Rent safe and private dog parks hosted by locals

  1. Home
  2. Blog
  3. Dog Reactivity
  4. How To Enable a Reactive Dog To Live A Full Life

How To Enable a Reactive Dog To Live A Full Life

David Adams photo

David Adams

November 21, 2024

Dog Reactivity

How To Enable a Reactive Dog To Live A Full Life thumbnail

* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *

Are you concerned your reactive dog won’t be able to live life to the fullest? People with reactive dogs sometimes feel discouraged or doubtful they can give their dog a full life. But don’t worry!

In this article, we will go over how to lead a full, adventurous, happy life with your reactive dog—including self-care, managing your dog’s environment, and tips for having a good time with your dog even when things go wrong. Reactivity is common, and with some creativity and problem-solving skills, you and your dog can still build a wonderful partnership together.

An important note to start: Make sure to have a qualified trainer evaluate your dog before engaging in any new activities that have the potential to be harmful to your dog or anyone else, like off leash play in an environment with other people or pets. You can definitely manage your dog’s environment and your own self-care throughout life with your reactive pup, but it’s important to get a professional trainer involved if you're ever in doubt about safety.

What is reactivity in dogs?

The American Kennel Club defines reactive dogs as “[dogs] that overreact to certain things or situations.” Typically, this looks like barking, growling, or lunging. Reactive dogs have certain triggers that cause them to react. Some examples of common triggers are: other dogs, tall people, men with beards, skateboards, and so forth. 

Good news: Reactivity isn’t necessarily forever

First off, remember that your dog’s reactivity is not static. Canine reactivity can be improved through training sessions!

Training matters

We can't say this enough: To train a reactive dog, you’ll want to find a trainer you trust to help you. Make sure this professional trainer uses positive reinforcement training methods (like clicker training) and not aversive training methods that involve punishment (like prong collars) that could make your dog's behavior worse instead of better.

It's also a good idea to look for a professional trainer who has experience with reactive dog owners. They'll be best at helping you navigate stressful situations with your pup!

Finally, you'll probably want to start with private training sessions instead of actual training classes that have a group of people and pets. This calmer one-on-one environment with help lesson anxiety in training—for both you and your pup.

Taking care of yourself with a reactive dog

When you’re in the position of caregiving, it’s important to make time for self-care. This is true with dogs, too! If you have a reactive dog, you might feel stressed or overwhelmed at times, and that’s completely normal. 

Taking care of yourself is essential for both you and your dog. You have to take care of yourself before you can take care of your dog’s needs. That’s why self-care is an important part of providing a great life for you and your reactive dog. 

woman with dogs

Self-care ideas for reactive dog owners


  • Exercise (without your dog): Physical exercise is a great way to relieve stress. Try to build some exercise into your schedule that doesn’t involve your dog, like going to the gym, yoga, or even just stretching by yourself. 
  • Meditation: Meditation is another proven stress reliever and can be done almost anywhere, and for any length of time that’s comfortable for you.
  • Therapy: Taking care of your mental health is important for dog parents and non-dog parents alike, and therapy can be a big part of that. 
  • Dog-free days: Try to make time for yourself without your dog. If you are able to leave your dog home, plan a day for yourself (and maybe your partner or a friend) to go do some activities dog-free, like see a movie or go to lunch. If you are unable to leave your dog unattended but are able to safely crate him for a while, that’s a great option too. The important thing is to take some time for yourself and give yourself a break from thinking about the dog’s needs.

For more self-care tips, the Reddit community r/reactive dogs has a great thread on the subject

Manage your reactive dog’s environment

You can help your dog’s reactivity by managing their environment. This means identifying your dog’s triggers and limiting access to them as much as possible.

