How to Exercise a Reactive Dog Safely (Without a Trainer)

Does your reactive dog turn into a barking, lunging mess the moment they spot another dog on your neighborhood walk? Maybe you've given up on dog parks entirely after one too many stressful encounters. You're not imagining things: it's hard to exercise a reactive dog when every traditional option seems designed to make things worse.

Here's the frustrating catch-22: Your reactive dog needs 1-2 hours of daily exercise to help manage their reactivity, but all the "normal" ways to exercise a dog involve the exact triggers that set them off. Dog parks? Absolutely not. Busy hiking trails? A nightmare waiting to happen. Even a simple walk around the block can feel like navigating a minefield.

The good news? Your reactive dog can absolutely get the exercise they need without you becoming a professional dog trainer overnight. This guide shows you exactly how to safely tire out your reactive pup using alternative exercises and controlled environments where triggers aren't lurking around every corner.

What you'll learn:

• Why traditional exercise options fail reactive dogs (and make behavior worse)
• The best safe locations for exercising reactive dogs without surprise encounters
• 10+ exercise alternatives that work for reactive dogs of all types
• How to build a balanced daily routine combining physical and mental exercise
• Common mistakes that accidentally increase reactivity

Why Traditional Exercise Fails Reactive Dogs

Let's be honest about why the usual exercise recommendations don't work for reactive dogs.

Dog parks seem like the obvious answer. Free, fenced, designed for dogs to run and play! Except for reactive dogs, they're overwhelming chaos factories.

You have zero control over which dogs show up, whether they're well-behaved, or how their owners supervise them. One bad encounter can set your training back weeks. Even if nothing "happens," the constant overstimulation keeps your dog's stress hormones sky-high.

Neighborhood walks should be simple, right? Just leash up and go. But when you're managing a reactive dog, every walk becomes an exhausting game of trigger-spotting. Is that a dog three blocks away? Quick, cross the street. Someone's coming around the corner? Turn around and power-walk the other direction. Your dog never gets to actually exercise because they're too busy practicing their reactive behaviors every time something appears.

Doggie daycare markets itself as the perfect solution for energetic dogs who need to "burn off steam." For most reactive dogs, it's actually a recipe for disaster.

Unstructured play with multiple unknown dogs in an enclosed space? That's not exercise. That's a stress buffet. Even well-run daycares can be too stimulating for dogs who struggle with impulse control around other pets.

Here's the paradox that makes reactive dog ownership so tricky: Your dog desperately needs exercise to help manage their reactivity, but nearly every standard exercise option makes their reactivity worse. Under-exercised dogs have less impulse control, higher baseline anxiety, and shorter fuses around their triggers. But exercising them in trigger-filled environments just gives them more opportunities to rehearse the exact behaviors you're trying to eliminate.

The solution? Controlled environments plus alternative exercises. When you can exercise your dog in spaces where you control who else is present, suddenly everything gets easier. They can actually relax, run, sniff, and tire themselves out without constantly scanning for threats or getting over-excited by potential playmates.

Jump Ahead: Exercise a Reactive Dog

Where to Safely Exercise Your Reactive Dog

Location matters just as much as what exercises you choose. The perfect workout routine means nothing if your dog is too stressed by their surroundings to actually engage with it. Here are the best places to exercise reactive dogs where surprise encounters won't ruin your session.

The Best Locations for Reactive Dog Exercise

Private Sniffspots (Our Top Recommendation)

Private Sniffspots are fenced yards, fields, and properties that owners rent out by the hour specifically for dogs who need safe spaces. Think of it like an Airbnb for your dog's exercise needs. You book a time slot, show up, and have the entire space to yourselves with zero other dogs present.

Why this works so well for reactive dogs:

• You control exactly who is there (spoiler: nobody but you and your dog)
• No surprise encounters with off-leash dogs or well-meaning strangers
• Many spots are fully fenced so your dog can be off-leash safely
• Properties range from simple yards to full agility courses to wooded trails
• Your dog can actually relax and exercise instead of being on high alert

Your Own Fenced Yard

If you're lucky enough to have a fenced yard, use it liberally. Yes, it's less exciting than new locations, but it's the ultimate controlled environment. Your dog knows the space, feels safe there, and you can set up activities without worrying about triggers appearing.

