Myth

Busting Library

Where evidence meets everyday life — making sense of the myths that overwhelm guardians online

Reactive or Dominant? Understanding What’s Really Happening

One of the most common myths in dog behaviour is the idea that a reactive dog is “being dominant.”

In reality, reactivity has nothing to do with dominance — and everything to do with emotions, safety, past experiences, and the environment. A barking, lunging or growling dog is not trying to take control. They are communicating: “I’m worried.” “I feel unsafe.” “I need more space.” “That’s too close for me.”

Reactivity is an emotional response, not a power struggle. Dogs show reactive behaviour when their nervous system becomes overwhelmed — often due to fear, frustration, anxiety, pain, or uncertainty. Understanding this changes everything.

When we shift from thinking “They’re being naughty” to “They’re struggling,” we respond with compassion instead of correction. We give space instead of pressure. We support instead of punish.

This is where progress begins. If your dog reacts, it isn’t a reflection of your training skills or your leadership. It’s a sign that your dog needs help feeling safe — and together, you can absolutely get there with the right support, a calm plan, and kind communication.

Is Your Dog Stubborn? Or Is Something Else Going On?

“Stubborn” is one of the most common labels guardians hear — but it’s almost never true. Dogs don’t ignore us out of attitude or spite. If your dog isn’t responding, it’s usually because: they’re confused they’re stressed the environment is too exciting or overwhelming their needs aren’t met yet (toilet, sniff, decompress) something hurts or feels uncomfortable emotions are louder than the cues A dog who looks “stubborn” is actually a dog who needs help to succeed. When we swap the word stubborn for struggling, everything softens. Instead of frustration, we offer clarity. Instead of pressure, we offer support. Behaviour improves when dogs feel understood, not judged.

Is Your Dog Being “Naughty” — or Just Nervous?

Many behaviours that look “naughty” are actually signs of nerves, stress, or uncertainty.

Dogs don’t choose to misbehave out of spite — they react based on how safe or overwhelmed they feel in that moment.

A dog who:

jumps up

barks suddenly

hides

pulls on the lead

snatches treats

struggles with guests

chews something unexpected

refuses to walk

…isn’t being difficult.

They’re communicating: “I’m not okay right now.”

When the nervous system goes into alert mode, thinking becomes harder, listening becomes harder, and calm behaviour becomes harder. Emotional brains take over — and that’s normal.

Instead of asking “Why are they being naughty?”, a better question is:

“What’s making this feel scary, stressful, or overwhelming for them?”

Once we understand the emotion underneath the behaviour, we can help our dogs feel safer by:

reducing pressure

creating distance

offering predictable routines

giving more decompression time

teaching gentle, confidence-building skills

supporting them with empathy

Nervous dogs aren’t misbehaving — they’re trying to cope.

When we respond to their feelings instead of correcting the behaviour, everything softens.

Safety grows.

Trust grows.

Confidence grows.

And “naughty” behaviours fade naturally as the dog finally feels understood.