Everything You Need To Know About Dog Reactivity 

My new reactive course and coaching here! 👉🏻👉🏻 tom-davis-international.teachable.com

For anyone who is on the fence about signing up for the coaching- DO IT! I am currently in the training with my deaf Aussie. We are a little different than what Tom is talking about here, because she was reactive to literally EVERYTHING when we adopted her. One of the multiple returns she had to the shelter was because she had attacked their television. Another was because she stayed outside spinning and barking the entire night, never being able to settle and sleep. We have overcome almost all of the big scary things in her world, but still had explosive reactions to cars and unknown dogs. I adjusted to only go to remote areas for walks and camping so we could all enjoy our time outside. Then about 6 weeks ago I began watching Tom’s RU-vid videos, and let some cautionary optimism creep in. I purchased a prong collar from his shop and signed up for the 90 boot camp mentoring sessions. I could cry I’m so happy!!! I’m not going to pretend like everything has been perfect right away. But we are 3 weeks in, and the difference is crazy! She is still trying to build when we see cars. I’m able to break her loading over 90% of the time so it doesn’t end in a flip out. The hardest part for me has been catching her fast enough in a correction when she does spike. Having Tom’s feedback on the handling videos has been a complete game changer n that respect. I *thought* I was doing things right. But having honest feedback on what *I’m* doing wrong to help her is invaluable. I had lost all trust in her during those encounters. Working with Tom is not only building my trust that I can handle her in those high stress situations *if* she flips out, but more importantly we are building back the trust that she CAN learn how to appropriately deal with them. I’m so proud of her! THANK YOU TOM ❤

I absolutely love that you are being more direct with that owners are the majority of the reasons dogs are the way they are. You do it in a non-confrontational, no blame way which is brilliant. You used to hint at it, talk around it etc. But these latest videos have been more direct and its a great thing. You sir are the goat.

Hi great video, my dog is reactive but not aggressively she just wants to play. She sees another dog a mile away and focus’s and very hard to get her attention and once we pass widely she is all hyper and excited. At home she is really good.

Hi! My 85 lb dog rescued 1/8/23 is extremely fearful of almost everything. They said he came from Appalachian mountains. He was friendly at first to other dogs and made 5 doggy friends but now acts like lunging barking to dogs of all sizes. Several incidents of other dogs charged him at the elevators. Off leash dogs getting in his face. Still likes his original dogs. Taught “Let’s go”, heel, stay, wait, stop, down, drop it, and it’s helps. But it’s still difficult. He did make a new doggy friend 3 weeks ago after like 2 hours. I can’t afford official training but your training has really helped me. I was getting nervous and doing everything you said in this video. I will do better. Thank you!!

2 weeks ago I've adopted 4YO female GSD with problematic history (years in competitive street-dog environment with zero training, having puppies probably multiple times, 6mo in a shelter surrounded by 200 dogs). She is very good with people, very kind and friendly. But extremely reactive towards dogs. I can't walk her during normal hours, it's 6AM and 10PM for us, during lunch I usually drive her to secluded areas for longer walks. I am working on obedience but it's very new to her, we just mastered "sit" and are slowly progressing with "heel" and leash walking. After your videos on reactivity I realized I have to give her time to build a relationship with me and I have to become the strong leader. We absolutely have to train for an excellent obedience. I am still not sure how ingrained the aggressiveness is and how much of it is just fear and reactivity. I was not expecting this and sometimes I want to give up, but your videos give me hope one day we can have a nice walk and just pass by other dogs without any drama.

Thank you! I have an APBT and an American Bulldog. Both are rescues and have trust issues. Dogs are not their problem, it's people. There's only about 5 people that get to see how great they really are. People are very scary.

The most frustrating thing that I find with dog owners is when they say: "It's okay, it's s okay!" whenever their dog is reactive. I have given up trying to tell them that they're rewarding their dog for the reactivity instead of calming it because they don't get it! They just keep putting human emotions onto their dog and treating their dog like a baby instead of a dog.

Love this ❤!! Two major takeaways for me * where your dog’s head turns is where their mind goes * you are the trigger - randomize

You are an amazing human being and I appreciate your videos. I know I'm the problem with my reactive dog and I'm trying to learn everything I can from you. Thank you for everything you do!

