and the right techniques, your dog can learn to stay calm and focused around other dogs. These five tips are a great starting point whether your pup struggles with excitement, frustration, or uncertainty, practicing these methods will help them build better habits over time. Give them a try, and let us know how it goes!

Stay tuned, as we’ll be diving into more specific reactivity issues such as lead aggression, fear-based reactivity, and territorial behavior soon on our blog.