Reactive Doesn’t Mean Aggressive: Understanding Your Dog’s Outbursts

If you’re dealing with a dog that barks, lunges, or jumps at every passing dog, stranger, or car, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Maybe you’ve heard it before: “Your dog is aggressive.” But here’s the truth - reactivity and aggression are not the same. And understanding that distinction is the first step to transforming your relationship with your dog.

What Is Reactivity?

Reactivity is your dog’s heightened response to specific triggers. This might look like barking, lunging, or pulling on the lead, but it doesn’t always mean your dog is acting out of aggression. Often, reactivity stems from excitement, fear, frustration, or even a lack of clarity about what’s expected of them.

For many of my clients, this behaviour can feel like failure. Especially if you’ve done the work - obedience classes, consistent training sessions, or even professional advice - but still find yourself dreading walks or public spaces. Trust me, you’re not alone.

My Own Journey with Reactivity

When I first started working with my own dog, Daisy, I was right where you are now. She was challenging in ways I didn’t expect, and the advice I was given - throwing treats, avoiding triggers, or simply walking the other way - just wasn’t cutting it. It wasn’t until I stopped looking for quick fixes and started understanding the dog in front of me that things began to change. And that’s exactly what I help my clients do now.

Why It’s Not About Treats or Avoidance

One of the most common approaches to reactivity is distraction - throwing treats or trying to divert your dog’s attention away from the trigger. While this might work in the moment, it doesn’t address the underlying issue. At best, it’s quick fix. At worst, it leaves your dog more confused and frustrated.

The key is to teach your dog what to do instead. Reactivity often comes down to a lack of clarity. Your dog sees something and doesn’t know how to respond, so they default to barking, lunging, or jumping. Our job is to guide them, to create a communication system that makes sense to them and builds their confidence in you as a leader.

Tailoring the Training to Your Dog

No two dogs are the same, and their reactivity isn’t either. That’s why I focus on understanding the dog in front of me. Is their reaction rooted in excitement, fear, or frustration? Are they overwhelmed by their environment or simply unsure of what’s expected? Once we identify the “why,” we can create a training plan that speaks to their unique needs.

For example, with Lucky, a Labrador whose owner Maddie had all but given up hope, his barking and lunging were mistaken for aggression. In reality, it was pure, unbridled excitement that he didn’t know how to channel. By teaching him a communication system and providing him with clear guidance, we transformed his reactivity into focus and calmness - even in busy, distracting environments.

Building Trust and Understanding

At GT Dog Training, my approach isn’t about forcing your dog into a mould. It’s about respecting who they are while guiding them to become their best selves. That means creating an environment where they can succeed - teaching them to engage with you, even in challenging situations, and giving you the tools to handle those moments with confidence.

Reactivity doesn’t have to control your relationship with your dog. With the right approach, it’s possible to turn those outbursts into opportunities for connection and growth.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’ve been struggling with reactivity and feel like you’ve tried everything, let’s talk. Together, we’ll create a tailored plan that meets your dog where they are and gives you the confidence to handle anything life throws your way.