Understanding Dog Reactivity
Written by Grace – Certified Dog Trainer & Founder of Graceful Little Paws
As a professional dog trainer and the founder of Graceful Little Paws, I’ve worked with hundreds of dogs across Melbourne struggling with reactivity – barking, lunging, or pulling when they see other dogs, people, or even fast-moving objects. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.
What Is Reactivity?
Reactivity is a dog’s emotional overreaction to a trigger. It’s not “bad behaviour” or your dog being dominant – it’s often a sign your dog is scared, unsure, or overstimulated. As a trainer, I often explain to clients that reactivity is your dog’s way of saying, “I don’t know how to cope with this right now.”
Some dogs react out of fear, others out of frustration or excitement. Regardless of the cause, what’s important is that we work with the dog’s emotions – not against them.
Why I Use Positive Reinforcement
At Graceful Little Paws, we believe in force-free, science-backed training that builds trust and confidence. Positive reinforcement helps dogs:
Feel safe around their triggers
Learn what to do instead of reacting
Build calm, long-term habits
I’ve seen incredible changes when owners switch from punishment-based methods to reinforcement-based strategies. It creates real, lasting behaviour change – without fear or pain.
Training Techniques I Use With Clients
1. Finding the Safe Learning Distance
In training sessions, I always start at a distance where the dog notices the trigger but can still focus and learn. This is the “just right” zone where we can build new associations.
2. Look at That (LAT)
This powerful tool helps dogs notice their trigger, then calmly check in with their owner. I teach this in many of my reactivity consults, and it often becomes a game-changer for my clients.
3. Counter-Conditioning
By pairing the trigger with something amazing (like roast chicken), we shift your dog’s emotional response from “Oh no!” to “Yay!” This is the foundation of changing how they feel.
4. Calm on a Mat
Teaching a dog to settle on a mat is one of the most valuable skills. I guide clients through this step-by-step so the dog learns to relax even in busy or triggering environments.
5. Focus and Engagement Games
Games like “Find It,” “Touch,” and recall work help create a strong relationship between dog and owner – which is key for reducing reactivity.
Setting You and Your Dog Up for Success
When I work with reactive dogs, I focus on making real-world life easier – not just training in a bubble. That means:
Adjusting walk times or routes
Supporting you with the right gear (I often recommend front-clip harnesses)
Teaching you how to read your dog’s body language
You’ll never be told to “just correct them” or “show them who’s boss.” Instead, I teach you how to build calm, confident behaviour through kind, clear communication.
What I Recommend Avoiding
Punishment or tools like prong or shock collars
Flooding your dog with triggers before they’re ready
Pushing your dog too fast without a training plan
These approaches often backfire, increasing stress and worsening the problem over time.
When to Reach Out
If your dog’s reactivity is making walks or daily life stressful, you don’t have to do it alone. I offer 1:1 support across Melbourne, both in-person and online. Together, we can build a tailored plan that works for your dog, your routine, and your goals.
Final Thoughts
Reactivity doesn’t mean your dog is broken. It means they need support – and the right training plan. I’ve seen so many dogs come out the other side of reactivity feeling more secure, relaxed, and focused – and I’d love to help you get there too.
If you’re ready to feel confident handling your dog again, I’d love to chat.