Dog Reactive to Other Dogs: A Practical Guide for Owners

Is your dog reactive to other dogs? Walking a reactive dog can be stressful, but it doesn't have to be. Whether your dog barks, lunges, or growls, we understand the challenges. This guide explores the reasons behind dog reactivity, offering practical tips and training techniques to help your dog feel more comfortable around other canines. We'll cover everything from understanding your dog's triggers to finding safe spaces for them to play, like those in the Sniffspot network of private dog parks.

Reactivity triggers can be just about anything—strangers, cars, bikes and skateboards—but in this article we’re going to talk specifically about dogs who are reactive to other dogs. Read on for some key dog reactivity definitions, an overview of what can cause dog-dog reactivity, some frequently asked questions, and further resources to help you and your pup along your training journey.

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Understanding Dog ReactivityKey dog reactivity terms and definitions

First, let’s get our definitions straight. Dog reactivity is a big topic with a whole dictionary’s worth of associated terms.

What does “reactive” mean?

While every living animal is constantly “reacting” to its environment—you might put on a sweatshirt when you notice you’re cold or head to open the door when you hear a knock—dog trainers usually use “reactive” to describe pets who overreact to stimuli in their environments.

Dog reactivity encompasses a range of unwanted behaviors (barking, growling, lunging, jumping, pulling, and so on) in situations that typically don’t warrant them in our minds. Their triggers—in this case other dogs—behave normally in a non threatening way. For some reason they’re still overwhelming or scary to our dogs, though.

Basically: Your puppy who woofs once or twice when startled by an unfamiliar dog around a blind corner? They would not be diagnosed with reactivity. That’s a natural, reasonably sized response! If your dog barks, growls, and lunges at every dog they see out on a walk, on the other hand? A professional trainer would probably diagnose them with dog-dog reactivity.

What are most dogs reactive to?

You’re in great company if your dog struggles with reactivity towards other dogs. According to proprietary Sniffspot research, 51% of reactive dogs are reactive to other dogs only.

8% of reactive dogs are reactive to people only and 37% of reactive dogs are reactive to both dogs and people. Another 4% of reactive dogs are reactive to other things than dogs and people, like bikes, skateboards, and cars. These results show that dog-dog reactivity is most common.

Key Takeaways

• Understand the root of the reactivity: Is your dog reacting out of fear, frustration, or something else? Figuring out why they react is the first step to helping them.
• Create a safe space: Managing your dog's environment is crucial. Avoid overwhelming situations, choose quiet walk times, and consider private dog parks for controlled socialization.
• Focus on positive reinforcement and seek professional help when needed: Reward calm behavior, gradually introduce your dog to triggers, and don't hesitate to contact a certified trainer for personalized guidance.

Causes of Dog Reactivity

There’s no single cause of reactivity in dogs. Every dog is an individual, and there are many factors—both genetic and environmental—that can contribute. Let’s explore some of the most common causes of reactivity to other dogs.

Fear and Anxiety

Fear is a powerful motivator. Some dogs react out of fear, especially if they’ve had negative experiences with other dogs. Perhaps they were attacked by another dog, or maybe they weren’t socialized properly as puppies and now feel anxious around unfamiliar canines. This anxiety around other dogs can manifest as reactivity.

Negative Experiences

A bad experience, like being attacked or bullied by another dog, can create lasting fear and anxiety. This can lead to reactivity as the dog tries to avoid or preemptively defend against similar situations.

Lack of Early Socialization

Early socialization is crucial for puppies. Dogs who haven't been properly socialized with other dogs during their critical developmental period may react negatively to them later in life. This lack of early exposure can lead to fear and uncertainty, which can manifest as reactivity.

Frustration

Frustration is another common cause of reactivity. Some dogs are simply frustrated by their inability to interact with other dogs the way they want to.

Leash Restraint

Many dogs are reactive because they are frustrated by being on a leash and unable to approach other dogs they want to greet. The leash prevents them from engaging in natural canine social behaviors, leading to frustration and reactivity. This is sometimes called leash reactivity. A private dog park booked through Sniffspot can be a great way to let your dog off-leash in a safe and controlled environment.

Inability to Greet

Similar to leash restraint, barrier frustration can occur when a dog is unable to reach another dog due to a fence or other barrier. This can also trigger reactive behaviors.

Learned Behaviors

Dogs learn through experience. If a dog’s reactive behavior has been successful in the past—perhaps it scared another dog away—they are more likely to repeat that behavior. These learned behaviors can become ingrained over time.

