Reactive Behaviors
Understanding and managing your dog’s overreactions.
Reactive behaviors are one of the most common behavior issues we see in dogs. Whether it’s barking, lunging, or aggressive displays when encountering other dogs, people, or unfamiliar stimuli, reactive behavior can make everyday situations feel stressful and overwhelming. At Engmann Veterinary Behavior Consulting, we love helping reactive dogs learn to remain calm and confident, transforming difficult moments into manageable, positive experiences.
What are Reactive Behaviors?
Reactive Behaviors occurs when a dog overreacts to certain triggers in their environment, such as other animals, people, or noises. While it may look like aggression, reactive behaviors often stem from fear, frustration, or overexcitement. Some common signs of reactive behaviors include:
- Barking, growling, or lunging when seeing another dog or person
- Inability to focus or listen to commands when triggered
- Pulling on the leash or trying to escape
- Hypervigilance, constantly scanning the environment
Why Do Reactive Behaviors Happen?
Reactive behaviors can have many causes, including fear, poor socialization, or frustration. It can also be triggered by a lack of control in high-stimulation environments, where your dog feels overwhelmed. For many dogs, reactive behaviors become a learned response—they react because they’ve found it helps them “escape” the stressful situation.
How We Work Together
Managing reactivity requires team effort and consistency. We work closely with you to teach the skills needed to handle challenging situations. Through ongoing support and training, we help you feel empowered and confident in guiding your dog toward more calm and controlled behavior.
At Engmann Veterinary Behavior Consulting, we’re dedicated to improving your dog’s quality of life and your peace of mind.
