I’m sure you’ve heard the term reactive and, no doubt, have come across one at some point. Maybe you live with one.
Maybe you are one of the many owners who walk at 3 a.m. or other quiet times to avoid stress.
At Finchley Dog Walker, we meet dogs like this all the time.
They aren’t bad. They aren’t broken.
But the label “reactive” doesn’t always help.
We prefer “challenging” or “awkward but awesome.”
Because that’s what they are. We often find they are rescue dogs who have been through a lot, which has caused them to develop fine-tuned survival skills as they have had to stay safe in a world they don’t always trust.
And that’s why we offer a rescue package — designed to help you and your dog build trust, reduce stress, and enjoy walks again.
So, what is a “reactive” dog?
A reactive dog over-responds to everyday things:
- Other dogs
- People
- Bikes
- Children playing
- Loud noises
They might lunge, bark, growl, freeze or fool around. Their behaviour is often worse when they are on the lead, as they feel they don’t have an escape route.
Years ago, dogs who barked, lunged, or growled were often labelled aggressive or just plain naughty. But we’ve come a long way in understanding canine behaviour. Now we know these dogs aren’t being difficult on purpose — they’re trying to cope with overwhelming or unsafe situations. Their reactions are often rooted in fear, stress, or past experiences, especially in the case of rescue dogs. What looks like bad behaviour is usually a cry for help. It’s not about dominance or defiance — it’s about survival. As their guardians, we must recognise this and give them the support, patience, and structure they need to feel safe in a world that doesn’t always make sense to them.
What kind of reactive dog do you have?
There are two common types:
- Frustrated greeter
Loves people or dogs, but hates being held back.
Pulls, jumps, barks — just wants to say hello. - Nervous greeter
Unsure of new things.
May freeze, back away, growl, or bark to keep others away.
Both can be helped with the right support.
Training changes lives — not just for dogs, but for you too.
Tips that help right now
- Nail your recall. It gives you more freedom and control.
- See a trigger? Turn and walk the other way — calmly.
- Try a head collar for extra control on walks.
- Carry toys or treats to redirect their focus.
What to do if you spot a reactive dog
- Don’t approach.
- Don’t let your dog rush over “to say hello.”
- Give them space.
- Change direction if needed.
Some dogs wear yellow ribbons, leads, or bandanas to signal that they need space — it’s part of a simple but important message: don’t let your dog run over, and don’t approach without asking. Although I support the Yellow Dog UK campaign, it has helped raise awareness of this, but not everyone knows what it means or remembers to look out for it. I prefer the approach from Respect the Lead, which focuses more broadly on giving all dogs space and respecting boundaries, whether they wear yellow or not. Because not every dog that needs space will have a ribbon. That’s why I always say — if you see a dog reacting, pulling back, or being steered away, don’t take it personally. Give them room. Change direction if you can. It’s always safer to assume a dog needs space unless the owner tells you otherwise.
Your dog isn’t a problem—it’s a dog with big feelings. It can learn to navigate the world more confidently with the right support. That’s precisely what we focus on at Finchley Dog Walker. We’re here to help you feel more confident on your walks. If you’d like to chat about my rescue package or have a question, just message me via WhatsApp on 077 077 6 33 44 or via the contact page
I also offer solo dog walks to help you with your reactive dog and game-based training.