A nervous or aggressive dog can leave pet owners feeling helpless, but the good news is that learning how to train a reactive dog is easier once you understand what’s going on behind the bark.

Carly is a reward-based dog trainer and the founder of Super Woofers Dog Training, and WAGD (Who’s A Good Dog) dedicated to helping dogs and their owners build trust through positive reinforcement. She started Super Woofers to help owners better understand their dogs and create a positive learning experience for both. Using science-backed, reward-based methods, Carly focuses on building confidence, reducing stress, and strengthening the bond between dogs and their people. Every dog deserves to feel safe, understood, and set up for success, and her goal is to make training enjoyable and effective for everyone.

Reactivity in dogs is often misunderstood. Many people assume a reactive dog is aggressive, but reactivity is simply an overreaction to a stimulus, which is usually because of fear, anxiety, frustration or excitement.

With kindness, consistency, and the right approach, reactive dogs can gain confidence and learn new behaviours—helping both them and their owners enjoy a happier, less stressful life.

What is reactivity in dogs?

Reactivity occurs when a dog has a strong emotional response to a trigger, which often results in:

• Barking and lunging – Commonly seen when a dog is frustrated or trying to create distance from a perceived threat.
• Growling or snarling – A warning sign that a dog is uncomfortable and needs space.
• Cowering, freezing, or retreating – Signs of a fearful response that can escalate if ignored.
• Snapping or biting – In extreme cases, when a dog feels they have no other option.

What causes reactivity?

Dogs react because they feel unsafe, overstimulated, or frustrated. Possible reasons for this include:

• Fear or past trauma – A negative experience can make a dog wary of similar situations.
• Frustration – A dog who wants to interact but is restrained by a lead may react out of excitement.
• Lack of early socialisation – Dogs who missed early positive exposure to people, dogs or environments may find new experiences overwhelming.

The key takeaway? Reactivity is not a dog being “bad” but a dog that needs help to feel safe and confident.

Common misconceptions about reactivity

There are plenty of myths about reactive dogs that can slow down progress. Let’s clear up some common ones:

Myth 1: Reactive dogs are aggressive

Reactivity and aggression are different. Many reactive dogs don’t want to harm, they’re just scared or overstimulated.

Myth 2: Ignoring reactivity makes it go away

Reactivity isn’t a behaviour that stops on its own but something that requires training and support.

Myth 3: You need to ‘correct’ a reactive dog

Using punishments like leash jerks, shouting, or ‘alpha’ techniques can increase fear and make reactivity worse. Positive reinforcement builds trust and teaches better responses.

Myth 4: Reactivity is about being ‘dominant’

Dogs don’t react because they want to be ‘in charge’. They react because they feel overwhelmed.

How to train a reactive dog

Training a reactive dog starts with understanding and management. Here’s how to set them up for success:

1. Identify triggers

Keep a log of your dog’s triggers, such as other dogs, people, loud noises or certain environments. Noticing patterns helps a lot with your training.

2. Manage the environment

Preventing reactive outbursts is key. Use distance, avoid busy areas and choose quiet walking routes to keep your dog calm and responsive.

3. Reward calm behaviour

Instead of waiting for a reaction, reinforce calmness. When your dog sees a trigger at a safe distance and remains relaxed, reward them with treats or praise.

4. Teach alternative behaviours

• “Look at Me” – Encourages your dog to automatically focus on you when the trigger appears.
• “Find It” (Scatter Feeding) – Tossing treats in the grass redirects their focus and encourages sniffing, which reduces stress.
• “U-Turn” – This is a positive way to move away from a trigger.

5. Use desensitisation and counterconditioning

This involves gradually exposing your dog to their triggers in a controlled way while pairing the experience with something positive like high-value treats. Over time, this changes their emotional response from fear/frustration to neutrality – or even excitement.

6. Seek professional help

A force-free behaviourist or positive reinforcement trainer can tailor a training plan to your dog’s needs. Check out the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers for an Australia-wide directory.

How long does it take reactive dogs to improve?

There is no quick fix for reactive dogs, it’s a process that takes time, patience and dedication. That said, the effectiveness of your training largely depends on:

• The severity of reactivity – Some dogs need months of training, while others improve in weeks.
• Your consistency with training – Regular, positive reinforcement speeds up learning.
• Past experiences – A dog with trauma may take longer to feel safe.

Every one of your dog’s small wins, from looking at you instead of barking to walking past a trigger calmly, is a step in the right direction.

Training challenges and how to overcome them

Training a reactive dog can be a frustrating process and one that requires a lot of perseverance. Here are some tips for staying on track:

• Let others know that your dog is in training – A “give me space” harness or leash helps let people around you know that your dog is sensitive.
• Don’t be derailed by setbacks – If a bad day happens, go back to the basics and keep sessions positive.
• Manage your stress – Training a reactive dog can be emotionally draining, so set yourself up with a support group of understanding people and give yourself grace on the tough days.

Remember, while reactivity often feels overwhelming, your dog isn’t ‘broken’ – they just need a little support. With positive reinforcement, patience and the right techniques, most reactive dogs improve dramatically.

Have you had any experience with a reactive dog? Leave us a comment below.