Reactivity — the barking, lunging, and general overreaction to other dogs, people, or stimuli — is one of the most common behavioural challenges we address at Canine & Co. It’s also one of the most misunderstood.

What Reactivity Actually Is

Reactive behaviour is almost always rooted in one of two things: fear or frustration. A dog that barks and lunges at other dogs on the lead is usually not being aggressive — they’re either frightened, or they’re frustrated that they can’t get to the other dog to play.

Understanding the root cause is the first step to effective rehabilitation.

What Doesn’t Work

• Punishing the barking (addresses the symptom, not the cause)
• Flooding (forcing the dog into overwhelming situations)
• Avoiding all triggers (the dog never learns to cope)

What Does Work

Systematic Desensitisation Gradually exposing your dog to triggers at a distance where they remain calm, and slowly decreasing that distance over many sessions.

Counter-Conditioning Pairing the presence of the trigger with something the dog loves — changing the emotional response from fear/frustration to anticipation.

Clear Structure and Management Providing your dog with a clear framework reduces anxiety and gives them a job to do, rather than leaving them to manage the situation themselves.

Our Behaviour Rehabilitation Program

Every case begins with a comprehensive behavioural assessment. We design a bespoke protocol and work with you every step of the way.

Serving Sotogrande, San Roque, Alcaidesa and surrounding areas. Get in touch to discuss your dog’s needs.