FIRST!! Watching every single second!!! My Aussie is a complicated guy!! He's THE smartest dog and remembers everything! I believe whole heartedly in Payouts!!! They have to be smelly and worth it to the dog!

Tom is a dog's savior. Thank you, for being you.

My dog is definitely a 10 on the reactivity scale. Whenever we walk outside, he immediately starts to scan his surroundings anxiously. He’s a 2 year-old rescue dog, and we’ve had him for about a month.We’re trying to get him more comfortable with us and his new home. Great tips! Love this videos! Keep them coming, please!

I would love to see more videos like this one. The way in which you present the subject, the where, when, and why gives teaches me that I'm as reactive as my 130 pound Rottweiler. What causes me the most amount anxiety is that fact that if he doesn't believe what I'm telling him is not a threat, he can, with no effort at all, break away from me and seriously injure himself and his target. Bruce is my best friend and he needs to trust me and I need to learn how to trust myself so I don't let him down.

Have always believed in having well trained dogs and videos like this have made me a better dog owner. The CC that I rescued wants to greet every dog. You have made me focus on the timing of corrections, my greatest weekness, and wow what a difference. Thanks

Hey Tom 👋🏽 excellent video! Of course I’d like to see more like this one. I appreciate all of your videos & most definitely the podcasts. Thank you!

I love watching your videos and learned so many things( about myself as well) which I use on our walks. I’m always willing to keep learning though. Thank you Tom ❤

Great advice Tom 😊 wonderful to see a knowledgeable trainer helping dog owners with these free videos. Definitely improving the life of dogs that would never get the help otherwise. 💕🇨🇦

Love the videos Tom Davis and keep up the great work!! Love your work man.

I seriously needed this video, thank you so so much. I know what ive done wrong and we are working to fix it. My dog is a good 8/10 and its been tough. Now we are out of fix it mode and in working together mode. ❤️

Great video with great information! Thank you.

Thank you for putting out all of this content!🙌🏻 I am definitely guilty of cueing my dog and will work on randomizing my actions. Her reactivity used to be at an 8 but now she is 3-5.

Such good descriptions. My reactions have become so much better from watching UCA. We are able to walk near bikes, squirrels, cats!, and most skateboards now. Still some reactions when I'm surprised by skateboards and motorcycles; those are just so much more infrequent I still get startled and don't respond the way I need to. Overall our lives have improved ten fold figuring out how to handle the situations properly. Thank you guys for your knowledge!

Been struggling for like 2 years with reactivity. He was not reactive for maybe the whole 1st year. Thanks for the videos. I will keep working with him 😊

I needed to watch this video. It resonates with me. My family and I adopted an 8 month old pitbull mix almost a month ago. I feel anxious taking him out for walks because he sees someone and his eyes lock and he pulls on his leash. I also like the prong video. I’m learning little by little. Thank you!!

Tom I cant tell you enough how awesome you and your vids are. I cant express how much you have helped us. One year ago we rescued a 2yr old male American Akita, no back story but he was believed to be a bait dog for fighting, he's missing a K9 tooth (cage biting possibly), a few scars on the ear and nose and was borderline emaciated. This dog wanted to kill every dog in sight and would re direct on me or the leash, also was weary of ppl and any kind of noises the whole works, but he was still a very confident . After finding your channel seeking for help we have come a long way. After working on reactivity and obedience, we've attended dog shows, even entered once and won first place lol. Surrounded by dogs hes very behaved usually the most behaved. Vets office, dog shows, classes, stores. In class we can walk past a large doberman inches away, no reaction. He even has little dog friends now. But we still struggle on the street, he hunts and stalks everything, but he's 70-80% better than when we rescued him. We went a long while without a reactive scene, then he saw a great dane the other day it was half a block away and he lost his mind. Akitas are very tricky lol, they are so quiet and give very little for the handler to read. One day I hope we can attend your school in person. You evaluating my dog and more importantly my handling would be the best thing ever. Anyway sorry for the novel but, I just wanted to say thanks. Your help has been life changing. Thank you.

This is what I want! Alllll of this. I'm signing up for the online coaching, just working on getting some good video clips first so that I can make the best use of the time. Soooo excited

Absolutely love what you do. Can't get enough.

