


Adult dogs can be evaluated or taken on a walk for a “test run,” but predicting a puppy’s adult behavior can be more challenging.ĭr. Ideally, you don’t want a reactive dog in the first place. Any reactive dog can be pushed into aggression, which is why a reactive dog needs to be taken seriously. Causes can be genetic, but they are more likely due to a lack of socialization, prior bad experiences or a lack of training.Īggressive dogs show similar signs but are determined to cause harm and destruction. They may lunge, bark and growl, becoming so preoccupied with whatever is triggering the emotion that they can be difficult to control and move out of the situation. Reactive dogs become overly aroused by common stimuli.

Reactive dogs are not necessarily aggressive dogs, but reactivity can turn into aggression, so your attention to training becomes extremely important. This is a reactive dog - one who overreacts to normal situations that other dogs would take in stride. You want to take a relaxing walk with your dog, but at just the sight of another dog or a person, they start barking hysterically, forcing you to drag them away. Reactivity is hard on dogs - without support your dog could become aggressive