The main limitation? Smaller space and less novel stimulation. Dogs get bored with the same smells and sights every day. Try rotating toys and activities to keep things interesting, or save the yard for certain exercises while using other locations for variety.

Quiet Open Spaces During Off-Peak Times

With some creative timing and location scouting, you can find trigger-free zones in public spaces:

• Empty baseball or soccer fields on weekday mornings
• Industrial areas or business parks on weekends when they're deserted
• School grounds after hours (check local rules first)
• Large empty parking lots early in the morning

The key is going when hardly anyone else is around AND choosing spaces with great visibility so you can spot any approaching triggers from far away. Wide open fields are your friend. Narrow trails with blind corners? Not so much.

Indoor Spaces

Don't underestimate the power of indoor exercise, especially for mental enrichment activities:

• Your own home (hallways are surprisingly good for fetch and recall games)
• Empty parking garages (sounds weird, works great for rainy days)
• Indoor training facilities during private rental times
• Large basements or finished garages

Indoor spaces are perfect for nose work, puzzle toys, training sessions, and tug of war. While they won't replace outdoor exercise entirely, they're invaluable when weather is bad or your dog needs lower-key activities.

Places to AVOID With Reactive Dogs

Some locations are just asking for trouble:

• Dog parks: We've covered this, but it bears repeating. No busy dog parks. Not even "just to walk around the outside." The risk isn't worth it.
• Popular hiking trails during peak hours: Weekend mornings on busy trails mean constant encounters with other dogs, many off-leash despite leash laws. Save hiking for dawn patrols on weekdays.
• Busy neighborhoods: If your neighborhood is packed with dogs, don't force walks there. Drive somewhere quieter.
• Areas with off-leash dogs: Beaches, open space preserves, or anywhere off-leash dogs regularly appear. Even "friendly" off-leash dogs ruin training by creating unpredictable interactions.
• Crowded parks or events: Street fairs, outdoor concerts, farmers markets. Too much chaos, too many triggers.

The right location transforms exercise from a stressful ordeal into actual fun for both of you. When your dog can focus on the activity instead of scanning for threats, that's when real exercise happens.

10 Ways to Exercise Your Reactive Dog

Exercise for reactive dogs needs to hit two targets: physical exhaustion and mental tiredness. A dog who only gets physical exercise becomes a canine athlete who needs more and more running to tire out. A dog who only gets mental stimulation might still have pent-up physical energy to burn. The magic happens when you combine both throughout the day.

Here are 10 proven ways to exercise your reactive dog in controlled, safe environments.

1. Enrichment Walks (Sniffaris)

Forget power-walking around the block trying to "get steps in." Enrichment walks are about letting your dog's nose do the work.

How it works: Take your dog on leash to a new location where there are no triggers around (a quiet field, the woods, an empty park, or a private Sniffspot). Here's the key difference: your dog chooses the route and the pace. Let them sniff every patch of grass, investigate every tree trunk, and zigzag wherever their nose leads them. You're just along for the ride.

Why it tires them out: Dogs experience the world primarily through scent. Sniffing engages their brain intensely, processing thousands of scent molecules and creating a complete mental picture of the environment. Research shows that scent work and sniffing activities can be as mentally tiring as physical exercise, with just 15 minutes of dedicated sniffing lowering a dog's pulse rate and helping them feel calmer. Twenty minutes of focused sniffing can tire a dog out as much as an hour-long structured walk.

Bonus benefit: This type of walk is naturally low-stress. Your dog isn't on high alert scanning for threats because they're absorbed in sniffing. It builds confidence while burning energy.

Tip: Bring a long lead (15-30 feet) so your dog has freedom to explore while staying safe. Choose a different location weekly to maximize the novelty factor.

2. Flirt Pole

If you only add one item to your reactive dog exercise toolkit, make it a flirt pole. This simple toy delivers an insane amount of exercise in a tiny space and short time.

What it is: Picture a giant cat toy for dogs. It's a long pole (usually 3-4 feet) with a rope attached to the end, and a toy or lure tied to the rope. You hold the pole and swing it around while your dog chases the lure.

How to use it: Stand in your fenced yard or in an open area and make the lure scurry along the ground like prey. Quick, erratic movements work best. Let your dog chase and "catch" the lure every 20-30 seconds so they feel successful and stay engaged. This is critical! If they never catch it, they'll get frustrated instead of exercised.