Common ways to manage your dog's surroundings


  • visual barriers: closing the blinds if your dog barks at strangers they see out the window, or consider putting up decorative window film
  • sound barriers: turning on background noise (such as a white noise machine or using a phone app (like Rain Rain) for a dog who barks at sounds from outdoors
  • mental stimulation: distracting your dog from triggers with fulfilling activities like enrichment toys, eye contact games, short training sessions, and more
  • environmental selection: not walking your dog in areas with lots of other dogs, or going to dog parks with unknown dogs, if your dog is reactive to other dogs

The situation will be different depending on your dog’s triggers—but in many cases, the trigger is avoidable (or can be lessened) at least some of the time. This can help your dog calm down while you work on developing more positive emotional associations and behavior habits in training sessions.

dog looking out window

Tips for having fun with your reactive dog

Don’t worry, you and your reactive dog can still have a ton of fun! Reactivity is common and there are many ways to manage it while still having fun with your dog. Remember, it’s important to have your trainer evaluate your dog before engaging in any new activities, especially if they involve off leash play.

Go out at sunrise

Sunrise is a great time to be out and about with a reactive dog. Many common triggers, like other people, other dogs, skateboards, loud trucks, etc, are less likely to be out at sunrise. Take your dog on a walk at sunrise and you’ll most likely have the neighborhood to yourself! Or, if you’re able, you might even engage in some off-leash exercise at sunrise, provided it’s safe.

Think of places to go that avoid your dog’s triggers

Each dog is unique in what triggers them. Once you’ve identified their triggers, you can think of places to go where the trigger is unlikely to be. If skateboards, bikes, and cars trigger your dog, you might try a nice hike outside of the city. If your dog is triggered by tall people, or people with hats, beards, etc, you might try a hike or walk in a less crowded area. Get creative!

Use Sniffspot

Sniffspot is an excellent option for any dogs who need their own space. A Sniffspot can give your dog the freedom to explore a fun new environment while remaining safe. Sniffspot is especially good for leash-reactive dogs or dogs who are reactive to other dogs. Book a Sniffspot in your area and let your dog have fun!

Don’t give up on playdates, if possible

Depending on your dog’s triggers and the severity with which he reacts to them, playdates with known dogs can be a great activity. (Obviously, this will not work for dogs who are very reactive to other dogs across the board, as the dog may become aggressive. Use your best judgment and make sure safety comes first for everyone involved.) If your dog is overstimulated by the dog park, he might do well in a backyard with just one dog that he knows. Or maybe your dog is reactive when he is on a leash (sometimes called “leash aggression”), but is fine with other dogs when he is off leash. With any playdate, make sure you talk over your dog’s reactivity with the other dog parent, and that you know their dog’s triggers (if they have any) as well. You’ll also want to have a plan in place in case either dog gets triggered. With some safety precautions and good communication, playdates may still be an option for you and your dog. 

Related reading

The Sniffspot blog has dozens of articles on dog reactivity. Our private off-leash dog parks are designed with these special dogs in mind—they deserve space to run freely without worry, too! Here are a few good places to start.

Trainer Review of this Article

There is so much misinformation out there, we want to make sure we only provide the highest quality information to our community. We have all of our articles reviewed by qualified, positive-only trainers.  

This is the trainer that reviewed this article:

Alexandra Walker
Professional Canine Trainer - Accredited / PCT Level 2
Courteous Canine/DogSmith of Tampa
AKC CGC® and STAR Puppy Approved Evaluator 
Licensed Pet Dog Ambassador Instructor/Assessor

David Adams photo

David Adams

November 21, 2024

Dog Reactivity

About Sniffspot

Sniffspot is a community marketplace that enables anyone to rent land by-the-hour as a safe and private dog park.

Follow us

Find Sniffspot on your favorite social media

TiktokInstagramFacebookYoutube
Related articles
The Ultimate Guide To Flying With Large Dogs: Airline Policies and Tricks thumbnailThe Ultimate Guide To Flying With Large Dogs: Airline Policies and Tricks
Comprehensive Guide to Skijoring With Dogs thumbnailComprehensive Guide to Skijoring With Dogs
How To Enable a Reactive Dog To Live A Full Life thumbnailHow To Enable a Reactive Dog To Live A Full Life
All categories

Most recent articles

The Ultimate Guide To Flying With Large Dogs: Airline Policies and Tricks thumbnailThe Ultimate Guide To Flying With Large Dogs: Airline Policies and Tricks
The Ultimate Guide To Flying With Large Dogs: Airline Policies and Tricks thumbnail

