5 myths about training reactive dogs

When teaching a reactive dog to walk down the street without barking, lunging, and growling at their triggers, you may already be feeling overwhelmed with the whole process. Reading a bunch of conflicting advice online or getting not-so-helpful tips from family and friends only adds to your feelings of overwhelm. Unfortunately, because anyone can label themselves a “dog trainer,” some of the training information posted on websites or social media runs the gamut from factually wrong to downright harmful.

Let’s separate the fact from the fiction and look at some common reactive dog training myths. These myths are rooted in outdated “dominance theory,” or the idea that dogs are trying to gain superior status to humans, and equally outdated ideas that “misbehaving” dogs need corrections or punishment (the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior does not recommend such methods).

Okay, let’s dive in!

Myth #1: Your reactive dog should walk by your side at all times

There are certainly times where it makes sense to want your reactive dog (or any dog!) to stay close to you on a walk: waiting and crossing at a busy intersection, for example. But keeping your reactive dog in the heel position for the entire walk isn’t recommended.

For one, it prevents your dog from sniffing, an activity that is critical to their well-being. The part of your dog’s brain devoted to analyzing odours is about 40 times larger than the comparable part of the human brain. Sniffing is how dogs gather information about the world - it’s their “social media”! A dog who is feeling anxious or amped up can greatly benefit from a good sniff session. One study even found that sniffing lowers dogs’ pulse rates.

I would much rather walk a dog who chooses to walk near me when he feels like it, and reinforce him with a snack each time he “checks in.” While it may seem counterintuitive to give a reactive dog more freedom, through training we can teach dogs to make good choices rather than trying to exert more control over them. We already control so much of their daily lives, from what they eat to when they go to the bathroom!

Myth #2: Reactive dogs are aggressive

There is simply no evidence that dogs who react to other dogs, or people or other stimuli, are more likely to be aggressive to dogs or humans. Again, it helps to remember why your dog is freaking out: He’s either upset and trying to create distance from “the thing,” or he’s frustrated by the leash because he wants to get closer to “the thing.”

The behaviours of a reacting dog - barking, growling, and lunging - can certainly appear aggressive, but there’s no reason to assume a reactive dog will harm a person or other dog. A dog with fear-based reactivity is simply saying he needs more space, which is the opposite of wanting to fight!

Myth #3: Reactive dogs are being disobedient and need to be punished

There are many reasons not to use punishment in training, and it really makes zero sense to punish reactive dogs for reacting. Dogs simply do what works for them, and they have no concept of “good” or “bad” behaviour (similar to a very young child). Reactive dogs aren’t trying to give their human a hard time - they’re having a hard time! Feeling upset or frustrated all the time isn’t fun.

Waiting for a dog to react, then punishing him with leash pop or verbal correction isn’t a fair or efficient way to train. This is just suppressing a dog’s emotions, rather than changing them. It’s better to set dogs up for success, teach them what we’d like to them do instead, and help them feel better about things they find upsetting.

Myth #4: Your dog’s reactivity is your fault

Oof, I feel so bad for anyone who thinks this way! Guardians of reactive dogs already struggle with feelings of embarrassment, frustration, and shame. The feeling that you somehow caused your dog’s reactivity is just piling on to the mess of emotions you’re already dealing with.

It’s so important for dog guardians to protect their mental health, so they can help their dogs: Think of the analogy of a parent in an airline emergency putting on their breathing mask before they put on their child’s mask. Thoughts like “I caused this” and “I failed my dog” aren’t productive, and though it’s easier said than done, try to replace them with thoughts like “I am doing my best” and “My dog is lucky to have me helping him.”

One word that might help you feel better about your dog’s reactivity: genetics. The link between genetics and behaviour doesn’t get talked about enough, in my opinion. You may never truly know why your dog is reactive, but it could very well be something in his genes. I’ve met dogs whose guardians did everything totally “right,” and they’re still reactive. So try not to beat yourself up!

Myth #5: Your reactive dog needs a “firm handler”

See myths #3 and #4, and you’ll understand why this is bogus. Outdated training advice dictates that all a reactive dog needs is a “strong leader” who will use more control and force. This can have the effect of making guardians feel like they’re too weak and ineffectual. While I always try to help guardians feel more confident in their handling skills, especially when walking reactive dogs, the goal is never to help them be more “firm.”

So what do reactive dogs need? Just to name a few:

• They need a guardian who understands why they’re behaving this way (and the fact that they’re not doing it to be jerks!)

• They need a well-fitting harness and a loose leash, so they can move freely and sniff to their heart’s content

• They need tasty treats, to either reinforce desirable behaviours or help them form positive associations about things they find upsetting

Think of you and your reactive dog as a team working together, rather than “human versus dog.” This simple mindset shift will help you empathize with your dog and choose training techniques that will strengthen your bond and help them navigate the world. You might even find that you’re having more fun together!

If you need help getting started, I’m here to help. Check out my options for reactive dog training.