By: Tess Mary & Rianna Young

Understanding Reactivity In Dogs

It starts with a familiar scene: you’re walking your dog on a quiet street when, out of nowhere, their ears perk up, their body tenses, and they’re barking like they just saw a ghost. Maybe it’s a neighbor’s dog, a skateboard, or even a squirrel—they react like their world is on fire, and suddenly, your relaxing stroll is anything but. Sound familiar

Reactivity in dogs can feel overwhelming for both you and your furry friend. It's not just the barking or lunging; it’s the emotional toll it takes, leaving you feeling like you’re failing them when all you want to do is help them feel safe. But here’s the thing: reactivity isn’t a failure; it’s a message. Your dog isn’t trying to be "bad"—they’re telling you they’re scared, stressed, or just overstimulated.

If you have a reactive dog or cat, there are many scenarios that can trigger them. Check out our guide to soothe your pets stress using proven techniques and natural options to lessen the impact on your pet's life. 

Table of Contents:

Is Reactivity the Same as Aggression

Why is My Dog Becoming Reactive

How Do You Fix Reactivity in Dogs and Cats?

What To Avoid With Reactive Pets

How To Manage A Reactive Dog

Can You Out Train Reactivity and Aggression?

Finding A Path Forward

What Causes Reactivity In Dogs?

For many pet parents, excessive barking, aggression or reactivity can be a challenge. Whether it’s triggered by the sight of other dogs, strangers, or even certain sounds, reactivity can make simple outings or everyday life at home a struggle.

Reactivity, usually fueled by underlying anxiety or stress, can cause dogs to bark, lunge, or display other intense behaviors. Triggers can cause even the most tolerant dog mom or dad to shorten a walk or avoid certain routes altogether. This can perpetuate the cycle, not allowing your dog to be exposed properly or take the long walks we all know they need. 

Fortunately, there are ways to manage reactivity, from CBD Dog Treats to training and even dogs who have practiced the behavior for a long time can . By understanding the causes behind your dog's barking and having some tools under your belt, you can help your dog feel more at ease, and create a calmer, happier environment for you both.

Is Reactivity the Same as Aggression?

There is a big difference between an aggressive animal and a reactive animal. Many people confuse the two, and call a reactive dog aggressive when that is not the case. 

Reactivity: Reactivity is an exaggerated response, often due to anxiety, fear, or overstimulation. It can look aggressive (barking, lunging) but doesn’t necessarily involve a desire to cause harm.

Aggression: Aggression includes intent to harm and is typically motivated by factors such as territoriality or predatory instincts. Aggression is less common and usually more complex than reactivity.

Understanding the difference is crucial for proper management. Reactivity is usually fear-based and can be modified with positive reinforcement and behavior training, while aggression may require more specialized intervention alongside natural calming aids or medication in some cases. 

Why Is My Dog Reactive?

A sudden change in behavior can be concerning, and understanding the root cause can help guide your next steps. Here are the most common reasons your dog is reactive:

1. Age

 As dogs age, they can become more sensitive or anxious, especially if their vision or hearing declines. Senior dogs may startle easily and respond more strongly to environmental changes. Younger dogs often experience what is called a “fear period.” This is when a dog instinctively becomes cautious with unfamiliar situations, which is a way wild dogs would have protected themselves evolutionarily. Dogs will usually go through this period from 8-12 weeks old and again at 6-14 months old. 

2. A Need for Socialization 

Dogs who weren’t adequately socialized as puppies may become reactive as they mature. Critical socialization periods for dogs are between 3-12 weeks old. During this period, positive experiences will stick with your dog throughout their life. Without early exposure to various environments, people, and animals, dogs are more likely to be fearful or anxious down the line. This does not mean an adult dog from a shelter cannot be socialized or cannot learn to desensitize if they are fearful, though. 

3. Health Concerns

Pain or discomfort can make a dog more reactive. If you notice a sudden increase in reactivity, consult your vet to rule out any health issues. Older dogs with arthritis can have lower tolerance for outside stimuli and may become more reactive. It may be more than a senior dog being moody, but a sign of joint pain in dogs.

5. A Traumatic Experience

Traumatic or stressful events can lead to heightened reactivity. For example, if your dog was attacked by another dog, they may become more defensive around other dogs in the future. It’s important to advocate for your dog and to keep interactions as positive as possible. A negative experience does not necessarily mean your dog is doomed to be reactive forever, though. 

5. Changing Environment

Moving to a new home, changes in family dynamics, travel, or the introduction of new pets can all increase stress, causing a reactive response in some dogs. They may react to triggers they didn’t have before, and may react to things that weren’t the main cause of their stress out of confusion or overstimulation.  