Underlying Anxiety and Sensitivity to Stimuli

Some dogs are simply more anxious or sensitive to stimuli than others. This underlying anxiety can contribute to reactivity, making them overly sensitive to the presence of other dogs. This can make socializing a reactive dog more challenging. Finding a safe and controlled environment, like a private Sniffspot dog park, can be beneficial.

Barrier Frustration

Barrier frustration, as mentioned earlier, occurs when a dog is prevented from accessing something they want, such as another dog, due to a physical barrier. This frustration can lead to a variety of reactive behaviors.

Deafness

Deaf dogs may be more prone to reactivity, as they cannot hear the auditory cues that other dogs use to communicate. This can lead to misunderstandings and increased anxiety, potentially resulting in reactive behaviors. Learn more about deaf dogs and their unique needs.

Genetic Predisposition

Genetics can also play a role in dog reactivity. Some breeds are simply more predisposed to reactivity due to their genetic background and temperament. This doesn’t mean that all dogs of these breeds will be reactive, but it does mean that they may be more susceptible. If you're considering getting a dog and are concerned about reactivity, you can research different dog breeds and their temperaments.

Lack of Fulfillment of Breed-Specific Drives

Some dogs, especially those bred for specific tasks like herding or guarding, may become reactive if their breed-specific needs are not met. A lack of appropriate outlets for their natural instincts can lead to frustration and reactivity. Understanding dog behavior is key to addressing these needs. Connecting with a certified dog trainer can be helpful.

General Overarousal

Finally, general overarousal can also contribute to reactivity. A dog who is already in a heightened state of arousal may react more strongly to stimuli, including other dogs, than they would otherwise. Managing a dog's arousal levels is an important part of managing reactivity.

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Signs of Reactivity in Dogs

Recognizing the signs of reactivity in your dog is the first step towards addressing the issue. Reactivity can manifest in a variety of ways, from subtle body language cues to more overt behaviors.

Frantic Behavior

One of the most obvious signs of reactivity is frantic behavior. This can manifest in several ways:

Bouncing

A reactive dog might exhibit frantic behavior, such as bouncing around, whining, and trying to get out of their collar or harness when they see another dog.

Escaping Collar

Attempting to escape their collar or harness is another sign of a dog feeling overwhelmed and reactive.

Specific Body Language Cues

Pay close attention to your dog's body language. Subtle cues can often indicate reactivity before it escalates.

Pawing

Pawing at the leash, or at you, can be a sign of frustration or anxiety.

Pulling

Pulling on the leash, especially in the direction of another dog, can indicate a desire to get closer to the stimulus, often preceding reactive behavior.

Hiding

While some dogs react by lunging and barking, others may try to hide or cower when they feel overwhelmed by the presence of other dogs.

Nipping or Biting

In extreme cases, reactive dogs may resort to nipping or biting other dogs. It’s important to address reactivity before it reaches this point. If your dog is exhibiting signs of aggression, consult with a professional dog trainer or behaviorist.

Types of Dog-to-Dog ReactivityTypes of dog-dog reactivity

Typically, dog-reactive dogs have one of two goals in mind. They either want to get away from another dog they find scary (this is fear-based reactivity) or want to get closer to another dog to say hello (this is frustration-based reactivity). 

Fear-based dog reactivity

Fear-based dog reactivity is often caused when nervous or uncertain dogs feel trapped in a certain situation. Think about a porcupine puffing out their quills to make something scary go away! Your dog might appear to show aggressive behaviors, but they don’t want to go out of their way to cause harm. They’re just experiencing anxiety and really want to be left alone.

We humans often feel that this is inappropriate behavior, but it makes perfect sense to our canine companions, especially if they’ve had a bad experience with another dog in the past. Even just strong eye contact from an unknown pet can make them worry for their personal space and safety.

You can read more about fear aggression in this guide.

Excitement- or frustration-based dog reactivity

Frustration-based leash reactivity, on the other hand, stems from a dog wanting to interact with something they can’t. This is common in social dogs who regularly visit dog parks or attend daycare. They love other pets and feel frustrated when they aren’t allowed to greet them! That frustration (especially when being held back on a leash) can quickly build into a reactive display. In extreme cases it can even lead to serious aggression.

If your dog’s reactivity is limited to when they’re tethered, this article talks about fixing leash reactivity or leash aggression specifically.