The Ultimate Guide To Flying With Large Dogs: Airline Policies and Tricks

Comprehensive Guide to Skijoring With Dogs thumbnailComprehensive Guide to Skijoring With Dogs
Comprehensive Guide to Skijoring With Dogs thumbnail

Comprehensive Guide to Skijoring With Dogs

How To Enable a Reactive Dog To Live A Full Life thumbnailHow To Enable a Reactive Dog To Live A Full Life
How To Enable a Reactive Dog To Live A Full Life thumbnail

How To Enable a Reactive Dog To Live A Full Life

The Ultimate Guide to Airline Dog Policies in 2024: Everything You Need to Know thumbnailThe Ultimate Guide to Airline Dog Policies in 2024: Everything You Need to Know
The Ultimate Guide to Airline Dog Policies in 2024: Everything You Need to Know thumbnail

The Ultimate Guide to Airline Dog Policies in 2024: Everything You Need to Know

Get to Know the Vizsla: Real-World Tips from Owners thumbnailGet to Know the Vizsla: Real-World Tips from Owners
Get to Know the Vizsla: Real-World Tips from Owners thumbnail

Get to Know the Vizsla: Real-World Tips from Owners

Explore the Rottweiler: Genuine Tips from Real Dog Owners thumbnailExplore the Rottweiler: Genuine Tips from Real Dog Owners
Explore the Rottweiler: Genuine Tips from Real Dog Owners thumbnail

Explore the Rottweiler: Genuine Tips from Real Dog Owners

Top dog guides per area

Dog training guides

  • How to Deal With Food Aggression in Dogs (Facts + Infographic) thumbnail

    How to Deal With Food Aggression in Dogs (Facts + Infographic)

    Does your dog ever growl when you walk by their food dish? Maybe they get possessive of treats, carrying them far away and giving you side-eye when you start to approach — or snarling at your other pets or children if they get too close.

  • Comprehensive Guide to Scent Training for Dogs (Facts + Infographic) thumbnail

    Comprehensive Guide to Scent Training for Dogs (Facts + Infographic)

    As almost every dog owner is aware, the nose of a dog is an amazing thing. Just as they can pick up sounds we can’t hear, their sense of smell and ability to pick up scents is well beyond ours. In fact, dogs have 40 times the number of olfactory receptors as humans.

  • How Much Does it Cost to Train a Service Dog? thumbnail

    How Much Does it Cost to Train a Service Dog?

    More than 80 million Americans rely on their service dogs to help them navigate the world. Task-trained assistance animals perform a huge range of life-changing—in many cases, life-saving—services: These dogs act as eyes for visually impaired handlers, provide mobility support, alert to seizures and blood sugar crashes, interrupt anxiety attacks, remind their people to take medications, and so much more.

  • What is and How to Handle Potty Training Regression thumbnail

    What is and How to Handle Potty Training Regression

    You thought your dog was house trained. Your home was clean from puddles of pee, those dreaded middle-of-the-night bathroom breaks were behind you, and you loved every minute of dog ownership… until your four-legged best friend started using the bathroom inside again. What’s going on?

  • Coprophagia: Why Does Your Dog Eat Poop? thumbnail

    Coprophagia: Why Does Your Dog Eat Poop?

    Ah, poop. We humans think it’s disgusting… but many of our dogs seem to love the stuff. If you’re wondering why your canine companion tries to eat feces (either their own or that of other animals) you’re not alone!

Dog enrichment guides

  • The Best Dog Water Parks in the United States thumbnail

    The Best Dog Water Parks in the United States

    Do you have a water-loving dog looking to burn some energy? There are countless dog parks to visit throughout our country — but some of them become far too hot in the midday sun to be safe for your pets to play. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of the best dog water parks throughout the United States! At these locations, your pup can frolic, splash, and swim to their heart’s content.

