What is Reactivity?

Simply put, dog reactivity is an emotional or physiological overreaction to something a dog encounters in the environment. Many things can activate or “trigger” a response in a dog but some of the most common "triggers are other dogs, bikers, skateboarders, people, trucks, sounds and small animals.

Every dog is uniquely different, but some things that may contribute to reactivity include:

• Fear, Anxiety

• Leash pressure, restraint or other physical barriers that could prevent access or escape

• Excitement

• Equipment or corrections that cause physical/emotional pain or discomfort

• Owner or handler choices

• Improper or inadequate socialization

• Practice or rehearsal of an unwanted behavior or response