Rent safe and private dog parks hosted by locals

Dog Training Dog Reactivity Dog Enrichment Sniffspot Community Top Dog Trainers City Dog Parks Dog Breeds Dog Names Dog Rescues & Shelters

Home

Blog

Dog Reactivity

How to Train Your Dog That's Reactive to Other Dogs

How to Train Your Dog That's Reactive to Other Dogs

Haley Young

June 29, 2024

Dog Reactivity

How to Train Your Dog That's Reactive to Other Dogs thumbnail

Where do you start if your dog is reactive to other dogs? There are many types of dog reactivity out there. At Sniffspot, we've seen them all. Our network of private dog parks was designed with reactive pups in mind!

Reactivity triggers can be just about anything—strangers, cars, bikes and skateboards—but in this article we’re going to talk specifically about dogs who are reactive to other dogs. Read on for some key dog reactivity definitions, an overview of what can cause dog-dog reactivity, some frequently asked questions, and further resources to help you and your pup along your training journey.

You’ve got this!

1) Key dog reactivity terms and definitions

First, let’s get our definitions straight. Dog reactivity is a big topic with a whole dictionary's worth of associated terms.

What does “reactive” mean?

While every living animal is constantly “reacting” to its environment—you might put on a sweatshirt when you notice you’re cold or head to open the door when you hear a knock—dog trainers usually use “reactive” to describe pets who overreact to stimuli in their environments.

Dog reactivity encompasses a range of unwanted behaviors (barking, growling, lunging, jumping, pulling, and so on) in situations that typically don’t warrant them in our minds. Their triggers—in this case other dogs—behave normally in a non threatening way. For some reason they're still overwhelming or scary to our dogs, though.

Basically: Your puppy who woofs once or twice when startled by an unfamiliar dog around a blind corner? They would not be diagnosed with reactivity. That's a natural, reasonably sized response! If your dog barks, growls, and lunges at every dog they see out on a walk, on the other hand? A professional trainer would probably diagnose them with dog-dog reactivity.

What are most dogs reactive to?

You're in great company if your dog struggles with reactivity towards other dogs. According to proprietary Sniffspot research, 51% of reactive dogs are reactive to other dogs only.

8% of reactive dogs are reactive to people only and 37% of reactive dogs are reactive to both dogs and people. Another 4% of reactive dogs are reactive to other things than dogs and people, like bikes, skateboards, and cars. These results show that dog-dog reactivity is most common.

2) Types of dog-dog reactivity

Typically, dog-reactive dogs have one of two goals in mind. They either want to get away from another dog they find scary (this is fear-based reactivity) or want to get closer to another dog to say hello (this is frustration-based reactivity).

Fear-based dog reactivity

Fear-based dog reactivity is often caused when nervous or uncertain dogs feel trapped in a certain situation. Think about a porcupine puffing out their quills to make something scary go away! Your dog might appear to show aggressive behaviors, but they don’t want to go out of their way to cause harm. They’re just experiencing anxiety and really want to be left alone.

We humans often feel that this is inappropriate behavior, but it makes perfect sense to our canine companions, especially if they've had a bad experience with another dog in the past. Even just strong eye contact from an unknown pet can make them worry for their personal space and safety.

Excitement- or frustration-based dog reactivity

Frustration-based leash reactivity, on the other hand, stems from a dog wanting to interact with something they can’t. This is common in social dogs who regularly visit dog parks or attend daycare. They love other pets and feel frustrated when they aren’t allowed to greet them! That frustration (especially when being held back on a leash) can quickly build into a reactive display. In extreme cases it can even lead to serious aggression.

If your dog’s reactivity is limited to when they’re tethered, this article talks about fixing leash reactivity or leash aggression specifically.

Lack of fulfillment or general overarousal can contribute to dog reactivity

We bred certain traits into dog breeds over generations and generations. Two examples:

Herders are hyper-aware of their surroundings.

Terriers have an intense desire to chase prey.

So if your Cattle Dog is barking at quick-moving objects or your Jack Russell keeps lunging after rabbits, there’s a chance their reactivity is caused by unmet genetic drives—not a lack of socialization, or too much socialization, or even fear.

