The Four Roots of Reactivity™: Why Your Dog Barks, Lunges, or Shuts Down — and What To Do About It

Leila Abu-Hassan
Apr 1
4 min read

Dog reactivity is one of the most misunderstood behavior issues — and one of the most common. Whether your dog barks at strangers on walks, growls at guests, lunges at other dogs, or freezes when scared, you’re not alone. So many dog owners feel confused, embarrassed, or overwhelmed by their dog’s reactivity.

The good news? You’re in the right place — and the even better news is that reactivity is a behavior, not a personality trait. That means it can change with the right support. But before you can change it, you need to understand what’s driving it.

Because not all reactivity is the same.

Why “One-Size-Fits-All” Training Doesn’t Work

Many owners try a training method they saw on TikTok or that worked for a friend — only to feel frustrated when it doesn’t help their dog. That’s because reactivity isn’t just about what your dog is doing. It’s about why.

Imagine going to the doctor with a cough. You’re given cold medicine — but your cough doesn’t go away. Why? Because the cough isn’t from a cold. It’s from allergies. Without understanding the root cause, you can’t treat the problem effectively.

It’s the same with reactivity.

The 4 Roots of Reactivity

(And How to Start Helping Your Dog)

Below are the four main emotional and behavioral roots behind most reactive behavior. Some dogs may show a mix of them — but usually, one is at the core. Identifying it is the key to helping your dog feel safe, understood, and more in control.

1️⃣ Fear-Based Reactivity

“I don’t feel safe, and I can’t get away.”

Your dog reacts out of fear, anxiety, or uncertainty — often during or after a fear period in their development. Because they’re on a leash, they can’t escape, so they bark, lunge, or growl to create distance.

🧠 Common signs:

• Startles easily or reacts more in unfamiliar settings

• Reacts more to people than dogs

• Shows freezing, hiding, or avoidance behaviors

• Reactivity may have started after a single scary event

💡 These dogs don’t need “correction” — they need confidence-building, predictability, and a sense of safety.

2️⃣ Frustration-Based Reactivity

“I want to say hi, but I can’t — and I’m losing my mind!”

This is the high-energy, friendly dog who barks and lunges because they’re too social. They’re excited — but because the leash blocks access, it turns into an emotional outburst.

🧠 Common signs:

• Reacts more to other dogs than people

• Wags tail, whines, or jumps when trying to greet

• Seems better once they’re up close

• Also struggles with overexcitement in general

💡 These dogs thrive with impulse control training, calm exposure, and games that teach emotional regulation.

3️⃣ Territorial or Guarding-Based Reactivity

“This is my space — back off.”

Dogs with this root tend to guard specific locations — your home, yard, car, regular walking route- or even people. They feel responsible for protecting their territory and may react to any intrusion.

🧠 Common signs:

• Reactivity happens mostly in familiar areas

• May bark behind fences, gates, or in cars

• Reacts strongly to strangers near “home turf”

• Behavior intensifies over time

💡 This isn’t “dominance” — it’s often a mix of instinct and insecurity. The key is breaking patterns and teaching neutrality in guarded zones.

4️⃣ Learned Reactivity

“This always works, so I’ll keep doing it.”

This root develops over time. A dog learns that barking or lunging makes something go away — so they keep doing it. It may have started as fear or frustration, but now it’s a habit reinforced by the environment.

🧠 Common signs:

• Reactivity is very consistent

• Happens even at great distances

• Dog ignores cues or treats when triggered

• May bark/lunge before anything even happens

💡 These dogs need pattern interruption, a new behavior to rehearse, and reinforcement for calm choices. They’ve trained themselves — so now it’s your turn to rewrite the script.

Not Sure Which Root Your Dog Has?

We’re currently developing a companion quiz to help you determine which root of reactivity applies to your dog. Check back soon—or sign up for the newsletter to be notified when it’s live!

Final Thoughts: There’s Nothing “Wrong” With Your Dog

Reactivity is not your fault. It’s not your dog being “bad.” It’s your dog trying to communicate the only way they know how — and with the right tools, you can teach them a new way.