Why it works: Flirt poles tap into natural prey drive and hunting instincts. The high-intensity sprinting, turning, and jumping burns serious energy. Ten minutes of flirt pole work can equal a 30-minute run. It's also perfect for reactive dogs because you can do it in your backyard or a private Sniffspot with zero risk of trigger encounters.

Safety note: Let your dog warm up first with a short walk, and don't overdo it in the beginning. Build up their fitness gradually. This is intense exercise!

3. Food Puzzle Toys and Interactive Feeders

Stop feeding your reactive dog from a bowl. Seriously. Making them work for their food transforms boring mealtime into genuine exercise.

Options include:

• Kong Wobblers (dogs knock it around to dispense kibble)
• Snuffle mats (hide kibble in fabric strips they have to sniff out)
• Puzzle feeders with sliding compartments or flip lids
• Slow feeders with ridges and obstacles
• DIY options like muffin tins with tennis balls covering the treats

Why it works: Problem-solving and foraging engage your dog's brain intensely. Mental exercise produces the same tired, satisfied feeling as physical activity. Dogs who work for their food also build confidence through successfully solving challenges. Studies on canine enrichment show that puzzle feeders and food-dispensing toys significantly reduce stress behaviors and promote natural foraging instincts.

Bonus: This gives your reactive dog something productive to do during times when exercise outside isn't possible (bad weather, your schedule, post-veterinary rest).

Tip: Rotate different puzzle toys every few days to maintain novelty and challenge. Once your dog masters a puzzle, it becomes less engaging.

4. Nose Work Games

Your dog's nose is their superpower. A German Shepherd has roughly 225 million scent receptors compared to our measly 5 million. Put that incredible sense of smell to work!

Basic nose work game:

1. While your dog is in another room, hide small treats around your house or yard
2. Bring your dog to the area and say "Find it!"
3. Encourage them as they search, celebrating when they discover treats
4. Start easy (treats on the floor in plain sight) and gradually increase difficulty

Progression ideas:

• Hide treats in boxes or paper bags
• Place treats under plastic cones or cups
• Hide treats in more challenging locations (under furniture, in bushes)
• Use different rooms or outdoor spaces
• Try different terrain (pavement is easier than tall grass)

Why it's perfect for reactive dogs: Nose work happens in controlled spaces you choose. No triggers required. It's also naturally calming because sniffing lowers stress hormones. Twenty minutes of nose work can leave your dog as tired as an hour-long walk.

Advanced version: As your dog gets better, hide a specific scented item (like a tea bag or essential oil on a cotton ball) instead of food. This mimics professional detection work and really engages their brain.

5. Fetch (In Safe Spaces)

Classic fetch gets a bad reputation for reactive dogs because people try to play it in trigger-filled environments like dog parks or busy trails. Play it in your fenced yard or a private Sniffspot instead, and suddenly it's perfect.

How to make fetch work:

• Use two identical toys so you don't have to chase your dog for the first one
• When they bring the first toy back, show them the second one
• As they drop the first to grab the second, throw the second one
• This keeps the game flowing without wrestling toys away

Add difficulty: Make your dog perform a behavior before each throw. "Sit... ready... go!" or "Down... wait... okay!" This adds impulse control training while they exercise.

Why it works for reactive dogs: In a controlled environment, fetch provides high-intensity physical exercise through sprinting and turning. The repetitive nature can also be calming and meditative for dogs who enjoy structure.

Not all dogs love fetch: If your dog isn't naturally interested, don't force it. Try other options from this list instead. Forcing a dog to fetch who doesn't enjoy it creates stress rather than exercise.

6. Tug of War

Tug of war has gotten a bad rap over the years with myths about it creating aggression or dominance issues. Science has thoroughly debunked those claims. Tug is actually an excellent exercise option for reactive dogs.

How to play productively:

• Use a sturdy rope toy or tug toy designed for this purpose
• Let your dog "win" by releasing the toy every 10-20 seconds when they pull hard
• Celebrate their victory! "Good dog! You got it!"
• They should bring the toy back to you to play again
• Repeat for 5-10 minutes

Why winning matters: Letting your dog win builds confidence and makes the game more fun for them. Dogs who feel successful want to keep playing. If you never let them win, they'll get frustrated or lose interest.

