How to Handle Reactivity in Dogs with Positive Reinforcement

How to Handle Reactivity in Dogs with Positive Reinforcement

Reactivity in dogs is a common challenge, often misunderstood as “bad behaviour” or disobedience. But reactivity is usually rooted in fear, frustration, or overstimulation, and it’s a reaction to the dog’s environment that they feel they cannot control. Instead of resorting to punishment-based training, which can worsen a dog’s anxiety, we can use positive reinforcement and science-backed techniques like counter-conditioning to help reactive dogs find calm and confidence. This kind of training can be difficult, and we recommend you seek help from a good trainer.

Understanding Reactivity in Dogs

A “reactive” dog may bark, lunge, or become agitated when confronted with certain triggers, such as other dogs, people, or loud noises. It’s important to understand that reactivity is a way for the dog to manage their stress or fear. Imagine feeling overwhelmed by a stressful situation—like a crowded space or a sudden loud noise—and trying to protect yourself by moving away or covering your ears. For dogs, reactivity can feel similar: they’re responding to something they perceive as stressful or threatening.

Step 1: Recognize and Avoid Triggers

The first step in managing reactivity is identifying what sets off your dog’s response. Some dogs are triggered by other animals, while others may react to strangers, bicycles, or even specific sounds. Once you know what the triggers are, you can work on managing their exposure in a controlled way.

This isn’t about avoiding the world forever; it’s about creating a safe space for your dog to learn. Imagine you have a fear of public speaking—jumping straight into a crowd would likely increase your stress rather than help you overcome it. Slowly managing exposure to triggers gives dogs the chance to gain confidence without feeling overwhelmed.

Step 2: Use Counter-Conditioning to Change Their Emotional Response

Counter-conditioning is a technique that gradually changes your dog’s reaction to a trigger. By pairing the presence of the trigger with something enjoyable (like treats), you help the dog associate the trigger with positive experiences. For example, if your dog reacts to other dogs on walks, you might reward them with treats every time they see another dog from a distance. Please note that it is very difficult to get this right for some dogs, and often a professional dog trainer may be needed. For advice on finding a good trainer, have a look at this post. 

In one example study in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior (Deldalle & Gaunet, 2014), they found that positive reinforcement and counter-conditioning reduced reactive behaviours and improved dogs’ emotional well-being when housed in kennels. By rewarding calm behaviour around triggers, you help dogs build a new, positive association, reducing their need to react. The biggest pitfall with this approach is when people expose their dog to a level that causes them to react or be too anxious - this prevents improvement and often sends them backwards, regardless of how often they are exposed.

Step 3: Teach Alternative Behaviours

Once your dog feels more comfortable around triggers, you can introduce new behaviours to replace their reactivity. For instance, instead of lunging, you might teach them to look at you or sit when they see a trigger. By giving them an alternative action, you’re offering them a choice—a way to respond that earns them rewards.

Think of it as learning to handle stress through mindful breathing or grounding techniques. When you focus on an activity that feels safe and controlled, you’re less likely to feel overwhelmed by your environment. In the same way, teaching your dog alternative behaviours gives them a safe way to navigate situations that once caused reactivity.

Step 4: Practice Patience and Consistency

Training a reactive dog is a journey, and it takes time for new behaviours to become habits. Remember that your dog’s reactivity likely comes from fear or overstimulation, so approach training with patience and empathy. Pushing too hard can backfire, so work at a pace that your dog can handle comfortably.

Consistency is key. Practice your positive reinforcement techniques regularly, and don’t be discouraged by setbacks. Progress may be gradual, but every positive experience helps reinforce your dog’s sense of security and trust.

Wrapping Up: Building Trust and Confidence

Handling reactivity with positive reinforcement is about more than just teaching your dog to stay calm—it’s about building a trusting bond where they know they’re safe, supported, and understood. Because you don't let them feel unsafe, they learn confidence and don't feel the need to constantly defend their space. By approaching reactivity with empathy and patience, you can help your dog move from fear and frustration to confidence and calm. For a complete assessment of dogs that have serious reactivity issues, it is always best to contact a trainer that works with a behaviour veterinarian.