Some dogs also struggle with general overarousal even if they aren’t acting on specific breed traits. If your pet can’t seem to settle down even in familiar environments, triggers out in the world can be like the straw that broke the camel’s back. They're the final stimulus that puts your pup all the way over their threshold (which is low already) even though the real problem is bigger than that one thing.

Two dogs engage in an awkward social interaction

3) Frequently asked questions about dog-directed reactivity

Can dog-reactive dogs be social with other pets?

Whether a dog-reactive dog can be social with other pets—like fellow dogs, cats, or even small animals—depends on factors like their unique temperament, training, and past experiences.

Some dog-reactive dogs may be able to coexist peacefully with other animals. Others might always prefer to live alone, though.

How should I introduce my dog-reactive dog to other pets?

Introduce your reactive dog to any other animals slowly. Set up controlled circumstances where you can intervene if necessary! By monitoring interactions carefully—and providing positive reinforcement for calm, socially appropriate behavior—you can set everyone up for a successful introduction.

Professional guidance from a force free dog trainer or veterinary behaviorist may also be helpful if you’re hoping to introduce your dog-reactive pup to other pets.

I still don’t understand why my dog is growling if they actually just want to say hi?

It can be hard to understand why dogs might bark or growl even if they want to be friendly. Frustration-based dog reactivity can be especially confusing for pet parents of social butterflies who suddenly start making scenes on walks!

Let's sum it up simply:

Excitement and overstimulation: Some dogs become frustrated when they are overly excited or stimulated. (Some of us humans do, too. Think about really intense games or sporting events you’ve been a part of!) This can lead to reactive behavior.

Leash restriction: The leash is usually a core part of frustration-based dog reactivity. Dogs on leashes feel restricted, which leads to frustration. When they are unable to approach another dog freely, they may bark or growl as a way of expressing that they feel pent up.

To address frustration-based reactivity, we dog owners need to provide proper socialization, positive reinforcement focused training, and controlled introductions.

If my dog is scared of other dogs, why wouldn’t they just try to run away?

While fear can indeed lead some dogs to try and escape or avoid a situation with another dog, fear-based reactions are complex. The emotion can manifest in various ways!

Growling and barking can be defensive behaviors—not just outright aggressive behavior as we often think of them—a fearful dog uses to communicate discomfort. Often these reactions help your pup establish a safe distance if they're unable to move themselves away from a perceived threat.

Let's sum up why a fearful dog might growl and bark instead of running away:

Fear can trigger a defensive form of aggression. Growling and barking may be your dog's way of trying to appear more intimidating to deter the perceived threat.

In certain situations—like when on leash—a fearful dog may feel cornered. Without a clear escape route, they turn to defensive behaviors like growling and barking as a way to create space. Think about the well-known "fight or flight" instinct. If we remove flight as an option? We leave our dogs with fight.

Remember that each dog is an individual. Every pet's responses to fear can vary! If your dog displays any sort of reactive behaviors, don't just assume they're being mean, outright aggressive, or not feeling scared simply because they’re also being loud.

Did I do something wrong to make my dog reactive to other dogs?

A combination of genetics, early experiences, socialization, ongoing training, and your dog's current environment influence their behavior. It's impossible to perfectly isolate variables!

While parts of your lifestyle may have contributed to your dog developing reactivity towards other dogs—like lots of on-leash greetings in a busy neighborhood, for example—it's not helpful to fixate on whose "fault" anything is. If your pup struggles, it's not all on you. Let us say that one more time. If your dog struggles with reactivity, you are not a bad owner.

Many dogs have some form of dog reactivity. Even professional trainers struggle with dog-dog reactivity with their own family members! What matters most is that you’re learning and training to help your canine companion feel better.

4) Further reading and learning

Here are a few of our favorite resources to learn more about dog reactivity.

More Sniffspot blogs on dog reactivity

We have an entire blog category devoted to dog reactivity and related problem or unwanted behaviors. One of our primary goals is to be a welcoming community for reactive dogs! That’s why we have specific rules (like gaps between arrivals and transparency about other animals within view) to keep all Sniffspot visits safe.