Indoor or outdoor: Tug works anywhere. It's perfect for rainy days, small apartments, or any time you can't get outside. It combines physical exertion (pulling, tugging) with mental engagement (impulse control, following game rules).

Training bonus: Use tug as a reward during training sessions. Five seconds of tug can be more motivating than treats for some dogs.

7. Indoor Training Sessions

Never underestimate the exhaustion potential of a good training session. Ten to fifteen minutes of focused training can leave your dog more tired than a 45-minute walk.

High-energy training exercises:

• Recall games: Have your dog run back and forth between family members in different rooms for treats
• Stair work: Practice recalls or "find it" games up and down stairs (great leg workout)
• Repeat sits backwards: Walk backwards while your dog follows, sitting each time you stop
• Direction changes: Practice sudden turns, speed changes, and stopping to build focus

Why training is exercise: Learning new behaviors requires intense mental focus. Physical movement during training (running between people, navigating direction changes) adds a cardio component. The combination leaves dogs genuinely tired.

Double benefit: Training sessions also build the exact focus and impulse control skills you'll need during actual socialization work with triggers. You're exercising AND preparing for behavior modification.

Keep it fun: Use high-value treats, keep sessions short (10-15 minutes max), and end on a success. Training should feel like a game, not a chore. For more guidance on training techniques, check out our beginner's guide to training reactive dogs.

8. Frozen Kongs and Long-Lasting Chews

While these aren't active exercise, they're crucial for the mental component of tiring out your dog and teaching them to settle calmly.

Frozen Kong recipes:

• Classic: Peanut butter (xylitol-free only!) frozen solid
• Layered: Kibble mixed with plain yogurt, add pumpkin puree, freeze
• Simple: Wet dog food stuffed and frozen
• Fancy: Alternate layers of different ingredients for variety

Freezing is key: Frozen Kongs last 30-60 minutes instead of 5 minutes. The freezing process also makes licking more challenging, which engages your dog's brain more.

Other long-lasting options:

• Bully sticks (fully digestible, long-lasting)
• Filled marrow bones
• Lick mats smeared with peanut butter or wet food
• Himalayan cheese chews

Why licking is calming: The repetitive motion of licking releases endorphins and lowers stress hormones. It's naturally soothing for anxious or reactive dogs. Use these after higher-energy activities to help your dog transition into calm, settled behavior.

Tip: Prep several Kongs at once and keep them in your freezer so you always have one ready.

9. DIY Enrichment and Shredding Activities

Dogs have a natural instinct to tear things apart. Instead of fighting this urge (hello, destroyed couch cushions), give them appropriate outlets.

Safe items for shredding:

• Toilet paper or paper towel rolls (fold the ends closed with treats inside)
• Cardboard boxes (hide treats inside or between flaps)
• Paper bags with treats crumpled inside
• Egg cartons with treats in the compartments
• Old phone books or newspapers (if your dog won't eat paper)

How it works: Hide treats inside these items and let your dog rip them apart to get the goodies. The tearing, shredding, and problem-solving engage both their physical energy and mental focus.

Important safety note: Only do this with dogs who won't eat the cardboard or paper. Supervise closely the first few times. If your dog tries to swallow non-food items, skip this activity entirely and stick with commercial puzzle toys instead.

Why reactive dogs love this: It's a safe, appropriate way to express natural behaviors in a controlled environment. The focused destruction can also help release pent-up frustration or anxiety.

10. Backyard Agility Course

You don't need fancy equipment or competition-level skills to create a fun agility setup for your reactive dog.

Simple DIY obstacles:

• Weave poles: Use traffic cones, PVC pipes stuck in the ground, or even empty 2-liter bottles
• Jumps: A broomstick balanced on two overturned buckets (start very low)
• Tunnel: A kids' play tunnel or even a line of chairs with a blanket draped over
• Platform: A sturdy box or wooden platform to practice "place" commands
• Balance beam: A 2x4 board lying flat or slightly elevated

How to play: Guide your dog through the course using treats and encouragement. Start with one obstacle at a time, then link them together as your dog gets confident. Keep it playful and low-pressure.

Why it works: Agility combines physical exercise (running, jumping, climbing) with mental challenge (following directions, navigating new obstacles, body awareness). It also builds confidence as your dog masters new skills.

Bonus benefit: Agility strengthens your communication and bond. You're working as a team, and your dog learns to trust your guidance through uncertain situations. These skills transfer beautifully to socialization training.