I have watched dozens of not hundreds of Tom's videos, including the full length ones. This one has to be by far the best one yet. Thanks for breaking this fundamental down. It needed to be said. This style video gives so much bang for buck when it comes to learning how to understand our dogs. Would love to see you make more like this!

Thank you for breaking down reactivity! Until I was a dog owner who had a reactive dog I really didn’t get the amount of stress and anxiety that comes with taking a dog like that out in public. I made a lot of mistakes with my reactive dog, but wow did he teach me so freaking much about dog body language and behavior!

Yes I need this.

You are right. When I became unstable on my feet from Myasthenia Gravis and very dizzy when I couldn't turn quickly, couldn't give treats while walking with cane reactivity went from mild to extreme esp after each time I fell and when my breathing became labored.Now with appropriate med I walk better and longer, he doesn't react to squirrels, some people but when I am very weak or sick he doesn't want anyone within 200 ft of me or the house. In fact he will herd me to bed and growl if I don't lay down immediately then wag his tail when I do.

Yes!i need more videos like this please,and I totally agree that 99.9% of the time I am the cause of my dog's reactivity!

Just seen this video and it’s given me hope. I have an 11 month old Belgium Malinois who’s reactivity is a 10 to cyclists, cars, joggers or anything with wheels. He has been like this since 8 weeks old. My last Mali’s reactivity was a 0 so this is scary as hell to me. I have been to several different trainers, some treat based, others quite brutal and yet he is no better. From what you described in the video, I need to work on my reactivity to prevent his 👍 Thanks for the tips, much appreciated

Thanks Tom.❤ You are a true pro.

Yes keep these coming!

This is so very helpful thank you!

That video really helped me As I really need to pay attention to me and my body language is saying to my dog thank you so much for the info

This is wonderful thank you so much

Thank you so much for your talent/gift, very much appreciate your advice and wisdom. I love how you are direct and straight forward. I have alway believed all dogs are good.... just bad ownerships. I am 61, live in Victoria, Australia and have alway had dogs in my life, mostly large breeds and never had a problems. Currently have 3 rottweiler, one is my son's, he is 2yr old and desexed , i am the main carer now. About a year ago, he started wanting to chase/attack cars, trucks, people on bush bikes and DOGS. I have been taking him to train on weekly basis, has imporved but still has a reactive issues with other dogs. Like the man with is his staffy, i hate taking him for a walk, so i avoid it or take him very early in morning. My 2 (1yr female desexed & 8 month old very large male, intact) are a pleasure to walk together. Would love to know if you will be coming to Australia again ? Thank you and God Bless 8-)

Thank you for your videos 🙏 they've helped me with my staffy 🎉

I have a 185 lb dog reactive at a level 7-9 depending on the source and my younger 115 lb dog is at a level 9-10 at all people and dogs. They feed off each other. It's exhausting. Will keep working on it though. Tom please keep these videos coming! This info is gold! ❤

Now having a greater understanding of dog/human behavior, i think Dash was an 8. Thanks to your videos, then seeking out a balanced trainer and realizing everyday is an opportunity to train, play and learn, our boy is down to a 2 or 1. Thank you so much Tom!

Hi Tom. I must say I am so impressed with every video I have seen. I am currently involved with training our new dog that we adopted from the shelter. He is a staffie/pointer mix we think. He is a wonderful dog with us and very, very trainable. All my life I have had cats so this is a very new challenge for me. However, I have 2 kids that now have families of their own and I totally get where you are coming from with consistency and strong leadership. Colby Jack, our dog has serious reactivity to anyone that comes to our door. We have a trainer that is helping us with this but she comes once a week and has not experienced the full effect of him really exploding. When we take him out to play ball at a nearby park with vacant fields he pulls so hard. I stop walking, I will do a correction , make the turns or offer to pay him when he makes the right decision…he is not interested in food at all. As soon as we begin walking again, the pulling begins. Let me say here, I’m 100% sure I’m not doing everything right, but truthfully, I’m at a loss of how to handle this. He’s such a good dog and I don’t want to hinder his growth. Our trainer noticed that it appears that is canine teeth were filed down, possibly to used as a bait dog. This so breaks my heart and infuriates me at the same time. We don’t know this for sure. We don’t know what he has been through. What I do know is I want to be the positive force in his life. He deserves that. I want his mental, physical and social well being to be strong and confident. Your videos have helped me to see what my role is in making my goals for him and me a reality. I know if you were able to meet him, you would absolutely love him and see how quickly he learns. He’s an amazing dog. Thank you for your love and passion for dogs and desire to help their owners. My hope would be to one day be able to work with you to help Colby Jack be the best he can be by me being the best of what he needs to succeed. With warm regards and so much appreciation for your passion, Beth Hayworth

