So, what do we mean when we talk about reactivity?

The dictionary definition of "react" is “to respond to a stimulus in a particular manner”, which is pretty bland, but it does tell us that reacting is not in itself a bad thing. Every animal reacts sometimes, and some reaction is needed for survival!

When we talk about “reactive” dogs we are talking about an over-reaction – a dog who responds to something with more intensity than we’d expect in that situation.

Context is key. Growling or barking at another dog from a few hundred feet away is an over-reaction. Growling if another dog jumps on their back is not!

So, we define reactivity as "over-reacting to a dog, human or something else in the environment by barking, lunging, growling or otherwise responding with higher-than-expected intensity". Note for your dog this might also include "flight" so backing off and freezing can also be over-reactive responses.

Remember your dog is not being naughty or disobedient. Your dog is not being difficult. Your dog is just responding in a way that works for them in that moment.

So your job is to let them know they can respond to things in a different way.