🌱 Roots of Reactivity
Reactivity is more than the barking, growling, or lunging—it’s a response to what’s happening under the surface.
There’s a common myth that emotions like fear, anxiety, or anger “run down the leash”—that if your dog is reactive, you must have done something to cause it. But that simply isn’t true.
Reactivity is the result of many complex factors—things like pain, fear, genetics, past trauma, unmet needs, or chronic stress.
Understanding these root causes isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. Because real, lasting change doesn’t start with obedience or corrections. It starts with knowing why your dog reacts the way they do.
This page breaks down the most common contributors I see in reactive dogs, so you can start uncovering your dog’s story—with more clarity, and a lot less guilt.
Because even if you did contribute to the problem, you didn’t know what you didn’t know.
🧬 Nature vs Nurture: It's Not All in How You Raise 'Em
You can do everything “right” and still end up with a reactive dog.
That’s because reactivity can be shaped long before you ever bring your dog home—even while they’re still in the womb.
Some dogs are born more sensitive. Some inherit nervous systems that stay on high alert. Others never had a chance to develop resilience because of poor nutrition, limited socialization, or stress during early puppyhood.
➡️ You didn’t create this. But you can help change the story from here.
🔍 Common Contributors to Reactivity
Here’s a simple breakdown of real-life factors that influence behaviour:
Pain or Illness
Poor Nutrition / Starvation History
Breed Traits
Maternal Stress or Trauma
Early Deprivation / Missed Socialization
Fear, Frustration, or Lack of Control
Overstimulation or Chronic Stress
Unmet Needs: Sleep, Agency, Decompression, Enrichment
🩺Before You Train, Check for Pain
Pain changes everything. Many dogs react simply because they hurt—and they’re doing the best they can to protect themselves.
🧬It’s in the Genes: Breed, Genetics & Maternal Stress
Some dogs are born more sensitive than others. Breed traits, maternal stress, and early trauma can shape behaviour long before you meet them.
😨Fight, Flight & Feeling Stuck
Reactivity is often a desperate attempt to cope. Dogs lash out when they can’t move away, can’t get what they need, or don’t feel safe.
🥗Fuel & Fatigue: Food, Rest & Reactivity
Hunger, malnutrition, and poor sleep can all make things harder to cope with for dogs. Regulation starts with the basics: fuel, rest, and safety.
🐶Early Socialization": Too Much, Too Fast—Or Not Enough
When early experiences are missing or overwhelming, dogs may struggle with novelty, noise, or everyday situations. It’s not stubbornness—it’s uncertainty.
🧠Agency, Enrichment & Choice
Dogs need more than walks—they need choices, outlets, and ways to decompress. A lack of agency builds pressure that often explodes outward.
🌿 What’s Next?
Understanding the roots of reactivity is the first step.
Next, we’ll explore what triggers reactions in the moment—and how you can start helping your dog in real time.
👉 Coming soon: Understanding Triggers & Thresholds