As a dog owner, you’ll want your four-legged friend to live a happy and sociable life. From an early age, your dog will develop certain behaviors, some designed to protect themselves from any perceived threats. How your dog reacts to other people and pets will show how relaxed they are, so when it comes to dog-to-human reactivity, you’ll want to ensure it is as positive as possible.

Below are some helpful pointers as to what can cause a negative reaction between a dog and other humans and how you can help manage this from an early age. Hopefully, with a bit of patience and some practical tips, you can help your dog lead a happier, more relaxed life around you and others.

What is Dog-to-Human Reactivity?

The term refers to how dogs react to other people other than their owners. When negative, it is usually a stress-induced behaviour where they may display aggressive or fearful responses towards people. Whether it’s from fear, anxiety, or overstimulation, it is a reaction rather than a desire to harm, showing their frustration. There are a few different signs that your dog is reactive as per the Dogs Trust, including lunging, barking, growling or snarling. They may also become more frantic in their movement and try to pull towards someone whilst on a lead.

Being able to spot the signs that your dog feels uncomfortable or triggered by another person is important as it will help you manage the issue. The triggers can vary widely from one dog to another, but it could be an introduction to unfamiliar people whether it’s friends or family, meeting strangers when out for a walk, sudden movements, or even direct eye contact. Some dogs may react only in specific situations, such as when they are confined by a lead or in a crowded place, whilst others it can happen in any unfamiliar situation.

You’ll know your dog better than anyone, so being able to tell what is a positive reaction from them, such as being excited to see someone, or a negative one where they seem more worried, will let you know how to respond.

What Causes a Dog To React?

There can be a few different reasons for this to happen, and can be a combination of their upbringing, environmental factors and their specific breed:

Breed – Some breeds are naturally more prone to reactive behaviours due to their genetic makeup. This may mean they are more sensitive to certain things. For example, a working dog breed such as a Boxer or Doberman may be more guarded around strangers than others.
Socialisation – Lack of proper socialisation during a dog’s early development can lead to fearfulness and anxiety around humans. Dogs that haven’t had positive early experiences with a variety of people can be more likely to react negatively when faced with unfamiliar strangers. A rescue dog, for instance, may have had a difficult past with a previous owner or people that you may not be aware of.
Training – How a dog is trained, or lack of this, can significantly impact their reactivity. Inconsistent or poor training methods can heighten anxiety and stress, meaning they can react more to people they don’t know.

Being aware of the different reasons can help you understand perhaps why your dog may be acting negatively towards other people. So, what can you do to help?

How To Manage Your Dog’s Reactivity

If your dog is showing signs of the above, then here’s some things you can try to help them.

Avoid Overwhelming Situations – Recognise situations that may overwhelm your dog and try to avoid them. If your dog is reactive towards large groups of people, try walking them during quieter times of the day such as early morning or the evening, or in less crowded areas. This also goes for having visitors at home – if this is triggering for your dog, help them have a safe space they can go to relax and try to avoid having lots of people over at once.
Positive Reinforcement – Use treats, praise, or toys to reward your dog when they remain calm or obey commands and help them focus on other things. As per advice from pet charity Woodgreen, teach them cues at home before tying them out on a walk such as “sit”, “find it” and “this way”. Positive reinforcement encourages good behaviour by making the experience rewarding rather than stressful. It also helps you distract your dog when they begin to show signs.
Consistent Routine – Establishing a consistent daily routine helps reduce anxiety by providing predictability for your dog, making them feel more secure.
Body Language Awareness – Learn to read your dog’s body language and identify signs of stress early. Recognising these signs can help you intervene before their reaction escalates. If for instance, a stranger approaches on a walk, it can be best to politely tell them not to get too close or try to pet your dog if you know this will trigger them.

You’ll need both patience and consistency when managing your dog, but in some situations, it may be necessary to consult a professional dog trainer or behaviourist who can offer more personalised guidance and support.

When to Seek Professional Help

While many cases of dog-to-human reactivity can be managed with consistent training and strategies at home, there are times when it’s better to seek professional help. Consider consulting a professional dog trainer or behaviourist if your dog’s reactivity is causing concern. Speaking to your vet about the situation can be a good start as they will be able to help recommend someone or with where to look.

Professionals can offer more intensive training techniques and support tailored to your dog’s specific needs. Getting professional help early can prevent the reactivity from becoming more ingrained and harder to manage, leading to a safer and happier relationship between you and your dog.

Seeking professional help for behavioural issues, including reactivity, can be costly. You may already have a pet insurance policy that can help cover behavioural treatment, making essential training more accessible and affordable. Some providers can cover help from an expert for your pet’s emotional and mental well-being up to your chosen vet fee limit, so it is worth comparing policies to check this is covered.

Help Your Dog To Be Calm & Sociable

Taking on the responsibility of a dog shouldn’t be taken lightly, and if you are looking at getting a dog for the first time, be sure to research the breeds first so that you have a good idea of suitability for you and your household. With the right training and socialisation early on, especially with a puppy, you can help them grow up to be well-adjusted and confident around other people. If your dog does show signs of reactivity, do speak to your vet for help on how to manage this if you are unsure. Hopefully then, your dog can get the help it needs, and you’ll be able to manage potential situations more easily.