Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 5 hours ago
Owning a reactive dog can make every walk feel stressful, especially when you find yourself apologizing to everyone around you.
As a professional dog trainer, I want owners to understand that reactivity can be natural for some dogs and breeds. But that does not mean the dog should be allowed to decide what happens every time a person or neighbor appears.
Go outside prepared. Build a reliable heel or “left” command, bring something your dog values, and give them an alternative behavior before they take over the situation.
If a protective or reactive dog has nothing else to focus on, they may default to what they feel they need to do.
Owning a reactive dog can make every walk feel stressful, especially when you find yourself apologizing to everyone around you.
As a professional dog trainer, I want owners to understand that reactivity can be natural for some dogs and breeds. But that does not mean the dog should be allowed to decide what happens every time a person or neighbor appears.
Go outside prepared. Build a reliable heel or “left” command, bring something your dog values, and give them an alternative behavior before they take over the situation.
If a protective or reactive dog has nothing else to focus on, they may default to what they feel they need to do.
