Shadow the Jazzy Shepherd
What is Reactivity?
Learn about "reactive" dogs!
What is a Reactive Dog?
A reactive dog has big feelings about certain things in their environment.
They may react because they feel:
• Excited
• Scared
• Frustrated
• Overwhelmed
These BIG feelings do NOT equal aggression!
What are "Triggers"?
Triggers can be anything that causes reactions in the dog's behavior.
Common triggers:
🐕 Dogs
👩 People / Kids
🚲 Bikes / Scooters / Strollers
🚗 Cars / Trailers
🐿️ Wildlife (Squirrels, Rabbits, etc)
🔊 Loud noises
🎒 Objects people carry
What are "Behaviors"?
Behaviors are what the dog may do when they see a trigger.
Common behaviors:
• Bark
• Lunge
• Pull leash
• Stare intensely
• Hide or cower
• Growl
What is "Threshold"?
Threshold is how close a dog can be to a trigger while still remaining calm.
Every dog is different, and every day is different. One day a dog may need 200 feet of space from a trigger. Another day they may be comfortable much closer. Factors like stress, excitement, unfamiliar objects, or a staring dog can all affect a dog's threshold.
What Does a Reactive Dog Need?
❤️ Space
❤️ Patience
❤️ Understanding
❤️ Positive training experiences
If you see a reactive dog, giving them extra space is one of the kindest
things you can do.
Message from Shadow
Talk about how every dog is different. Not all dogs are some same. Each learns at their own pace. There will be days with BIG WINS, and days where you want to hide in your room and cry. The important thing is... NEVER GIVE UP! You got this!
As a "reactive" dog, I've got BIG feelings about certain triggers — especially other dogs. I’m working really hard to learn how to stay calm and make good choices, but training is a journey… not a straight line.
Some days I can walk close to another dog without reacting. Other days I need lots of space. Both are okay. Both are part of learning.
Reactive dogs are not bad dogs. We’re dogs learning how to navigate a very busy world. If you see a dog like me, or any dog wearing gear like "in training" or "give space" please give space — it helps signal that we may need space, patience, and understanding.
Thanks for supporting my journey! 💛
Follow on Instagram: @shadowthejazzyshepherd
View my "Lessons from a Reactive Dog" series!