Lack of fulfillment or general overarousal can contribute to dog reactivity

We bred certain traits into dog breeds over generations and generations. Two examples:

1. Herders are hyper-aware of their surroundings.
2. Terriers have an intense desire to chase prey.

So if your Cattle Dog is barking at quick-moving objects or your Jack Russell keeps lunging after rabbits, there’s a chance their reactivity is caused by unmet genetic drives—not a lack of socialization, or too much socialization, or even fear.

Some dogs also struggle with general overarousal even if they aren’t acting on specific breed traits. If your pet can’t seem to settle down even in familiar environments, triggers out in the world can be like the straw that broke the camel’s back. They’re the final stimulus that puts your pup all the way over their threshold (which is low already) even though the real problem is bigger than that one thing.

How to Help a Reactive Dog

Dealing with a reactive dog can be challenging, but with the right approach, you can help your furry friend feel safer and more comfortable. A big part of reactivity training comes down to managing your dog’s environment. Here are some practical steps you can take:

Managing the Environment

One of the most effective ways to help a reactive dog is to manage their surroundings. This means creating a space where they feel safe and minimizing exposure to their triggers. This can involve several strategies, all working together to create a positive impact.

Maintaining Safe Distance

When you're out with your reactive dog, keeping a safe distance from other dogs is crucial. This distance will vary depending on your individual dog's triggers and comfort level. The goal is to prevent your dog from reaching their threshold—the point at which they react. If your dog reacts to other dogs from across the street, you'll need to maintain a greater distance than if they only react when another dog is right next to them. This might mean crossing the street, turning around, or ducking into a driveway when you see another dog approaching. Creating that space helps prevent triggering their reactivity and allows for a more controlled environment where training can take place. A private dog park is a great option for off-leash exercise and play in a controlled environment. For some dogs, even seeing another dog is enough to trigger a reaction. In these cases, consider using visual barriers like fences or hedges to block their view.

Choosing Quiet Walk Times and Locations

Strategic timing and location of your walks can significantly reduce the chances of encountering triggers. Opt for quieter areas or consider walking during off-peak hours when there are fewer dogs and people around. Early mornings or late evenings are often good choices. If you live in a busy urban area, explore less-trafficked streets or parks. Sniffspot can be a valuable resource for finding dog-friendly locations that offer a more secluded and controlled environment for your walks. By minimizing the likelihood of encountering other dogs, you can help reduce your dog's anxiety and create a more positive walking experience. This, in turn, makes training easier and more effective. You can also use online tools and apps to track dog-walking activity in your area and identify quieter times.

Training Techniques

Positive Reinforcement and Redirection

Positive reinforcement—using treats to create positive associations with the presence of other dogs—is a cornerstone of reactivity training. As Behavior Vets explains, rewarding your dog when they remain calm around other dogs helps them build a positive connection with the experience. Keep high-value treats handy and reward your dog the instant they notice another dog but *before* they start reacting. This teaches them that good things happen when other dogs are around.

Gradual Exposure to Triggers

Don't throw your dog into the deep end. Instead, gradually expose them to their triggers at a distance where they can remain calm. Start far away and reward calm behavior. As your dog gets more comfortable, slowly decrease the distance. If you notice your dog getting tense, increase the distance again. This gradual desensitization helps them build confidence and associate other dogs with positive experiences. Renting a private Sniffspot can be a great way to practice this, as you have complete control over the environment.

Loose-Leash Walking Training

A dog pulling on their leash is often already in a heightened state of arousal, making them more likely to react to triggers. Improving overall leash manners can significantly reduce reactivity. Loose-leash walking training teaches your dog to walk calmly by your side, reducing tension and making them more receptive to your guidance when they encounter other dogs.

Rewarding Calm Behavior

Reinforce calm behavior around triggers with treats, praise, or toys. The Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine emphasizes rewarding even the smallest signs of calmness, like a relaxed body posture or a soft gaze. This consistent positive reinforcement helps your dog understand what behavior you expect and makes it more likely they'll repeat it.

Distraction Techniques with High-Value Treats

Before your dog fixates on another dog, redirect their attention with high-value treats. Lure them away from the trigger and reward them for focusing on you. This technique helps break the cycle of reactivity by interrupting their focus on the other dog and rewarding them for making a different choice.

Professional Help

Consulting a Certified Trainer or Behaviorist

If you're struggling to manage your dog's reactivity on your own, don't hesitate to seek professional help. A certified professional dog trainer or veterinary behaviorist can assess your dog's specific needs and develop a personalized training plan. They can also provide valuable support and guidance throughout the process. Check out Sniffspot's list of top dog trainers to find a qualified professional near you.

