Behaviour Terms
Reactivity
An intense response to a specific trigger that is disproportionate to the situation. Reactivity is often rooted in fear, frustration, or over-arousal — not aggression.
What It Means in Practice
Common in dogs who bark, lunge, or spin when they see other dogs, people, vehicles, or specific stimuli. Management and training focus on keeping the dog under threshold and changing the emotional response.
What It Does Not Always Mean
Reactivity does not mean a dog is aggressive, dangerous, or unfixable. Many reactive dogs are friendly once the trigger is removed or the distance is increased.
Why Context Matters
The term is used broadly and sometimes inconsistently. Some trainers distinguish between frustration-based and fear-based reactivity.
Commonly Confused With
Aggression
Aggression involves intent to threaten or harm. Reactivity is an over-response, often fear-based, not intent-based.
Excitement
Excitement may look similar but is rooted in positive anticipation. Reactivity is rooted in distress or frustration.
Examples
- 1A dog who barks and lunges at other dogs on leash may be reactive, not aggressive.
- 2A dog who spins and barks at the sight of a skateboard may be triggered by the movement and sound.