How To Fix Your Dog's Reactivity

There is no cure for reactivity, but there is a blend of patience, positive reinforcement, training, and . Many aversive trainers claim that reactivity can be fixed quickly, but to truly address the underlying emotions takes time and a force-free approach. We spoke to Tess Marty, a dog trainer and pet care expert in NYC, who specializes in reactivity in dogs about her approach to fixing reactivity, her tips are to:

Identify Triggers

Recognize what specifically causes your dog to react (other dogs, strangers, certain sounds). Knowing your dog’s triggers is crucial to managing their responses. Additionally, you’ll want to figure out the threshold they have with triggers.

If your dog is reacting to other dogs, for example, do they react only when passing at a close distance? Or do they start when they just smell them in the area? Where is their marker from identifying the trigger in the area to reacting? Identifying your dog's triggers is an important first step in reducing their frequency and severity. 

Using Positive Reinforcement

Reward calm behavior in the presence of triggers. For example, if your dog usually barks at bikes or skateboards, reinforce calm behavior with treats or praise at the distance where they see the trigger but have not yet reacted. Once the trigger is too close, they likely will hyper-focus on it and not be able to listen properly because they are over-threshold.

Practice Desensitization

Slowly expose your dog to triggers from a comfortable distance, gradually decreasing the distance over time. By taking small steps, your dog can learn to tolerate triggers without feeling overwhelmed. Don’t try to push their limits too quickly, as this can undo all the desensitizing work you’ve put in thus far. 

Work on Redirection

Teaching your dog to focus on you instead of their trigger (e.g., making eye contact or turning around) can help them feel safer and give you more control in reactive situations. It can be difficult for your pup to focus enough to perform a behavior like a heel or a sit/down around triggers, and sometimes it’s better to keep them moving. Practice eye contact often, so they don’t associate your asking for a “look at me” with “there is a trigger close by.” They’ll get better at redirection if they get their main practice during low-intensity situations or at home. 

Can CBD Calm Dog Reactivity?

Calming aids like Happy Hounds CBD for Pets can be beneficial in helping your dog respond more appropriately to stressful triggers. You may be able to close some distance or reduce severity of reactions using calming drops or calm soft-chew treats, all while helping your pet absorb training techniques from you.

Calming Puppy Drops can be an excellent natural way to relieve stress, reactivity, and aggression in dogs and cats. 

For cats and small dogs, we recommend the Calm + Coat Drops with Salmon Oil and Turmeric. Not only do they reduce fear, but they are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. 

We recommend the natural approach before going all the way to prescription anxiety medication which is not recommended for long-term use. Using CBD Dog Treats like the Calm + Hip and Joint Support soft-chew are very helpful for short-term relief that doesn't require weeks of buildup in their system. 

Seek Professional Advice

For severe cases, working with a certified pet behaviorist or dog trainer experienced in reactivity is beneficial. Professionals can tailor training techniques to your dog’s specific needs. 

When seeking out a trainer finding one that's focused on your dog's well-being instead of marketing “quick” results. Behavioral changes and emotional states do not change overnight, and any trainer claiming to produce results after one or two sessions is a red flag. 

5 Things To Avoid With A Reactive Dog 

These are the most common mistakes when managing a reactive dog:

1. Avoid Punishment:

Reactivity is often rooted in fear or stress, and punishment can increase anxiety, making the behavior worse. Focus on reinforcing calm behavior instead. When punishing reactivity, your dog may create an association instead with seeing a trigger and being punished rather than being punished for their “inappropriate” reaction to your pet's triggers. 

2. Forcing Socialization:

Forcing a reactive dog into stressful situations, like dog parks or crowded places, can be overwhelming and may intensify their reactivity. According to the Riney Animal Health Center at Cornell University, Dr. Katherine Haupt recommends,"Giving your dog a chance to have some walks and calm outings, so you can praise them for being a good dog and they can start to relax." 

Not only does this help your pets adjust to their surroundings, but helps to reduce your dog's fear and anxiety. Dr. Haupt continues to push vigilance because 'immersing your dog in situations that where they are not comfortable will increase their fear and may make their behavior worse.' 

3. Don’t Ignore Warning Signs:

Watch for signs of stress, like lip licking, yawning, or looking away. Reactive dogs may still wag their tails in times of overstimulation. You’ll want to look for clusters of signs. Your pet may have a wagging tail but a stiff body and whale-eye. Ignoring these signs can make your dog feel unsafe, leading to escalated reactions and possible dangerous situations.

4. “Flooding”:

Flooding, or exposing your dog to a high level of stimuli in hopes they’ll get over it, can backfire and worsen anxiety. Stick to controlled exposure with desensitization instead. Think of it like learning to drive. You won’t just “get used to” driving if you are thrown on a busy highway on your first time behind the wheel. You need practice in calm quiet areas with low-stakes. Give your dog the same grace to adjust gradually to new experiences.

