From the dog who barks at bikes, lunges at dogs, and is doing their best.
1. I’m Not Being Bad—I’m Overwhelmed
If I’m barking, I’m not giving you a hard time. I’m having a hard time.
That dog across the street? That jogger coming toward us? To you, they’re no big deal. But to me, they’re confusing and unpredictable.
My barking and lunging aren’t choices—I’m reacting to a nervous system that feels under threat. I don’t need discipline—I need distance and support.
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2. Please Learn My Body Language
It’s how I speak to you.
I give you signs long before I react. When you see my ears go back, my tail stiffen, or my mouth close tightly, I’m telling you I’m uncomfortable.
Those early cues are your chance to help me before I explode. When you notice and respond to them, I learn to trust that you’re paying attention—and that you’ll keep me safe.
3. Punishment Makes Me Feel Worse, Not Better
It doesn’t teach me calm—it teaches me fear.
Yelling, leash corrections, or harsh tools may stop me in the moment, but they don’t make the world feel safer.
They just teach me that expressing my fear or frustration leads to more scary things. I need you to teach me what to do instead, and make good choices worth my while.
4. My Behavior Isn’t Your Fault—And It’s Not Forever
I’m not broken, and you’re not failing.
Reactivity isn’t caused by “bad dogs” or “bad training.”
It’s often rooted in fear, frustration, genetics, trauma, or pain. With the right support, I can learn better coping strategies. Progress is possible—especially when we’re in it together. Our dog trainer team at Freak On A Leash in Virginia Beach and Chesapeake can guide you through helping your dog’s big emotions.
5. Connection Changes Everything
When we work as a team, I can finally exhale.
When you engage with me before I escalate—ask for a check-in, cue “find it,” let me sniff—I feel empowered. I learn the world isn’t so scary, because you’re helping me navigate it.
That’s when the real change happens: not through control, but through trust.
From Your Reactive Dog, With Love
Thank you for seeing me. Thank you for believing I can improve.
I know it’s hard—but every time you advocate for me, celebrate my tiny wins, or give me space to breathe, I feel safer. And when I feel safe, I can learn.