  • Best Toys for Herding Dogs thumbnail

    Best Toys for Herding Dogs

    * All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *

  • The Best Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewers (Facts + Infographic) thumbnail

    The Best Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewers (Facts + Infographic)

    Does your dog destroy every toy you give them? Is your house littered with remnants of fabric and stuffing of all different sizes? Are you tired of investing in “indestructible” toys only for your pup to still dismantle—or worse, get bored of—them in just a few days?

  • Dog Exercise Calculator: How Much Exercise Does Your Dog Need? thumbnail

    Dog Exercise Calculator: How Much Exercise Does Your Dog Need?

    You’ve been told your dog needs regular exercise. There’s a reason “walking the dog” is a classic daily activity: Frequent excursions give your pup a chance to experience the world, maintain a healthy weight, and — most importantly — spend time with you! Consistent physical activity can also improve their strength, muscle tone, coordination, and mental ability over time.

  • Complete Guide To Herding With Dogs thumbnail

    Complete Guide To Herding With Dogs

    * All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *

Dog reactivity guides

Sniffspot community guides

  • The State of Public Dog Parks Across the United States thumbnail

    The State of Public Dog Parks Across the United States

    From 2009 to 2020, there was a 40 percent increase in the development of public dog parks. Designated spots for canine exercise have become commonplace in every major city in North America — many pet owners won’t even consider renting an apartment that doesn’t have its own fenced-in pet area for their canine companions.

  • How This Family is Affording Their Dream Property Through Renting it Hourly to Dogs thumbnail

    How This Family is Affording Their Dream Property Through Renting it Hourly to Dogs

    Thousand Oaks, California has been a safe haven for Sniffspot host, Jen, since childhood. Having grown up in busy Santa Barbara, Jen, an introvert from an early age, would seek out solitude and serenity away from tourists attractions and droves of people visiting from elsewhere. “My grandparents own 60 acres about a 30 minute drive from here, and I grew up spending every summer and every holiday visiting them on the ranch,” Jen explained. “In Santa Barbara, we wouldn't go to the beach on the weekend because that's where everybody was, so you'd find places off the beaten path where the tourists weren't. For me, the ranch was just my happy place.” 

  • Host Tips: Ellen K. What Makes Sniffspot Successful for Me thumbnail

    Host Tips: Ellen K. What Makes Sniffspot Successful for Me

    Ellen is the host of Country Pasture Getaway, one of Sniffspot's most popular sniff spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great sniff spot host.

  • How this Oregon Farmer is Making a Business From Renting Her Land to Dogs thumbnail

    How this Oregon Farmer is Making a Business From Renting Her Land to Dogs

    Just 20 minutes outside of the busy city of Portland, Oregon, and settled right on the banks of the Columbia River, you’ll find what countless visitors have flocked to the area in search of – mountain views, crisp, clean air, and running water for miles. What you might not expect to find, however, is a hidden oasis designed just for dogs and their people, owned and operated by a farming couple and enjoyed by visitors on two legs, and four.  

  • Host Tips: Fran T. Providing Great Guest Service at our Spot thumbnail

    Host Tips: Fran T. Providing Great Guest Service at our Spot

    Fran is the host of Ranch Setting, one of Sniffspot's most popular spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great Sniffspot host.

Top dog trainers in the US

City dog parks guides

  • The Best Indoor Dog Parks in the United States thumbnail

    The Best Indoor Dog Parks in the United States

    Looking for a space to play with your dog no matter what the weather’s like outside? Look no further than our list of the best indoor dog parks in the United States! These climate-controlled spaces are growing in popularity as pet ownership increases throughout the country. As a bonus, many of them also offer dog training, boarding, grooming, or daycare services on the premises.

  • The Best Off-Leash Dog Parks in the United States thumbnail

    The Best Off-Leash Dog Parks in the United States

    Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered! It’s hard to narrow down, but we’ve put together some of the best off-leash dog parks throughout the country so you can plan your next adventure — along with a checklist of what to bring, what to know beforehand, and some frequently asked questions.

  • The Best Las Vegas, Nevada Dog Parks thumbnail

    The Best Las Vegas, Nevada Dog Parks

    Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Las Vegas? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks to plan for your next adventure in Sin City.