Specific Training Approaches

Behavioral Adjustment Training (BAT)

BAT focuses on teaching your dog to make their own choices about how to respond to triggers. It emphasizes giving your dog space and allowing them to move away from the trigger if they feel uncomfortable. This approach can be particularly helpful for fear-reactive dogs. Using a private dog park through Sniffspot can provide a safe and controlled environment for practicing BAT.

"Defensive Driving" Techniques

Defensive driving involves strategically maneuvering around triggers to avoid close encounters. This might mean crossing the street, turning around, or ducking behind a parked car. These techniques help prevent your dog from getting overwhelmed and reinforce the idea that you're there to protect them.

Building a Strong Bond

General Training and Bonding Activities

Strengthening your bond with your dog through general training and bonding activities can make reactivity training more effective. Activities like teaching simple tricks, playing games, and going for walks in calm environments build trust and communication, making your dog more likely to look to you for guidance in challenging situations. Consider exploring new places together, like a Sniffspot park, to create positive shared experiences.

Socialization Strategies

Controlled Interactions with Calm Dogs

If your dog is comfortable around some dogs, set up controlled interactions with a calm, known dog. Start with the dogs far apart and gradually decrease the distance, rewarding calm behavior throughout. This helps your dog practice appropriate social skills in a safe and controlled environment. A private Sniffspot can be an ideal setting for these interactions.

Avoiding Dog Parks and Punishment

Avoid taking reactive dogs to dog parks, as the uncontrolled environment can be overwhelming and even dangerous. Never punish your dog for reacting, as this can worsen their anxiety and fear. And remember, your own anxiety can influence your dog, so stay calm and positive during training. Instead of a dog park, consider a more controlled environment like a Sniffspot.

Controlled Introductions to Other Animals

While the ultimate goal might be allowing your dog to play freely with other dogs, this should only happen after careful assessment and guidance from a professional trainer. Controlled introductions are key to ensuring everyone's safety and well-being. A private Sniffspot can be a great stepping stone towards this goal.

3) Frequently asked questions about dog-directed reactivity

Can dog-reactive dogs be social with other pets?

Whether a dog-reactive dog can be social with other pets—like fellow dogs, cats, or even small animals—depends on factors like their unique temperament, training, and past experiences.

Some dog-reactive dogs may be able to coexist peacefully with other animals. Others might always prefer to live alone, though.

Introducing Reactive Dogs to Other Pets

Introduce your reactive dog to any other animals slowly. Set up controlled circumstances where you can intervene if necessary! By monitoring interactions carefully—and providing positive reinforcement for calm, socially appropriate behavior—you can set everyone up for a successful introduction.

Professional guidance from a force free dog trainer or veterinary behaviorist may also be helpful if you’re hoping to introduce your dog-reactive pup to other pets.

I still don’t understand why my dog is growling if they actually just want to say hi?

It can be hard to understand why dogs might bark or growl even if they want to be friendly. Frustration-based dog reactivity can be especially confusing for pet parents of social butterflies who suddenly start making scenes on walks!

Let’s sum it up simply:

• Excitement and overstimulation: Some dogs become frustrated when they are overly excited or stimulated. (Some of us humans do, too. Think about really intense games or sporting events you’ve been a part of!) This can lead to reactive behavior.
• Leash restriction: The leash is usually a core part of frustration-based dog reactivity. Dogs on leashes feel restricted, which leads to frustration. When they are unable to approach another dog freely, they may bark or growl as a way of expressing that they feel pent up.

To address frustration-based reactivity, we dog owners need to provide proper socialization, positive reinforcement focused training, and controlled introductions.

If my dog is scared of other dogs, why wouldn’t they just try to run away?

While fear can indeed lead some dogs to try and escape or avoid a situation with another dog, fear-based reactions are complex. The emotion can manifest in various ways!

Growling and barking can be defensive behaviors—not just outright aggressive behavior as we often think of them—a fearful dog uses to communicate discomfort. Often these reactions help your pup establish a safe distance if they’re unable to move themselves away from a perceived threat.

Let’s sum up why a fearful dog might growl and bark instead of running away:

• Fear can trigger a defensive form of aggression. Growling and barking may be your dog’s way of trying to appear more intimidating to deter the perceived threat.
• In certain situations—like when on leash—a fearful dog may feel cornered. Without a clear escape route, they turn to defensive behaviors like growling and barking as a way to create space. Think about the well-known “fight or flight” instinct. If we remove flight as an option? We leave our dogs with fight.

