19/08/2025
** LEAD REACTIVITY **
When we talk about lead reactivity, it’s easy to think it’s simply about a dog pulling on the lead or barking at another dog. But the reality runs deeper. Heel work can be a great tool for helping reactive dogs, not only because it gives them structure and focus, but because it places you between them and the perceived threat, helping them feel safer. It doesn’t mean your dog has to heel for the whole walk; it’s something you can switch on and off.
Dogs don’t reach full maturity until around two years of age. Before this, you may not see any reactivity at all - some young dogs aren’t very interested in other dogs, so recalls on the beach feel effortless and you don’t need to worry about them dragging you over to say hello. But as the brain matures, changes occur. A dog that once seemed disinterested may suddenly become anxious when being approached by others. This can come as a surprise to owners who weren’t expecting such a shift.
At the same time, we need to look at our own role. When we anticipate problems, our stress levels rise. We start giving verbal warnings, gripping the lead tighter, and bracing for impact. From the dog’s perspective, this tension and anxiety amplifies their own reaction. Without meaning to, we contribute to the very behaviour we’re hoping to prevent.
That’s why understanding both sides - canine brain development and human brain responses - will assist in getting the desired results. Teaching a reliable heel gives us one strategy, but for long-term success we must address the bigger picture. By learning how to manage our own stress as well as recognising our dog’s developmental stages and how to best communicate with them, we set the foundation for calm walks and a stronger partnership built on trust.