Bonus: Swimming (If You Have Access)

If you can access a private pool, dog-friendly pond, or quiet beach during off-hours, swimming is incredible exercise for reactive dogs.

Why swimming is special:

• Low-impact (perfect for dogs with joint issues or arthritis)
• Five minutes of swimming equals roughly 30 minutes of walking
• Most dogs find it naturally enjoyable and calming
• Requires no other dogs or triggers to be present

Where to swim safely:

• Private Sniffspots with pools or pond access
• Your own pool
• Dog-friendly lakes or ponds during weekday mornings
• Beaches during off-season or very early morning

Safety considerations: Always supervise, use a dog life vest for beginners or dogs who tire easily, and rinse your dog afterward to remove chlorine or lake water. Remember: not all dogs swim naturally. Some need gradual introduction and encouragement. Never force a fearful dog into water.

Building a Balanced Exercise Routine

Knowing individual exercises is great. Combining them into a sustainable daily routine? That's where the magic happens.

Daily Exercise Goals

Most reactive dogs need 1 to 2 hours of combined physical and mental exercise daily. This varies significantly based on:

• Breed (working breeds like German Shepherds or American Staffordshire Terriers need more, senior dogs need less)
• Age (puppies and young adults need more)
• Individual temperament and energy level
• Health status

The key word is "combined." You're not trying to tire them out with one massive 2-hour activity. Break exercise into multiple shorter sessions throughout the day, mixing high-energy activities with calming mental work.

Sample Daily Schedule for a Reactive Dog

Here's what a well-balanced exercise day might look like:

Morning Session (30-40 minutes)

• Enrichment walk at a quiet location OR 30-minute private Sniffspot session
• 10 minutes of flirt pole or fetch back at home
• Goal: Burn morning energy, start the day calm

Midday Session (20-30 minutes)

• Frozen Kong or puzzle feeder during lunch
• Quick nose work game OR 10-minute training session
• Goal: Mental stimulation, prevent boredom during your workday

Evening Session (30-40 minutes)

• Tug of war or indoor fetch (15 minutes)
• Training session focused on tricks or focus exercises (10 minutes)
• Long-lasting chew to wind down before bed
• Goal: Use up remaining energy, transition into calm evening

Weekly Additions:

• 2-3 visits to private Sniffspots for off-leash running and exploration
• Rotate activities to prevent boredom (Monday: flirt pole, Tuesday: nose work, Wednesday: agility, etc.)
• One longer enrichment walk (45-60 minutes) on weekends

Adjust Based on Your Dog

This schedule is a starting point. Watch your dog's behavior to know if they need adjustments.

Signs your dog needs MORE exercise:

• Destructive behavior at home (chewing furniture, digging)
• Increased reactivity on walks
• Restlessness, pacing, whining
• Difficulty settling or sleeping
• Over-excitement at minor stimuli

Signs your dog is well-exercised:

• Calm behavior at home most of the day
• Settles easily after activities
• Less fixated on triggers during training
• Sleeps soundly through the night
• Appropriate energy for play but can also relax

Signs you might be overdoing it:

• Limping or soreness
• Excessive panting that doesn't resolve
• Reluctance to exercise
• Sleeping excessively (more than 12-16 hours for adult dogs)

Remember: mental exercise counts just as much as physical. A 15-minute training session uses as much energy as a 30-45 minute walk for most dogs.

The 80/20 Rule for Reactive Dogs

Aim for 80% of exercise happening in controlled, trigger-free environments (your yard, private Sniffspots, indoor activities) and 20% in managed public spaces where you're actively working on training.

This balance lets your dog actually exercise and decompress most of the time while still building skills for the real world. Too much exposure to triggers before they're ready just creates stress, not exercise.

Common Mistakes When Exercising Reactive Dogs

Even with the best intentions, it's easy to make mistakes that accidentally worsen reactivity instead of helping. Here are the big ones to avoid.

Only Doing Physical Exercise Without Mental Stimulation

Why it fails: Dogs who only get physical exercise often become "canine athletes" who need more and more running to tire out. Their bodies get fitter, so the same amount of exercise stops working. Meanwhile, their brains are under-stimulated and bored.

The fix: Always combine physical activities with mental challenges. A 10-minute training session after a 20-minute walk leaves your dog more satisfied than a 30-minute walk alone.