  • The Best United States Dog Parks thumbnail

    The Best United States Dog Parks

    Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered!

  • The Best Portland, Oregon Dog Parks thumbnail

    The Best Portland, Oregon Dog Parks

    Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Portland? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks and plan for your next adventure in the City of Roses.

Dogs breeds

  • Explore the German Shepherd Dog: Genuine Tips from Owners thumbnail

    Explore the German Shepherd Dog: Genuine Tips from Owners

    Discover the German Shepherd Dog, a breed celebrated for its intelligence, loyalty, and versatility. Known for its impressive size and smooth, graceful movements, German Shepherds excel in various roles, including as guide, therapy, bomb detection, and police dogs, while being a devoted family companion.

  • Explore the Labrador Retriever: Real Tips from Owners thumbnail

    Explore the Labrador Retriever: Real Tips from Owners

    Discover the Labrador Retriever, a breed celebrated for its playful nature, affectionate temperament, and trainability. Labradors are known for their friendly demeanor and adaptability, making them perfect family companions and versatile working dogs. As one of the most popular types of retrievers, Labs are ideal companions for various lifestyles and are recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as an excellent breed for families.

  • Explore the Golden Retriever: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners thumbnail

    Explore the Golden Retriever: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners

    Discover the Golden Retriever, a popular breed celebrated for its affectionate, playful, and trainable nature. Considered a large dog, Golden Retrievers were originally bred in Scotland for hunting and retrieving game beginning in the 1860s. Today, they're recognized by the Kennel Club and the American Kennel Club (AKC) as one of the most beloved companion dog breeds.

  • Explore the American Staffordshire Terrier: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners thumbnail

    Explore the American Staffordshire Terrier: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners

    Discover the American Staffordshire Terrier, a distinct breed celebrated for its playful, friendly, and loyal nature. Often confused with the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, a separate breed of British origin, the American Staffordshire Terrier (AmStaff) is considered a medium-sized dog. While both breeds share some similarities, the AmStaff is generally larger and has been developed as a distinct breed in the United States.

  • Explore the Australian Shepherd: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners thumbnail

    Explore the Australian Shepherd: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners

    Discover the Australian Shepherd, an AKC breed celebrated for its trainable, playful, and affectionate nature. Despite its name, the Australian Shepherd is actually a native breed to the United States, originally developed to breed on farms and ranches. Considered a medium dog, Australian Shepherds were bred for herding beginning in the 1950s. As one of the high-energy breeds, Aussies are known for their boundless energy and need for regular exercise, including aerobic exercise.

Top dog names in the US

  • Top 1,000 Most Popular Dog Names thumbnail

    Top 1,000 Most Popular Dog Names

    Looking for the perfect dog name for your new pup? We have created filterable lists of dog names from our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users. You can filter by gender, breed and state to find the most cute, unique and creative dog names.
  • Most Popular Male Dog Names thumbnail

    Most Popular Male Dog Names

    Looking for the perfect dog name for your new male pup? We have created filterable lists of male dog names from our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users. You can filter by gender, breed and state to find the most cute, unique and creative male dog names.
  • Most Popular Female Dog Names thumbnail

    Most Popular Female Dog Names

    Looking for the perfect dog name for your new female pup? We have created filterable lists of female dog names from our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users. You can filter by gender, breed and state to find the most cute, unique and creative female dog names.
  • Most Popular Golden Retriever Names thumbnail

    Most Popular Golden Retriever Names

    Welcome to our comprehensive list of Golden Retriever dog names, curated from our vast database of Sniffspot users. Filter through hundreds of thousands of options by gender, breed, and state to discover the most adorable, original, and imaginative names for your beloved Golden Retriever.
  • Most Popular Labrador Retriever Names thumbnail

    Most Popular Labrador Retriever Names

    Welcome to our Labrador Retriever dog names page! Here you can browse through filterable lists of names for your beloved furry friend, ranging from cute and classic to unique and creative options. Our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users ensures you'll find the perfect name for your Labrador Retriever, whether you're seeking a name for a male or female, based on breed or state.

Top dog rescues in the US