How to Train a Reactive Dog: A Beginner’s Guide for everything you need to know to get started implementing a training program for your reactive dog

How to Socialize Your Reactive Dog for help on how to give your fearful, frustrated, or otherwise reactive dog positive experiences with other dogs

Dog Reactivity Chart for help understanding the current level of reactivity your dog shows in different moments

Other dog reactivity resources

Trainer Patricia McConnell’s guide to how to handle reactive dogs

CARE For Reactive Dogs is a whole website dedicated to methods and gear for dealing with a reactive dog

Suzanne Clothier reactive dog training scenario set up

Trainer Alice Tong’s engage-disengage game (specific to leash reactivity, but can be applied to other types of reactivity as well)

The VCA’s guide to counterconditioning and desensitization

Good luck, and remember: you’re not alone. When in doubt, get in touch with a professional force free trainer you trust. And know you can always bring your dog to a Sniffspot for some playtime!

Trainer Review of this Article

There is so much misinformation out there, and we want to make sure we only provide the highest quality content to our community. We have our articles reviewed by qualified force free trainers.

This is the trainer that reviewed this article:

Marnie Montgomery
PMCT4, CPDT-KA
Tellington TTouch® Practitioner
Fear-Free Certified Professional

Survey Statistics

Sniffspot Research 2023, n = 4,092

A green and white infographic about dog reactivity features graphics illustrating cmmon breeds, common triggers, and more statistics

Haley Young

June 29, 2024

Dog Reactivity

Haley Young

About the author

Haley is a self-proclaimed dog nerd and full-time freelance writer. She's passionate about connecting with fellow pet lovers through training and lifestyle content — learning from professional trainers, animal cognition researchers, and other experts along the way. Haley travels the country full time with her rescue dog, a shy blue heeler, and loves conquering new situation as a team. Dog-friendly national parks, hiking trails, and Sniffspots have become favorite places across the country! When she isn't writing or playing an intense game of tug with her cattle dog, you can find her reading books (her favorite author is late ethologist Frans de Waal), listening to a range of animal-related podcasts, and having conversations about (you guessed it) the many ways other creatures impact our lives.

About Sniffspot

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

Find Sniffspot on your favorite social media

The Best Dog Parks Near You in the United States

The Best Dog Parks Near Atlanta, Georgia

The Best Off-Leash Dog Parks Near You in the United States

All categories

Dog Parent's Guide to Separation Anxiety

Best Dog Rescue and Shelter Contest

Most recent articles

The Best Dog Parks Near You in the United States

The Best Dog Parks Near Atlanta, Georgia

The Best Off-Leash Dog Parks Near You in the United States

The Best Dog Parks Near San Diego, California

Furry Co-Pilots Welcome: The Best Way to Travel in an RV with Your Dog

Australian Shepherd: Breed Facts, Experience and Tips from 9K+ Owners

The Best Dog Parks Near You in the United States

The Best Dog Parks Near Atlanta, Georgia

The Best Off-Leash Dog Parks Near You in the United States

Top dog guides per area

Dog training guides

My Dog Is Food Aggressive With Other Dogs: What To Do
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.
Scent Training for Dogs: A Beginner's Guide
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.
Service Dog Training Costs: DIY vs. Pro
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
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?
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
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
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
Ultimate Guide: Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewers
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?
Daily Exercise Calculator: How Much Exercise Does Your Dog Need?
Everyone knows dogs need exercise, but how much is enough? Walks are great, but creating a truly balanced fitness plan means understanding your dog's specific needs. This post helps you develop a daily exercise calculator for your dog, considering breed, age, and lifestyle. We'll cover fun activities, understanding exercise intensity, and recognizing when your pup has had enough. Let's create a plan that keeps your dog happy and healthy!
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

Rottweiler Aggression: Truth vs. Myth
Many dogs have gotten a bad reputation over the years for being "dangerous breeds." Rottweilers are among them. Like pit bulls and other large, blocky-headed types of dogs, these powerful and beautiful animals are often assumed to be aggressive.
What Is a Reactive Dog? A Guide to Understanding Reactivity
So: Your dog is reactive. They’ll see another dog, person, or other stimulus in the environment (cars, bikes, skateboards, and other fast-moving objects are also common triggers) while out on a walk and suddenly go crazy at the end of their leash. The barking, lunging, and growling not only feels embarrassing for you — it’s clear that your pup isn’t having a great time either.
How to Socialize a Reactive Dog: A Step-by-Step Guide
Does your dog display reactivity to other pets or people? Maybe they’re a new rescue pup and are still settling into your home. Or they were sick growing up, so you missed their critical socialization period. Possibly they’ve had a bad experience after being raised as a normal puppy.
Definitive Guide: What is Dog Reactivity?
Do you have a reactive dog or suspect you may have one? You’re not alone!
The 9 Best Online Communities for Reactive Dog Parents
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *

