Why Is My Dog So Reactive? Part II: Turning Barking and Lunging Into Trust and Play

If your dog barks in the car, growls at visitors, or goes wild on walks, you’re not alone. In this listener Q&A, I address five real-world questions about reactivity, ranging from car meltdowns and nighttime barking to leash explosions and unexpected bites.You’ll learn how to recognize the emotions beneath the behavior, create safety through small daily shifts, and turn stressful moments into chances for trust and calm.Because when we stop reacting to our dogs and start listening with them, everything begins to change.Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raisinghappydogsBook a session with me: https://www.sarahhodgson.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit raisinghappydogs.substack.com

Sarah Hodgson continues her deep dive into reactivity with the remarkable story of Hannah and her boxer, Ranger. Once on the verge of being rehomed, Ranger barked, lunged, and snapped his way through daily life—until a few simple shifts changed everything.Sarah shares how reframing his behavior from “bad” to “burdened” unlocked a new path forward. Through structure, safety, and play, Ranger learned to relax, trust, and reconnect with his family. You’ll hear how setting boundaries, creating calm routines, and letting go of constant correction turned tension into teamwork.Whether your dog guards the window or pulls on every walk, this heartfelt episode shows that reactive dogs aren’t broken—they just need clarity, compassion, and a little help finding their calm.Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raisinghappydogs Book a session with me: https://www.sarahhodgson.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit raisinghappydogs.substack.com

Sarah Hodgson unpacks the roots of reactivity, explaining why so many dogs bark out of windows, lunge on leash, or guard the front door as if it’s their job. Far from being stubborn or mean, these dogs are overwhelmed, carrying the heavy burden of keeping everyone safe.This episode examines how territorial behavior develops at home, why it often intensifies when on leash, and what approaches are ineffective when trying to correct it. Instead, she offers a framework built on clarity, distance, and trust, giving your dog permission to step back while reassuring them you’re in charge of safety.This is Part I of a multi-part series on reactivity, laying the groundwork before we meet Ranger, a boxer who transformed from lunging and snapping to calm and connected. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit raisinghappydogs.substack.com

Sarah Hodgson explores the foundation of raising a calm, confident dog, creating a safe and secure puppyhood. She shares why puppies struggle when left to sleep alone, how their central nervous system drives behavior, and why sleep is the cornerstone of emotional balance. With simple adjustments like where your puppy rests, what comforts they have nearby, and how you support their early routines, Sarah shows how small changes can prevent anxiety, hyperactivity, and sleepless nights. Whether you’re bringing home a new puppy or looking to reset old habits, this episode will help you create the calm, happy dog every family dreams of.Book a Session: https://www.sarahhodgson.com/Follow Me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahsayspetsOrder a Leash Here: https://sarahsaysstore.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit raisinghappydogs.substack.com

Sarah Hodgson reimagines the leash from a dog’s perspective, where every walk is less about destination and more about discovery. She explores why pulling occurs, how to balance sniffing with structure, and simple ways to turn leash time into a shared experience rather than a power struggle. Also included are listener questions tackling real-life challenges, from excited jumping to bolting at the door, with tips on harnesses, threshold training, and calm walking cues. Whether you’re managing a playful puppy or a strong puller, you’ll find practical strategies to make walks safer, smoother, and more enjoyable for you both.Buy my leashes here: https://shop.sarahhodgson.com/Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raisinghappydogsBook time with me: https://www.sarahhodgson.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit raisinghappydogs.substack.com

Sarah Hodgson unpacks one of the most common canine quirks, barking! From dogs who sound the alarm at every passerby to pups who greet guests like rockstars, Sarah shares why barking happens and how to respond without losing your cool. You’ll learn why rest cycles matter, how environment shapes behavior, and simple strategies like leash control, redirection, and the “party in the kitchen” game. Whether your dog barks for attention, excitement, or frustration, you’ll discover practical ways to restore calm and keep communication positive! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit raisinghappydogs.substack.com

Sarah Hodgson shines a spotlight on one of the most overlooked yet powerful cues in dog training: Wait. Unlike stay, which asks for stillness, wait teaches your dog to pause, a moment of mindfulness before action.Sarah breaks down why wait is essential for impulse control, leash manners, and everyday harmony. You’ll learn when and how to use it, why it helps dogs develop frustration tolerance, and simple steps to teach it at home. From mealtime to doorways to sidewalk pauses, discover how this small cue can create big changes in your dog’s behavior and your bond.Book a Session: https://www.sarahhodgson.com/Follow Me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahsayspetsOrder a Leash Here: https://sarahsaysstore.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit raisinghappydogs.substack.com

Sarah Hodgson unpacks one of the most important (and misunderstood!) cues in dog training: Come. Over time, many dogs start to associate recall with the end of fun, confinement, or frustration, making them hesitate when it matters most.Through real-life stories and simple, joy-based training techniques, Sarah shows you how to rebuild Come as a word your dog loves to hear. From anchoring it in positive moments to turning it into a game, you’ll learn how to make recall a celebration, not a command. By the end, you’ll have tools to create a faster, happier response—one rooted in trust, connection, and excitement to be by your side. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit raisinghappydogs.substack.com

Sarah Hodgson takes you inside two urban dog cases she has encountered, first we have Henry the reactive beagle and Cassie the overwhelmed dog who just moved into the city. Through these real-life stories, she breaks down how stress, fear, and sensory overload shape behavior, and what you can do to help. Tune in to learn how the “canine arrow,” red-yellow-green zones, and simple games can turn reactivity into resilience. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit raisinghappydogs.substack.com

Sarah Hodgson explores what barking and guarding behaviors are really about—from post-trauma triggers to resource guarding and mealtime meltdowns. Through listener questions and real-life stories, she reframes barking not as defiance, but as a dog’s attempt to feel safe and understood.Sarah dives into the difference between behavior and belief, unpacking why our dogs may act out when they feel overwhelmed or overly responsible. With practical advice and thoughtful reflection, this episode will help you respond with empathy, not just correction—and turn chaos into connection. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit raisinghappydogs.substack.com