Big Feelings, Not Bad Dogs: Understanding Reactivity

Let’s talk about a word that gets thrown around a lot, often in whispers, usually with a hint of embarrassment and shame. Reactive.

It sounds like a label. Like something’s gone a bit wrong. But here’s the truth: Reactivity isn’t rare. It isn’t shameful. And it doesn’t always mean your dog is dangerous.

In fact, if your dog has ever barked, bounced, lunged, growled, or completely lost their mind at the sight of another dog, a person, or even a football… You’re in good company.

Because most dogs are reactive in some way. Some just do a better job of hiding it.

What is Reactivity?

Reactivity is essentially an emotional overreaction to a stimulus. That could be fear, frustration, anxiety, or.. and this is where a lot of people get confused.. pure, unfiltered excitement.

It’s the dog who sees another dog and goes full kangaroo at the end of the lead. The one who pulls so hard towards a new person they sound like they're fighting for breath. Or the one who freezes, stiffens, and growls because a child on a scooter just came a bit too close.

All of these are reactive behaviours. But they don’t mean your dog is “aggressive”. In fact, aggression and reactivity are not the same thing.

As the British Veterinary Behaviour Association (BVBA) points out, “Reactive behaviours are often communication tools used by dogs to cope with overwhelming situations. They are not necessarily a sign of aggression, but of discomfort, arousal or stress.”

Dogs bark, lunge, or whine because they’re trying to create space, access something, or cope with their feelings. Kind of like when you stub your toe, spill your coffee, and then lose your keys all before 9am. You’re not trying to be dramatic, but the world just became too much for a moment.

And like us, some dogs have a lower threshold before they need to have a bit of a moment themselves.

Reactivity Isn’t a One-size-fits-all Label

If you’ve ever found yourself saying:

• “He’s fine, except when people stare at him.”

• “She’s friendly, but she pulls like mad if she sees another dog.”

• “He just gets so excited and can’t calm down.”

  
  

You’re describing a reactive dog. And you’re not alone. Reactivity exists on a spectrum, from mild to full-blown meltdown, and it can be caused by a whole host of things, such as:

• Fear or anxiety

• Frustration (wanting access to something)

• Over-arousal or excitement

• Pain or discomfort

• Lack of early social exposure (or negative early experiences)

  
  

And, frankly, sometimes dogs are just being… dogs.

Common Types of Reactivity (that might sound familiar)

Every reactive dog is different, but some patterns are easy to spot. You might recognize your dog in one or more of these:

• Barking, lunging, or growling at other dogs

• Pulling hard towards people, friendly or not

• Barking or whining when they can’t get to something

• Shutting down or freezing in busy environments

• Barking at sudden sounds or movement

• Over-the-top excitement that quickly spirals into chaos

• Reacting to specific triggers like bikes, scooters, or hats

  
  

None of these behaviours make your dog bad. They make them a dog that’s struggling to process something, and that’s something we can work with.

Why mantrailing is a Game Changer for Reactive Dogs (and their humans)

So what does this have to do with mantrailing?

Everything.

Mantrailing is one of the most inclusive, dog-centric activities out there, and reactive dogs thrive in it.

Here’s why:

• Dogs work one at a time, so there’s no pressure to be social

• It’s mentally enriching, meaning dogs are focused and fulfilled

• It taps into natural instincts like sniffing, hunting, and problem-solving

• It encourages communication, not correction

• It empowers you to learn more about your dog’s body language, thresholds, and needs

• It builds confidence, resilience, and trust, in both of you

  
  

Reactive dogs often live in a world full of “No.” No barking. No pulling. No reacting. In mantrailing, they finally get a “Yes.”

Yes, you can follow that scent. Yes, you can use your voice. Yes, you can be a dog.

I’ve worked with many dogs, from the shy to the shouty, the anxious to the excitable, and time after time, mantrailing has helped them come out of their shell, work through emotions, and start to believe in themselves again.

Conclusion: You’re not alone and your dog doesn’t need to be perfect

There’s no such thing as a perfect dog. There’s just your dog, and the relationship you build together.

If you’ve felt judged, sidelined, or just exhausted by trying to “fix” your dog’s reactivity, I want you to know:

You are not the only one, your dog isn’t the only one and there is a space for both of you.

Having a reactive dog isn’t a reflection of your ability. It’s a reflection of your willingness to understand and support a dog who needs something different. If anything, recognizing your dog’s reactivity and seeking support (instead of shutting them down) makes you a better-than-average dog guardian.

Reactivity isn’t a life sentence. It’s a signal. And when you start listening, learning, and giving your dog the freedom to express themselves in a safe way, magic happens.

Mantrailing is more than a sport. It’s a lifeline. For the reactive, the over-excited, the misunderstood, and the “not perfect” types. And if that sounds like your dog?

You’ll fit right in.

“I used to bark at people all of the time just for existing and lose my mind if I saw a dog whilst on my lead. Now I use my nose, not my volume. Come trail with us,it’s way more fun than shouting at strangers.” - Frank

Happy Mantrailing!

Danielle & Frank

The Frank ‘n’ Scents Mantrailing Team