Sniffspot community guides

Top dog trainers in the US

The Best Dog Trainers in the United States of 2025
This is a list of the top dog trainers in the United States, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.
The Best Dog Trainers in Seattle, WA of 2025
This is a list of the top dog trainers in Seattle, WA, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.
The Best Dog Trainers in Portland, OR of 2025
This is a list of the top dog trainers in Portland, OR, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.
The Best Dog Trainers in Los Angeles, CA of 2025
This is a list of the top dog trainers in Los Angeles, CA, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.
The Best Dog Trainers in New York, NY of 2025
This is a list of the top dog trainers in New York, NY, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.

City dog parks guides

Top 10 Indoor Dog Parks: A US Guide
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 Near You in the United States
Searching for the best off-leash dog parks near you in the United States? Whether you're looking for public dog parks with open spaces or private, fully-fenced areas, this comprehensive guide has you covered. Discover top-rated parks across the country, plus essential tips on what to bring and what to expect for your next adventure.
Best Dog Parks Near Me in Las Vegas
Looking for the perfect dog park near me in Las Vegas? You're in luck! This guide explores all the best options for your pup, from public dog parks to private dog parks near me on Sniffspot. We'll help you find the ideal spot for playtime, socializing, and fresh air. Plus, we'll cover essential etiquette and safety tips to ensure a happy visit for everyone. Get ready for some tail-wagging fun!
The Best Dog Parks Near You in the United States
Searching for the best dog parks near you in the United States? Whether you're looking for off-leash public spaces or private, fenced areas, this comprehensive guide has you covered.
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

Top dog names in the US

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
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
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
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
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

The Best Washington Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2025
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Washington. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs.
The Best Oregon Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2025
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Oregon. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs.
The Best California Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2025
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in California. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs.
The Best Florida Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2025
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Florida. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs.
The Best New York Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2025
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in New York. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs.

About Sniffspot

Sniffspot provides the best experiences and fun for you and your dog. Our dog parks are designed for the ultimate dog exercise. Our private spaces help you minimize distractions or triggers and maximize time with your dog. We provide off leash enrichment - exploration and activities you can't get anywhere else; wear your dog out for days. We make it easy to have playdates. Socialize your pup in a controlled, private spot - it's great exercise and it's fun for you and your dog.

How to Train Your Dog That's Reactive to Other Dogs

1) Key dog reactivity terms and definitions

What does “reactive” mean?

What are most dogs reactive to?

2) Types of dog-dog reactivity

Fear-based dog reactivity

Excitement- or frustration-based dog reactivity

Lack of fulfillment or general overarousal can contribute to dog reactivity

3) Frequently asked questions about dog-directed reactivity

Can dog-reactive dogs be social with other pets?

How should I introduce my dog-reactive dog to other pets?

I still don’t understand why my dog is growling if they actually just want to say hi?

If my dog is scared of other dogs, why wouldn’t they just try to run away?

Did I do something wrong to make my dog reactive to other dogs?

4) Further reading and learning

More Sniffspot blogs on dog reactivity

Other dog reactivity resources

Trainer Review of this Article

Survey Statistics

Haley Young

About Sniffspot

Follow us

Related articles

All categories

Most recent articles

Related articles

Top dog guides per area

Dog training guides

Dog enrichment guides

Dog reactivity guides

Sniffspot community guides

Top dog trainers in the US

City dog parks guides

Dogs breeds

Top dog names in the US

Top dog rescues in the US

About Sniffspot

Browse by top cities

Atlanta

Austin

Boston

Calgary

Chicago

Columbus

Dallas

Denver

Edmonton

Houston

Las Vegas

Logan

Los Angeles

Milwaukee

Minneapolis

Nashville

New York

Old Toronto

Omaha

Ottawa

Philadelphia

Phoenix

Portland

San Antonio

San Diego

San Francisco

Seattle

Tampa

Washington

Westminster

Browse by top states

Alabama

Alaska

Arizona

Arkansas

California

Colorado

Connecticut

Delaware

Florida

Georgia

Hawaii