Please make more videos. I find them very helpful with my 2 year old maltipoo.

A 1. My Berner was a 9 in his youth. I learned through this channel how to handle him. He is now a 1 because he lets out a small whine when he sees certain dogs. The commande Quiet and a Seat is all he needs. If the other owner is confortable, I then give the commande Go Greet! It’s a joy taking him everywhere! ❤

I love your videos and have a learnt a lot from your videos

Thank you for your help!

Thanks for this again very precious information! 🙂

Great video and thanks for sharing!!

love your videos!! thank you 😊

Another awesome informative video!

Great advice, Tom!

Thanks Tom, I really do need to work on me, cookie is still really scared 😱 all the time , I thought she would get better but when I take her out she still acts sheepish and scared , not scary but scared of the world , even at home if something falls or move unexpectedly she runs for her crate or jumps on my bed. Now understand I have never hit her or even raised my hand to her. This is just how she reacts to everything.

I found you along with a bunch others and I like your approach bern several days now and Gus has gotten somewhat better but we got work to do but I wanted to say it works even on older pups

I wish I could get a lesson from you ! Just don’t have that kinda money right now. ❤ Thank you for the video though!!

Excellent video! I wish people would listen and pay more attention to the trainer and their dogs body language! Keep the videos coming.

My dog reactive is just 2. Since I learn from your videos to see when he's building up. So I can stop him very quick and bring him to normal behavior. Thank you so much. 🥰

Owner anxiety is not just a problem that leads to dog aggression. It also underpins separation anxiety and fear of loud noises and bright flashes as seen in firework displays. When we started showing dogs in pedigree classes back in the 1990's it was common for ringcraft trainers to use two phrases (1) Tell them don't ask them! (2) Do NOT reward anxiety! Over the years training classes have become progressively more competition orientated with less effort devoted to socialisation and and a move to actively avoiding exposing dogs to minor stress in a controlled environment. A reintroduction of broader based training experiences in puppy classes would do much to prepare dogs and their owners to cope with the pressures they are likely to encounter outside of the training hall.

I definitely fall into the category of nervous Nelly! Not because of my dog but because of causing other people/dogs fear. She’s reactive but not aggressive. I’ve moved into a completely different environment. Off leash obedient farm dog to living in a subdivision. Border collie mix with great concentration on me except when I meet another dog on leash

Great video keep it up I love it more more more thank you

Best info in the world.

Buck is a red zone ten when another dog walks by. Thanks for this video!

Considering adopting 2 yr old Rottweiler . He is Reactive( love this reference & not aggressive). Reactive to dogs when he is on a leash or in a car with windows up. Always had GS purebred & trained from Germany.Adopted a GS ..US. He was reactive to Big & Small male dogs. My X did not handle the dog the same way I did. Took him to the Vet. Walked in my dog attacked the Vets dog & it had to be put down. 2nd incident. My dog was immediately put down. Just discovered your site. In considering this new adoption what are immediate steps to take in being introduced to the dog to make the best choice for myself & the dog. Best recommendation for your videos.

Thanks man. My dog is a 10. Very reactive. I’m gonna try this.

