If your dog’s reactivity seems to have ramped up lately, you’re not alone. Many guardians notice that spring brings a noticeable spike in barking, lunging, pulling, and general overarousal on walks. This isn’t just your imagination. Dog reactivity in spring is a real and common phenomenon.

Seasonal shifts bring a ton of new stimulation, activity, and unpredictability. For reactive dogs, that can be a lot to take in. The good news? With a few smart adjustments and some compassion, you can help your dog navigate the season more smoothly.

Here’s what’s going on and what you can do about it.

Why dog reactivity increases in spring

After a long winter of quiet streets and shorter walks, spring suddenly changes the picture. The sidewalks are busier, the days are longer, and everything smells different.

Common spring triggers include:

• More foot traffic, bikes, joggers, and strollers
• Children playing or groups gathered in parks
• More wildlife and unfamiliar smells
• Dogs off-leash or barking behind fences
• New routes and longer walks that may be too much too soon

Some dogs carry tension from being under-stimulated all winter. The sudden influx of sensory input can feel overwhelming. That energy has to go somewhere, and often it comes out as reactive behaviour.

What reactivity actually is

Reactivity isn’t bad behaviour. It’s an intense emotional response that happens when a dog feels overwhelmed, threatened, or overexcited by a trigger. The behaviour you see is often their best available strategy for coping in that moment.

Common signs of reactivity include:

• Barking or growling at people or other dogs
• Lunging or pulling on leash
• Freezing or staring intensely
• Whining, spinning, or jumping
• Redirecting frustration onto the leash or handler

Reactivity can stem from fear, frustration, or even learned patterns from past experiences. Each dog is different, and reactivity shows up in many ways — some subtle, some big and loud.

Tips for managing dog reactivity in spring

If things feel harder than usual right now, a few adjustments to your routine can go a long way in helping your dog stay under threshold.

Try these strategies:

• Walk at quieter times of day, like early morning or late evening
• Choose low-traffic areas where your dog can decompress and sniff
• Avoid surprise triggers by scoping out routes ahead of time
• Reinforce calm behaviours when your dog notices a trigger but stays relaxed
• Use a “let’s go” cue to exit situations before your dog reacts
• Give more space. It’s okay to cross the street, turn around, or pause behind a car

The goal is not to eliminate all triggers but to help your dog feel safe and supported in those moments.

Support your dog emotionally

It’s easy to feel discouraged or frustrated when your dog reacts in public. But try to remember that your dog isn’t being difficult. They’re communicating that something feels like too much.

Here are a few ways to support them:

• Focus on decompression walks when possible. These are quiet, sniffy, low-pressure outings
• Use indoor scent games or scatter feeding to burn mental energy on high-trigger days
• Build connection and safety through low-stakes training or cooperative care

Helping your dog feel safe in the world starts with showing them they can trust you to listen and respond to their needs.

Working through reactivity long term

Improving reactivity is not about eliminating all reactions. It’s about helping your dog learn safer, calmer ways to cope. That takes time, repetition, and a plan tailored to your dog’s needs and sensitivities.

What progress looks like:

• Fewer outbursts
• Shorter recovery time after reactions
• Better communication between you and your dog
• More confidence in tricky environments

You don’t have to go it alone. Want a plan that meets your dog where they are? Book a session and we’ll help you build a thoughtful, realistic path forward.

Wrap-up

Dog reactivity in spring is common and completely valid. Your dog isn’t broken, and you’re not doing anything wrong. Seasonal changes bring big challenges, but with patience and support, things can get easier.

Follow @trainwithbelleandbark for more tips, or reach out if you’re ready to start working through things together. Your dog doesn’t need to be perfect. They just need to feel supported.