If your dog barks, lunges or becomes overly focused on other dogs during walks, you are not alone. Many owners struggle with what is commonly described as reactive behaviour, where a dog finds it difficult to stay calm around other dogs or certain situations.
Sue Venn is a dog behaviourist with over 25 years of experience working with dogs and their owners across Brighton, Hove and the surrounding Sussex areas. She provides one to one behavioural training to help owners understand what is driving their dog’s behaviour and how to improve it with calm, practical guidance that works in real life.
What is reactive dog behaviour?
Reactive behaviour usually appears when a dog becomes overly focused on another dog, person or situation and reacts by barking, lunging or pulling on the lead.
Many dogs behave differently on the lead compared to when they are off lead, and owners often find walks becoming stressful and difficult to manage.
This behaviour is not about a dog being “bad”. It is usually a response to frustration, anxiety, over excitement or a dog feeling overwhelmed in certain situations.
Common signs of a reactive dog
Dogs struggling with reactivity may show behaviours such as:
• barking at other dogs
• lunging or pulling strongly on the lead
• becoming highly excited or frustrated when they see another dog
• difficulty staying calm when dogs pass nearby
• reacting more on the lead than off lead
• struggling to listen or pay attention to their owner outside
• being constantly alert, tense or scanning the environment
• fixating on other dogs or triggers and finding it hard to disengage
• redirecting behaviour, such as mouthing the lead or jumping up at the owner
• difficulty settling after seeing another dog
Why do dogs become reactive?
Reactive behaviour can develop for a number of reasons, including:
• frustration when a dog cannot reach another dog
• anxiety or uncertainty around other dogs
• over excitement and lack of impulse control
• past negative experiences
• becoming overwhelmed in busy environments
Every dog is different, which is why understanding the individual dog is important before training begins.
How reactive dog training helps
Behavioural training focuses on understanding what is driving your dog’s behaviour and helping both dog and owner learn how to respond more calmly in these situations.
Sue begins with a behavioural assessment carried out in your home or normal walking environment. This allows her to observe your dog, understand the behaviour and explain clearly what is happening.
From there, you are given practical guidance to help your dog develop calmer responses and improve behaviour during walks and everyday situations.
Training in Brighton and Sussex
Sue works with dog owners across Brighton, Hove, Worthing, Lewes and the surrounding Sussex areas.
Training takes place in real life environments, including your home and local walking areas, so the behaviour can be addressed where it actually occurs.
Our main areas are:
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Brighton and Hove
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Shoreham by Sea and Worthing
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Horsham and Crawley
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Haywards Heath and Burgess Hill
Book today...
If your dog’s behaviour is becoming stressful or difficult to manage, a behavioural assessment can help you understand what is driving the behaviour and how to improve it.
Sue works with owners across Brighton and Sussex providing one to one behavioural training in the dog’s home environment.
