reactivity Archives

Staffie’s Extreme Reactivity and Fear of Bangs

A person like Dudley would be on the go non-stop. They would nev
er stop talking, chewing their nails, demanding attention all the time. They would be unable to listen properly because they were so preoccupied, jumping into the air and screeching at sudden sounds and being inappropriately demonstrative to strangers.

By Theo Stewart, 1 month ago August 10, 2026

Fear

Baring Teeth When Touched: Anxiety Around Being Approached

When the gentleman in particular comes down in the morning, Lennon’s ears go back, he trembles and creeps forward. When the man goes to stroke him, he grumbles and bares his teeth.

By Theo Stewart, 2 years ago September 6, 2026

German Shepherd that barks at people coming to the house

Aggression

Missed Early Socialisation in a German Shepherd

She has become increasingly wary of people either coming to the door or walking past their garden, but this came to a head recently.

By Theo Stewart, 2 years ago February 10, 2026

Aggression

Building Confidence in a Nervous Labrador

Kara is a generally jumpy dog, ready to react to any sudden noise or appearance. While we can work on children specifically and traffic, this will be a lot more successful if we can improve her general nervous state.

By Theo Stewart, 2 years ago February 11, 2026

arousal, excitement

Constant Whining and Attention-Seeking in a Cockerpoo

Baxter whines when the lady goes up the stairs. He whines when they are on the phone. He whines and screams in the car. Baxter whines constantly for attention.

How can they stop the whining?
This has several approaches.

By Theo Stewart, 2 years ago February 11, 2026

barking

Freezing on Walks: Giving a Nervous Dog Freedom of Choice

Their current approach to her freezing on walks clearly isn’t working which, in itself, is a reason for doing things differently. Giving her choice.

By Theo Stewart, 2 years ago February 12, 2026

reactivity

On-Lead Reactivity in a Young Romanian Rescue

When Betty panics at the sight of other dogs while on lead, is she being difficult — or simply trying to keep herself safe when she feels trapped? Betty is a mixed breed looking very like a larger Border Terrier, seven months old. She has only been in the country Read more

By Theo Stewart, 5 years ago March 3, 2026

German Shepherd

Force, Choke Chain and Dog Reactivity

A lot of people I go to can be stuck in the past regarding ‘control’ and the use of force – by force I mean use of physical control. They think that ‘positive’ means ‘permissive’ which it doesn’t.

By Theo Stewart, 7 years ago March 29, 2026

barking

Emotional Barking – Window Barking and Barking on Walks

Moving forward involves a ‘jigsaw’ of stress-reducing pieces which also include better diet and working on both dogs’ reaction to a knock on the door. When she has put the various bits in place, greatly lowering Jock’s arousal levels will also reduce his need to bark.

By Theo Stewart, 7 years ago April 4, 2026

arousal, excitement

Over-Excited Rescue Dog Needs to Reduce Arousal

The ultimate aim is for him to be less reactive to dogs when out. Is it excitement? Is it anxiety? Does he want to play? Is it a mix of emotions? He has never learnt appropriate dog manners and his brain is so full of excitement he loses control of himself.

By Theo Stewart, 8 years ago April 10, 2026