If your dog barks, lunges, growls, or becomes overwhelmed around other dogs, people, or situations, you're not alone. Reactivity is one of the most common challenges dog owners face, and understanding why it happens is the first step towards helping your dog feel calmer and more confident.

Initia l meetings are like first impressions.= they count. Make sure the interaction is away from the house and in a neutral space. When they initially see each other have a treat ready to give but allow them to just watch each other too. Having toys on the floor (if your older dog does not guard can help take the social pressure off. Walking parallel with each other with both dogs on lead can help reduce frustration. If they engage in play, it should be mirrored and matched - always avoid any teeth on body parts. Coming home Dogs shouldn't be right next to each other on the way home. Just like we like personal space on a tube dogs's want this too! Here are some ideas that I got from Canine Arthritis Management for older dogs: If there is a back seat cover for mud an anti not slippy cover is important. Bolsters and cushions can help prevent moving around Harnesses to keep still when you go around any roundabouts can help too. Ramps and steps to get out of the car to prevent lots of pressure on joints ie caravan steps can help too At home Having a safe space for your older dog that your puppy cannot access is key. Feeding times can be over exciting. Just like, us all, older dogs need some tlc. Here are some home adaptations that can help:

Often people describe resource guarding and possessiveness over items when a dog has snapped or bitten.

When we live with an anxious dog, it is natural to want to reassure them.

There can be many great reasons to muzzle train every dog , just in case they ever needed it. These include: 🐾Accidents and emergencies – if a dog is in pain they can be unpredictable sore and aggressive in an attempt to protect themselves. Placing a muzzle on them without any training before hand can stress them out even more and could mean treatment is delayed. This can happen with ANY dog even if they have never shown aggressive behaviour before. 🐾Summer – As you may have seen in the news, very sadly a dog attended a tulip festival and after eating some passed away. More people will be having picnics due to the lovely weather and we don’t want a stressful and expensive vet trip if your dog eats something. 🐾A change in behaviour – a muzzle keeps your dog, people and other dogs safe. 🐾Travel – Many ferries and countries have rules that dog’s must wear muzzles. There is also a good website here , that takes you through steps. I am going to host a muzzle training workshop - you can find out more here. Adapted from the Muzzle Up Movement.

Having a dog who shows reactive behaviour can leave you feeling tired, on edge and emotionally exhausting experience at times. It is really important to look after yourself. I hope these ideas help you.

Helping dogs who are nervous of sounds It can be really tricky and feel hard when your dog is feeling nervous of sounds that you do not have control over. They may freeze, startle, growl, try to flee, shake, drool or more. Here are some considerations if your dog is nervous of sounds. As well as the noise, there is the physical vibration too.

Have you ever wondered that even if scared why a dog will run towards something? If a dog is barking and lunging at something that they are scared of then surely they would avoid it... right? This isn't always the case!

Why Emotional Wellbeing Matters at the Vet When it comes to veterinary care, the focus is often on physical health—but a pet’s emotional experiences important If stress and fear are overlooked, it can shape how an animal feels about vet visits in the future. Negative experiences may lead to increased anxiety, defensive behaviour, or even the need for sedation during routine examinations. By considering how our pets feel, we can help create calmer, safer, and more positive veterinary visits. Chat to your vets about how they can support your dog.