02/06/2026
5 things you’re doing that make their reactivity WORSE
1. Holding the leash too short 🎣
It feels like the right thing to do, and sure, you don’t want them getting to the other dog, but that tight leash makes the frustrated dogs explode, and the defensive dogs feel trapped and cornered.
2. You’re using the wrong equipment 🦮
If your dog has pulled on that equipment forever, getting themselves all worked up, pulling on that leash is only going to activate them, don’t correct, calm or distract them. Over time, that tight leash has become associated with their reactions, which means it’s time to find another type of equipment.
3. You’re Loose Lead Walking sucks 👎
If your dogs baseline walking is pulling, disengaged from you, high in arousal and in total control, they’re already halfway there. There’s barely any wiggle room and it won’t take much to trigger them. For a calm, engaged dog who gives you control, reactivity is the last thing on their mind.
4. You keep talking to them 🗣️
When your dogs starting to lock on, you talking to them will tip them over the edge. Your calm, “reassuring” tone gives them permission to react. Your angry, “assertive” tone is their tipping point. Unless you have a SOLID disengagement cue (let’s go, leave it, recall) etc, there’s not much point doing this at all.
5. You’re ignoring the warning signs ⚠️
Your dog has shown huge behavioural red flags from 20M away, defensive body language, fixation, increased arousal, but you keep getting closer anyway. A reaction is inevitable.
If you want to learn the RIGHT things to do instead, get in touch, tell us about your dog, and we’ll tell you whether you’re a good fit for our Reactivity Rewire program
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