Category: Dog Reactivity

Where do I start if my dog is reactive to other dogs? There are many types of dog reactivity out there. In this article, we’re going to talk specifically about pups who are reactive to other dogs — they might bark, growl, lunge, and otherwise make a scene when they see another canine out and […]

Dogs that are repeatedly prevented from reaching a desired stimulus, such as other dogs or people, can develop barrier or frustration-based reactivity. This frustration may manifest as barking, lunging, growling, and otherwise making a scene in your yard or while out on a walk. In this guide, we dive into barrier reactivity (sometimes called barrier […]

Can Young Dogs Be Reactive? Aggression is usually rare in puppies — but some dogs can start displaying reactivity at a young age. If you’re worried about puppy leash aggression or think your family’s new addition might be leash reactive, you’ve come to the right place. Here are some key things to know to help […]

If you live with a reactive dog, you know it can be tough to plan adventures. You and your pup absolutely still deserve to get out of the house and explore the world around you! But how do you know what the environment will be like? What if you encounter out-of-control off-leash dogs? Or startling […]

Can dogs experience phobias like humans do? The answer is yes — and these intense, persistent excessive fears can make life difficult for both pets and their people. Here’s what you need to know about phobias in dogs, including causes, what symptoms might look like, and how to treat them. What’s the difference between a […]

Many dog breeds have gotten a bad reputation over the years for being dangerous. German Shepherds are among them (though not quite as discriminated against as pit bulls, the most notorious of the “aggressive dog breed” stereotype — but that’s another story). As a large working breed associated with military and police work, German Shepherds […]

Many dog breeds have gotten a bad reputation over the years for being dangerous. Rottweilers are among them — as a large working breed, they’re often thought of as aggressive. But are they really? It’s not so simple. Here’s a deep dive into aggression in Rottweilers! The short answer: Rottweilers aren’t inherently aggressive — behavior […]

Hearing your dog growl can be scary. We love our four-legged best friends as part of the family, but sometimes their communication can be confusing. What does the growl mean — is it a sign of aggression? Did we do something wrong as owners? Is it going to lead to a bite? We’re here to […]

* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details * Just like us humans, our dogs are social mammals with complex emotional processes. And just like us, they can experience anxiety! This is especially common in our modern, human-centric world — so many parts of our […]

Do you have a reactive dog or suspect you may have one? You’re not alone! Reactivity is common in dogs. Your dog barking, growling, lunging, or otherwise acting “out of control” on walks or out in public can feel embarrassing — but it’s important to remember that your pup is having a hard time, not […]