Remember that each dog is an individual. Every pet’s responses to fear can vary! If your dog displays any sort of reactive behaviors, don’t just assume they’re being mean, outright aggressive, or not feeling scared simply because they’re also being loud.

Did I do something wrong to make my dog reactive to other dogs?

A combination of genetics, early experiences, socialization, ongoing training, and your dog’s current environment influence their behavior. It’s impossible to perfectly isolate variables!

While parts of your lifestyle may have contributed to your dog developing reactivity towards other dogs—like lots of on-leash greetings in a busy neighborhood, for example—it’s not helpful to fixate on whose “fault” anything is. If your pup struggles, it’s not all on you. Let us say that one more time. If your dog struggles with reactivity, you are not a bad owner.

Many dogs have some form of dog reactivity. Even professional trainers struggle with dog-dog reactivity with their own family members! What matters most is that you’re learning and training to help your canine companion feel better.

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Finding the Right Environment for Your Reactive Dog

Creating a safe and comfortable environment for your reactive dog is crucial for their well-being and successful training. Remember, as Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine points out, reactive dogs aren't necessarily aggressive, but reactivity can escalate, so training is key (source). This means finding spaces where you can manage their exposure to triggers and work on positive reinforcement techniques.

Private Dog Parks on Sniffspot

If you're looking for a safe and controlled environment for your reactive dog to play and explore, consider checking out Sniffspot. Sniffspot connects dog owners with private dog parks, offering a stress-free alternative to public dog parks, which can be overwhelming for reactive dogs. A private Sniffspot can provide the controlled environment needed for positive training experiences, whether your dog's reactivity is fear-based, stemming from feeling trapped (learn more about fear-based reactivity), or frustration-based, arising from wanting to interact with other dogs but being unable to (learn more about frustration-based reactivity). You can find a variety of spaces, from fenced-in yards to open fields, ensuring there's a perfect spot for your dog's needs. With Sniffspot, you can control the interactions, allowing for slow and supervised introductions to other dogs, as recommended in Sniffspot's FAQ on dog reactivity. This can be especially helpful if you're working with a professional trainer or behaviorist, who can guide you through the process (get guidance from a trainer).

Learn More About Dog ReactivityFurther reading and learning

Here are a few of our favorite resources to learn more about dog reactivity.

More Sniffspot blogs on dog reactivity

We have an entire blog category devoted to dog reactivity and related problem or unwanted behaviors. One of our primary goals is to be a welcoming community for reactive dogs! That’s why we have specific rules (like gaps between arrivals and transparency about other animals within view) to keep all Sniffspot visits safe.

• How to Train a Reactive Dog: A Beginner’s Guide for everything you need to know to get started implementing a training program for your reactive dog
• How to Socialize Your Reactive Dog for help on how to give your fearful, frustrated, or otherwise reactive dog positive experiences with other dogs
• Dog Reactivity Chart for help understanding the current level of reactivity your dog shows in different moments

Other dog reactivity resources

• Trainer Patricia McConnell’s guide to how to handle reactive dogs
• CARE For Reactive Dogs is a whole website dedicated to methods and gear for dealing with a reactive dog
• Suzanne Clothier reactive dog training scenario set up
• Trainer Alice Tong’s engage-disengage game (specific to leash reactivity, but can be applied to other types of reactivity as well)
• The VCA’s guide to counterconditioning and desensitization 

Good luck, and remember: you’re not alone. When in doubt, get in touch with a professional force free trainer you trust. And know you can always bring your dog to a Sniffspot for some playtime!

Trainer Review of this Article

There is so much misinformation out there, and we want to make sure we only provide the highest quality content to our community. We have our articles reviewed by qualified force free trainers.  

This is the trainer that reviewed this article:

Marnie Montgomery
PMCT4, CPDT-KA
Tellington TTouch® Practitioner
Fear-Free Certified Professional

Survey Statistics

Sniffspot Research 2023, n = 4,092

Related Articles

• Where to Bring Your Reactive Dog for Training and Exercise
• Dog Barrier Reactivity and Frustration Training | Sniffspot
• Dog Reactivity Training | When Your Dog Reacts to Other Dogs
• Engaging Activities for Reactive Dogs: Building Confidence & Reducing Anxiety
• How to Train a Reactive Dog: Beginner’s Guide + Tips

Get safe exercise for your dog by renting a private dog park near you

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