Exercising in Trigger-Filled Environments

Why it fails: When your dog is constantly stressed by nearby triggers, they're not actually exercising. They're in survival mode with elevated stress hormones. Research shows that stress hormones like cortisol can remain elevated for up to 72 hours after a stressful event, creating a compounding effect where your dog becomes increasingly reactive with each exposure.

The fix: Prioritize trigger-free locations. Use private Sniffspots, your yard, or carefully timed visits to empty spaces. Save trigger exposure for dedicated training sessions where you're prepared with treats and a plan.

Inconsistent Exercise Schedule

Why it fails: Reactive dogs thrive on predictability. When exercise is sporadic (long walk Monday, nothing Tuesday, super active Wednesday), their energy levels and stress tolerance fluctuate wildly. This makes reactivity worse because they never know what to expect.

The fix: Create a daily routine and stick to it as much as possible. Even if you have less time some days, do something. Fifteen minutes of consistent daily exercise is better than sporadic hour-long sessions.

Skipping Exercise on "Bad Behavior" Days

Why it fails: When your dog has been particularly reactive or "naughty," it's tempting to skip their exercise as punishment. This is backwards. Often, the bad behavior is BECAUSE they're under-exercised and stressed. Withholding exercise makes the problem worse.

The fix: Bad behavior days are when your dog needs exercise most. Stick to the routine. If you're frustrated, choose an activity that requires less interaction (frozen Kong, nose work game) rather than skipping entirely.

Comparing Your Dog to Others

Why it fails: Your friend's dog plays happily at the dog park for hours. Your neighbor's reactive dog "got better" in three weeks. These comparisons just make you feel inadequate and push you to rush your dog's progress.

The fix: Every reactive dog is different. Some will never enjoy dog parks, and that's genuinely okay. Focus on YOUR dog's individual progress, not anyone else's timeline or end goals. Success looks different for every dog.

Forgetting That Exercise Needs Change Over Time

Why it fails: Puppies, adult dogs, and seniors all need different amounts and types of exercise. Working breeds need more than companion breeds. A strategy that worked six months ago might not work now.

The fix: Reassess your dog's exercise needs every few months. Are they getting calmer? Maybe they need slightly less. Are they restless despite your current routine? Time to increase mental stimulation or add variety.

Frequently Asked Questions About Exercising Reactive Dogs

Your Reactive Dog Deserves a Full, Active Life

Living with a reactive dog doesn't mean giving up on exercise, outdoor adventures, or your dog's quality of life. It just means getting creative with WHERE and HOW you provide that exercise.

The dogs who struggle most with reactivity are often the smartest, most sensitive, and most energetic dogs out there. They're not "bad dogs." They're dogs with big feelings who need appropriate outlets for their physical energy and mental capacity. When you give them safe spaces to run, sniff, play, and learn without constant trigger management, you're not just exercising them. You're giving them the mental break they desperately need to succeed.

A well-exercised reactive dog is:

• Calmer at home
• More focused during training
• Less likely to fixate on triggers
• Better able to learn new coping strategies
• Simply happier

Start with one or two activities from this guide. Maybe rent a private Sniffspot this weekend and let your dog experience true off-leash freedom in a safe space. Add a frozen Kong to your evening routine. Try a 10-minute flirt pole session before dinner. Small changes add up to big improvements.

Your reactive dog isn't broken. They just need exercise opportunities that work WITH their temperament instead of against it. You've got this.

Ready to give your reactive dog safe space to exercise? Browse private Sniffspots near you and book your first session today.

For more support on your reactive dog journey, explore:

• How to Socialize Your Reactive Dog
• Beginner's Guide to Training Reactive Dogs
• Best Dog Training Podcasts for ongoing education and support

This article has been reviewed and approved by a certified pet professional to ensure accuracy and safety. Sam T., Certified Pet Professional, Over 5 Years Experience with Reactive Dogs

"Exercise is one of the most overlooked foundations in reactive dog behavior modification. I've worked exclusively with reactive dogs struggling with resource guarding, anxiety, and exercise-related behaviors for over five years, and I can tell you: a properly exercised dog is exponentially easier to train. The strategies in this guide prioritize what reactive dogs truly need: safe spaces to decompress, mental stimulation that tires them without stress, and physical outlets that don't require exposure to triggers."