Q&A: Managing Reactivity in Dogs
- Shannen Standiford
- Oct 15
- 3 min read
Peaceful, practical advice for navigating those big feelings
Reactivity is when your dog has a big emotional response to a trigger - like a person, dog, skateboard, or even a sound. These responses can look like barking, lunging, growling, spinning, or freezing.
There are a lot of complexities when it comes to reactivity. It can be a challenging behavioral issue that takes time and consistency.
In this Q&A, I’m answering some of the most common questions I get about what “management” actually means, how it helps your dog, and what to focus on while you’re working through reactivity.
(You can also watch a full slideshow video here 👇)
Q: What does “management” mean when it comes to reactivity?
A: Management is all about setting your dog up for success before they react. It’s not about fixing the behavior - it’s about preventing your dog from practicing it. Every time your dog rehearses reactivity (like barking or lunging), those neural pathways get stronger.
Management keeps that from happening while you work on the actual training part.
Think of it like baby-proofing your environment, but for your dog’s emotional triggers.
Common examples of management include:
Avoiding crowded times on walks
Using barriers or window film to reduce visual triggers
Driving to a quiet area for training instead of walking right outside your house
Using distance and pattern games to help your dog decompress
Q: Does management mean my dog will never get better?
A: Nope! Management isn’t a life sentence! it’s a foundation. You can’t work on reactivity if your dog is constantly overwhelmed.
Management gives both of you breathing room so your dog can actually learn. Once the environment feels safe and predictable, we can start adding small doses of exposure and counterconditioning work. This also helps intervene in the behavior rehearsal of the reactivity. Interrupting this rehearsal is a huge first step!
Q: Why does my dog react in the first place?
A: Reactivity is usually rooted in big emotions, not stubbornness or dominance.Most dogs react because they’re scared, frustrated, or overexcited, and they don’t know how else to handle that energy.
Imagine being on a leash, unable to move freely, and suddenly a strange dog or skateboard appears. That’s a lot to process!
Reactivity is often a communication attempt: “I need space,” “I’m not comfortable,” or sometimes, “I want to go say hi!”
Q: What’s the difference between management and training?
A: Great question!
Management = controlling the environment so your dog doesn’t get pushed over threshold.
Training = teaching new behaviors and emotional responses when your dog is under threshold.
You need both. Management prevents setbacks, training builds progress.
Example:You might manage by avoiding busy sidewalks, but train by teaching your dog to look at you when they see another dog at a safe distance.
Q: I feel stuck because I can’t walk my dog like a “normal” person. What should I do?
A: You’re doing more right than you think. Progress with reactivity often looks like not reacting, and that’s huge! The fact that you’re managing your dog’s environment, avoiding triggers, and setting boundaries means you’re actively helping your dog feel safe.
Walking a reactive dog takes creativity and patience, but it’s absolutely possible to rebuild confidence over time. You’ll both get there, one walk at a time!
Comments