When I adopted my GSD #journeythepoundpuppy from the pound she was a 12 on the reactive scale. She was kept by a breeder in a kennel unsocialized, and developmentally stunted. Dumped in the Miami pound and on the red list bc she was sterile at 18mo. Fear reactive to everything. But she is lovely around my clients dogs and dogs in my control. We spent hours on the leash. Took your advice and got her a HS prong collar and was really happy to see the lunging stop. Reactivity then was about a 6. These days (about 2yrs of rehab) she's about a solid 3. The reactivity is conditional. She tends to match energy. She's reactive to dogs she doesn't know particularly dogs off leash that invade our space. If we have the space to go wide around them, she about a 2 with some whining, alert barking, and will hurry our pace. If we have to squeeze by, I have to shorten her lead, quicken my pace and use a "c'mon let's go" and quickly but calmly pass them then stop and reward. I don't want her to be "friendly". I don't want a "security" dog. But I do appreciate that people use caution around her, us, and my clients dogs when she's around. When she walks with my dogs they appreciate the space she creates around us. The lil dogs bite, and when Journey is around no one asks to pet them. Sometimes I wonder if total neutrality an unreasonable goal given her circumstances, not that we won't ever stop trying. Thanks for all the advice ❤ Sharon and Journey

My dog is reactive to the walk itself and always has been. We have stopped taking him on walks because it’s so stressful for him. Even after we are home it’s take 20 to 30 minutes to calm down. His separation anxiety makes him the same way when we come home for work. He’s calmed down in a lot of things but he’s almost 7 and 113lbs. He’s a huge hound/lab mix and I love him and I believe that you don’t toss out a dog cuz he’s a problem so we just deal with it. I’ve started watching your videos to get ideas. Your videos on training are the best I’ve come across.

My dog is a 10. He was born during the pandemic and we were sheltered for months. He's afraid of everything. Yes I stress out and feel anxious. I'm not handling him correctly 😢

Another great video, Tom. You make me want to get a dog 🐶😂

I tell my lady not to do that especially since we are slowly training the puppy. Petting her and trying to tell her to calm down doesn’t work. And your videos have showed her what I mean. So 🙏

Thank you very much for the videos you make My problem with Staffy is when he doesn't go with the leg to "do his thing" then he starts pulling. And the older he gets, the more things scare him, and every day we walk to the same place

Perfect timing. My German shepherd is becoming reactive and I need to deal with it immediately

“Watching this video,” Elli, one of my dogs, said, “I felt as if Tom was speaking directly to my Mama. I'm a good girl when Dad is walking with me on the leash. But when Mama is walking with me, she sometimes pulls me on the leash. I look around to see what's wrong, and I find a dog coming toward us. I think Mama must be scared, so I warn the dog and say, ‘Don't come towards Mama!’ Even if Mama doesn't pull me on the leash, she says, ‘Ah! Inu!’ (I know that word means ‘dog’), so I charge the dog and yell, ‘Go away!’” Elli usually stopped her leash reactivity whenever I corrected her. I learned from many videos of Tom's and the "Reactive to Neutral" course. Thank you very much❗

2yr old female Great Dane is a 10. Glad I found you.

Best video and advice I've seen on reactivity and so true. I inherited my sons German Shepherd Neo Mastiff and he was very reactive but not in an agressive way. As soon as i realised it was me that needed to change, he was a differnt dog. I was doing exactly what you described Tom but once I took charge and relaxed things improved so much. I actually enjoy walking him now. You honestly are the best dog trainer I've come across. Love watching your videos all the way from NZ.

My dog was at a 8 before I found you and a few other channels now I would say she’s at a 4 she was a stray so I’m not sure what brought her to that point but this has been 2 months of work and she has some amazing days but some days that aren’t the best

My dog is around a 4 reactivity if the dog is within 2 meters. Farther, my dog is 0, but attentive. Thanks for all your videos!!!!

0. She’s a very confident dog, she doesn’t mind dog or strangers, she recognizes when it’s time to “work” and be a free dog, I can control her up to within ear sound/shot. She loves herding sheep, I control her through whistling and words and hand signs. We do agility and shows where I no SHE demonstrates all sorts of tricks, my favorite is “one foot forward, foot back” “ you can touch the toy but you can’t get it” she’s a very happy family dog loves the kids, she’s a border collie.

This was a good marketing video. I miss the old videos though.

my pitbull is a rescue and he is super reactive (10/10) I had him checked out and he also has doggy obsessive compulsive behavior and adhd. Any tips or advice is always appreciated, so thanks for these videos.

Yes😊

Dropped This video at the perfect time , just got a wire haired Hungarian vizsla I’ll be taking him for his first walk on the 26th this month

You are fabulous ... your all-access club membership also gives access to your new reactive dog training?

