REACTIVITY
Reactivity in dogs has reached unprecedented levels in recent years, with more dog owners and trainers reporting issues such as barking, lunging, growling, and general emotional instability in everyday situations. While some attribute this to breed tendencies or individual temperament, the root causes lie much deeper. A fundamental shift in the way humans understand, interact with, and raise dogs has altered the very fabric of canine development—particularly in how we approach socialisation, structure, and responsibility. To grasp why reactivity is at an all-time high, we must examine how the core principles of dog ownership have evolved—and, in many ways, eroded.
Reactivity in dogs—manifesting as barking, lunging, growling, or other heightened emotional responses—has become increasingly common in today’s canine population. This surge isn’t coincidental or purely genetic; it’s the result of a complex interplay of modern dog ownership trends, training philosophies, and societal changes. To address this widespread issue effectively, we must first understand its root causes and then shift how we relate to and lead our dogs.
OVER SOCIALISATION: FLOODING THE SYSTEM
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While socialisation is crucial for a well-rounded dog, the concept has been misinterpreted and over-applied in many cases. Some owners, in an attempt to raise "social" dogs, expose their puppies or adult dogs to an overwhelming variety of environments, people, and other animals without considering their individual temperament, readiness, or thresholds.
This "flooding" approach can desensitise some dogs, but more often, it overstimulates or sensitises them to triggers—especially when they’re not properly supported. Dogs that have been pushed too far too fast can become reactive simply because they have never learned to process external stimuli calmly and securely.
​​UNDER SOCIALISATION: THE OTHER EXTREME
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On the flip side, many dogs suffer from under-socialisation, particularly those adopted during the pandemic or kept in isolation during critical development stages. Without gradual and positive exposure to the world, dogs often perceive new or unfamiliar experiences as threats. This fear-based perception frequently turns into reactivity, especially in environments where the dog feels trapped or overwhelmed.
​TREATING REACTIVITY WITH EXCESSIVE SENSITIVITY
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A modern trend in dog training leans heavily toward viewing dogs as emotionally fragile beings that must be protected from any form of discomfort. While compassion is essential, this oversensitivity can hinder a dog's development. Owners may interpret normal dog behaviors—such as barking at a stranger—as deep trauma, and respond with only soothing and coddling rather than guidance or correction.
This excessive emotional cushioning can unintentionally reinforce the very behaviours we're trying to change. The dog learns that anxiety or reactivity brings attention, affection, or even treats, further embedding the undesired response.
ENABLING INSECURITY AND ANXIETY
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Closely related is the enabling of insecure or anxious behaviour. Owners who constantly reassure, hover over, or "rescue" their dogs from perceived stressors send a message that the world is indeed a scary place—and that the dog is right to feel uncertain.
For example, picking up a small dog every time another dog approaches, or immediately removing a dog from a mildly stressful situation, robs the dog of the opportunity to build resilience. The result is a dog who increasingly depends on avoidance rather than learning coping strategies, leading to more extreme reactivity over time.
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THE KEY: A RELATIONSHIP ROOTED IN LEADERSHIP AND AUTHORITY
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What’s desperately missing from many human-dog relationships today is leadership—calm, confident, and consistent direction that makes a dog feel secure and grounded. Dogs are pack animals by nature; they thrive in structured environments where someone is clearly in charge. Without this leadership, many dogs feel the need to take control, leading to anxiety and reactivity when they are ill-equipped to do so.
Leadership is not dominance or harshness. It’s not about being authoritarian, but authoritative.
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Setting clear boundaries.
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Following through on consequences.
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Being emotionally neutral (not anxious or angry).
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Giving direction and expecting compliance in a calm, fair manner.
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Teaching dogs how to exist peacefully in the human world.
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