5. Don't Expect Immediate Results:

Reactivity management takes time. Expecting instant results can be frustrating for both you and your dog, and cause reactivity to worsen. Take it slow and celebrate small victories along the way. As difficult as it can be, try not to beat yourself up over one “bad” outing, and remember that your dog isn’t giving you a hard time, they’re having a hard time. 

How to Manage Your Dog's Reactivity 

Managing a reactive dog can feel overwhelming, but a consistent and understanding approach makes a significant difference. Here’s how to handle reactive moments with your dog:

Stay Calm: Dogs are sensitive to their owner’s emotions, so staying calm can help diffuse a tense situation. If your dog senses your anxiety, it may heighten their reactivity. This is easier said than done, of course, so try to reduce triggers for your own sake, too. Remember to be your dog’s advocate and to be a good role model so they can lessen their anxiety. 

Create Distance: When encountering a trigger, try to give your dog space. Distance can help your dog feel more in control and reduce the intensity of their reaction. Going too close too quickly can make your dog anxious and feel like they can’t defend themselves or get away, especially when they are on leash. 

Use Redirection Techniques: Carry treats or toys to redirect your dog’s attention. Reward them for focusing on you, which can help them form positive associations with triggers. Try bringing a new treat or toy that is high value to them, that they only get on walks near triggers to help them think “I am nervous around this skateboard, but mom/dad has hotdogs every time we walk past one. Maybe they aren’t so scary after all!”

Set Boundaries: It seems simple, but if certain environments consistently cause your dog stress, try to avoid those areas or time frames while you work on building their confidence. If your dog always reacts at your neighbor’s house, try a different route or cross the street to create distance. Tell others that your dog is training and to keep their distance or not engage. Most people understand and are willing to make some small sacrifices for you if you are upfront and honest. 

Over the Counter Calming Aids for Pets

For many pet parents, natural calming puppy drops or CBD dog treats help to manage their dog’s anxiety, making it easier for the dog to stay calm and respond to training. It’s best to consult your vet before starting any new supplement, but CBD is a natural and mild calming aid that can help your dog take the edge off without the harsh side effects or prescription medication. 

Should My Dog Be Put on Medication?

Some pet parents may consider anti-anxiety prescription medications for their reactive dog. While it is always smart to consult your veterinarian, do some research to review the benefits and side effects of anti-anxiety meds versus natural calming aids from hemp like Happy Hounds Calm Soft-Chews.

Check our blog on Alternatives to Dog Anxiety Meds to explore the benefits and side effects of pet anxiety medication and how to use over the counter calming supplements for dogs HERE.

Do Reactive Dogs Ever Get Better?

(yes, they do with patience, proper treatment, and training)

While reactivity can often be managed, it’s important to remember that “cured” may not mean the behavior is eliminated completely. Reactivity management is more about helping your dog become comfortable and confident over time. It’s important to adjust to your dog’s behavior as well as helping them adjust to your life. Relationships are a two-way street, remember! Here’s what you can expect:

Long-term Progress: With patience, many reactive dogs can learn to stay calm around triggers. Consistent training and reinforcement of positive behavior lead to noticeable improvements.

Progress Over Perfection: Some dogs may never be completely comfortable around certain triggers, but with management, they can reach a level of calmness and predictability that makes daily life much easier. It’s okay to have a reactive dog, or a dog who doesn’t like other people or other dogs. We don’t always like every person we meet!

Ongoing Management: Reactivity may require ongoing practice, and your dog may have good and bad days. Treat it as a journey and celebrate small victories along the way. Adding calming CBD treats and tinctures from Happy Hounds can help to reduce anxiety, naturally and open your dogs up for consistent training. 

Support from Professionals: For persistent cases, a professional trainer or behaviorist can provide techniques and insights to help your dog achieve greater success. They may be able to see something that you don’t, and are often a non-judgmental and unbiased eye to your dog’s reactions, and can help you take a step back from feeling so overwhelmed. 

The Road to Calm Pets

Reactivity in dogs is a common challenge, but it’s one that can be managed with the right approach. There will be good and bad days depending on your dog’s feelings and lifestyle changes. If you have had a week of low reactivity and a sudden change in routine, expect that they may react a bit more than usual. Training is not linear, and a bad day does not mean your pup is not making progress! Your dog may not be the social butterfly at the dog park that you thought they would be, but that does not mean they can’t live a fulfilling and stress-free life.

As frustrating and embarrassing as a reactive dog may be sometimes, remember it’s less obvious and less intense to others than it is to you. Think of the last time you saw a reactive dog bark or lunge at something. You probably went about your day afterwards and haven’t thought of them much since. Most people are not looking at you and your dog as menaces, they see a dog having a hard time and move on.

Reactive dog parents often judge themselves much harder than other pet parents judge them. It seems like the end of the world to you, but remember that life goes on and try again next time! With patience, understanding, and the right tools, it can become a journey of growth for you both -- leading to a calmer, happier life together.