I’m a dog trainer myself so watching your videos are so helpful

I have a rescue German Shepherd, I was told that he was never socialized and was owned by a lady who was diagnozed with a terminal illness after purchasing him. I watched your video and couldn't see much that I do that is wrong, I don't react of get nervois when I see another dog I just keep on walking. The only things I do is tell him "settle" once he starts to lock on and if he doesn't over-react I tell him "Good Boy". Itook him on because they were going to put him down if I did not take him. He is a beautiful people loving dog that only has this one issue. I love him dearly and won't ever give up on him. Oh yeah, I occasionally meet a placid young Goldern Retriever and my dog gets excited but because the other dog is non reactionary my dog settles very quickly and even loses interest in her. I wish I could pay for you to come and assess him but I'm on the other side of the planet, haha. God bless and thanks for the videos. Oh I forgot, he was 3.6 years when I got him and he is now 6, that is 2.6 years of his behavior.

So appreciate every single video about reactivity. Understand that it is 90% my fault. But, having been knocked over twice and injuring my knee badly, not tensing up is extremely hard to do. Will keep working at it and in the meantime am saving up to come to your class,I basically live just up the street, at the St Lawrence River.

My lovely sweet female Doberman rescue is definitely a 10!

Ive been following nothing but tips from you and Will Atherton since I've rescued my second dutch sheperd that has reactivity issues. Ive been trying to implement all your tips and tricks, but it seems to only be getting worse.

Our five year old goes absolutely insane over skateboarers. And occasionally they'll come out of no where. Thinking of getting a skateboard to have around our house/property, or hang out a distance from the skateboard park? He's grown hyper reactive with protective barking meat or car. He regressed after double knee surgery. Want everyone enjoying outings again.

Thank you I am learning so much from watching your videos

This is so informative and makes me realize the little things I’m doing wrong with my Sussex Spaniel rescue. However, my problem is with house guests, to include family that he knows. Extremely reactive with barking, growling and nipping. Outside he is very well behaved. Please do an extensive video on in the home reactivity! I’m afraid he will have to be put in a kennel when we have guests which is not what I want. Help please!

My dog is at about an 8-9. She is a black lab blue heeler mix and she was attacked when she was a puppy. I use a harness and she pulls a lot. She is very obedient indoors when i have her follow my lead but outdoors she just very reactive.

8 or 9 😭 before I knew any better, I counted on the dog park to socialize him well. Much of the time was fine, but I unintentionally rewarded his behavior and exposed him to bad influences. When he was 3 or 4 months old, I went along with my dad to talk to a work friend. I was playing with my shepherd in the yard when the guys girlfriend comes out and says she's got a puppy for mine to play with. I was like oh cool another puppy. So I go around back with my dog, and this beast of a Cane Corso struts out toward my puppy. He was so scared he pissed himself and screamed.

My Australian Shepherd is at an 8, down from a 10 when i got her 2.5 years ago. Mostly slow moving cars and other dogs coming headon. Its hard to redirect her as she immediately lunges forward. Also, this happens usually before she has relieved her bowels and lessens to a

If the HUMAN doesnt change, the dog will NEVER change. Great Video Tom!

I'm absolutely the problem. Ever since my pup was attacked whilst on leash. Now I'm so nervous every time we go near a dog that he reacts. He stares down and pulls and stalks towards from a distance, and if i turn around he keeps turning back to look at them. I'm having to keep a distance away for him to feel ' safe'. He's fine with the dog walker once a week on a pack walk without me. So i know it's 100% me.

I love the videos. We have been using a prong collar on a boxer collie mix and it seems to work however, it keeps sliding down no matter what. She is a fairy short-haired dog. I am just wondering if there is an alternative that is better for her type of coat?

My Catahoula is an 9 on the fearful anxious scale. In a nutshell. I got him right at the start of the pandemic as a 7 week old rescue. He doesn't trust anyone and I'm not for certain why other than he has severe scars on him from a dog bite. He was unable to even walk with his back legs when I rescued him. We've come a long way with rehabilitation but he has bad social skills being isolated in the pandemic.

scale of 1-10, our dog varies from 9 at the beginning of a hike to about a 4 by the end.

Nice video