Fear-Based ReactivityĪnother form of behavior that is mistaken for aggression is fear-based reactivity, which is when a dog is fearful for their own safety and will react to the supposed threat by baring teeth, growling, and barking. While all dogs will get antsy when deprived of a release of energy in this situation, a reactive dog may exhibit excessive frustration behaviors typical to the condition. It’s a catch-22 situation: the dog reacts to a perceived barrier to interaction but then is not allowed to interact because of this very reaction.īarrier frustration can also be triggered by a reactive dog spending too much time in a crate without exercise. In fact, the reality is almost the opposite: the reactive dog desperately wants to interact but is so frustrated by their inability to do so that they exhibit behavior frustration. It makes it difficult for owners with reactive dogs to have them interact with other dogs as their owners will usually assume that the reactive dog is dog-aggressive. Obviously, these behaviors can be mistaken as aggressive behavior. Pulling on the leash (barrier frustrations can also apply on walks).When a dog is experiencing behavior frustration, they might be:
The behavior is when a dog sees something that they want to check out but can’t because they are behind a fence or window that obstructs them. There is a good chance that you have seen barrier frustration. Below, we will give some examples of various behaviors exhibited by reactive dogs. It may be difficult with some dogs, but with effort and patience you can make significant progress.Ĥ Conclusion What Are the Behaviors of a Reactive Dog?Īs mentioned above, a reactive dog strongly reacts to things around them, leading to an over-excited dog or one that reacts negatively.
We’re going to examine how to tell if you have a reactive dog, and what you can do to address the behavior. Reactivity is not a positive trait as it can make life with a dog more difficult than it needs to be, and the dog can make strangers afraid for their safety.
Although their initial behaviors are similar, their intentions differ. Reactive dogs are often confused with aggressive dogs, but they are not the same. For example, when a stranger knocks on the door, a reactive dog might start barking excessively and growling. One of these traits is known as “reactivity.” So exactly what is a reactive dog, and is it a bad thing?Ī reactive dog is one that overreacts to various stimuli. The breed of the dog often plays a role in this, but dogs of any breed can still have their own, distinct personality traits. We all know that dogs can have different personalities some are docile and quiet, while others are hyperactive.