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Barking or growling
Intense barking, growling or vocalising when another dog appears.
YunDog.es · San Javier · Mar Menor · 45 km radius
Reactive dog around other dogs: barking, pulling or lunging on walks
If your dog barks, lunges, pulls, freezes or fixates when seeing other dogs, we work on the root of the problem with distance, handling, self-control and progressive exposure.
Tell us your situationReactivity is not solved by pulling harder on the lead
When a dog reacts to other dogs, there is usually a strong emotion behind it: fear, insecurity, frustration, overexcitement, previous bad experiences or poor coping skills.
The goal is not to force the dog to “be quiet”, but to teach them how to manage the presence of other dogs in a calmer, safer and more controlled way.
Dog reactivity
Common signs of a reactive dog
Reactivity can appear in different ways. Not every dog reacts the same.
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Pulling or lunging
The dog pushes forward, becomes stiff or pulls the handler strongly.
3
Fixating
Your dog stares intensely at the other dog and loses the ability to focus on you.
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Freezing
Your dog stops moving, becomes stuck, does not respond or seems unable to walk away.
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Frustration
Your dog wants to approach, cannot do it, and the tension turns into barking or pulling.
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Difficulty calming down
After seeing another dog, your dog stays nervous, alert or continues looking for more triggers.
Training method
How we work on reactivity
The key is working below threshold, safely and with realistic progression.
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We assess the case
We analyse intensity, critical distance, history, handling, routine and triggers.
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We set a safe distance
We find the distance where your dog can see the trigger without exploding.
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We improve handling
Lead handling, direction changes, stops, orientation and moving away from triggers.
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Counterconditioning
We help change the emotional response associated with seeing other dogs.
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Self-control and focus
We teach alternatives: looking at the handler, changing direction, waiting and recovering calm.
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Progressive exposure
We increase difficulty gradually, without forcing encounters the dog cannot manage.
Common mistakes that can make reactivity worse
- Moving closer “so the dog gets used to it” when the dog is already tense.
- Correcting too late, when the dog has already reacted.
- Keeping the lead tense every time another dog appears.
- Forcing greetings or unnecessary approaches.
- Repeating commands when the dog is not able to respond.
- Exposing the dog above their ability to cope.
Reactive dog training
We help your dog learn to see other dogs without automatically going into barking, tension or loss of control.
Who this work is for
- Dogs that bark or lunge when seeing other dogs.
- Dogs that fixate and lose connection with the handler.
- Insecure, frustrated or highly excitable dogs.
- Owners who experience walks with tension or embarrassment.
- Families who need a clear and safe plan.
Important if there is a bite risk
If your dog has already bitten, tries to bite, lunges with strong force or you cannot control them safely, the case must be assessed before exposing them to other dogs.
In some cases, working with a properly conditioned muzzle and specific safety measures may be recommended.
Which service may fit
How we can help depending on the case
One-to-one sessions
The main option for working on reactivity, distance, handling and progressive exposure.
View behaviour modification →Group classes
Useful when the dog can already work near other dogs without becoming overwhelmed.
View group classes →Online consultation
Can help review handling, videos, routine and first steps from home.
View online advice →