How Exercise Impacts Reactivity

Exercise is one of the most important parts of a dog’s daily routine, but many owners don’t realize just how much of an impact it has—especially when it comes to reactivity. If your dog barks, lunges, or overreacts to triggers like other dogs, people, or cars, their exercise routine (or lack of it) could be playing a big role.

The Connection Between Exercise and Reactivity

Reactivity is often fueled by excess energy and stress. A dog that hasn’t had enough physical exercise is like a pressure cooker ready to blow. When they finally encounter something exciting or stressful, they have no outlet for that pent-up energy, so they explode with barking, lunging, or frantic behavior.

Think about how you feel when you’ve been stuck inside all day. You might feel restless, irritable, or on edge. Dogs experience the same thing! Regular exercise helps burn off that excess energy, making it easier for your dog to stay calm and focused in stressful situations.

Why Walks Alone Aren’t Enough

Daily walks are great for enrichment and exposure to the outside world, but they are considered moderate exercise. While walks do provide mental stimulation, they don’t always get a dog’s heart rate up high enough to burn off excess energy.

Many reactive dogs go for long walks but still struggle with behavior issues because walking doesn’t fully exhaust them. They may still have a lot of pent-up energy, making them more likely to react when they see a trigger.

The Power of High-Intensity Exercise

If you want to truly burn off your dog’s extra energy, you need to incorporate high-intensity exercise. Just 10 to 15 minutes of running, chasing a ball, or engaging in fast-paced play will give you better results than an hour-long walk.

Some great high-intensity activities include:

• Fetch: A classic game that gets your dog sprinting and engaging their natural chase drive.

• Flirt Pole: A great way to let your dog chase a moving object in short bursts.

• Off-Leash Running: If you have access to a safe space, letting your dog run at full speed is one of the best ways to burn energy.

• Tug-of-War: Engages both the body and the mind, providing a good energy outlet.

By getting your dog’s heart rate up and truly tiring them out, you’re setting them up for success. A tired dog is a more relaxed dog, which makes training and socialization much easier.

Exercise and Training Go Hand in Hand

While exercise won’t “fix” reactivity on its own, it plays a crucial role in setting the stage for success. A well-exercised dog is more receptive to training because they’re in a calmer, more balanced state of mind. If you combine proper exercise with structured training, your dog will be much better equipped to handle their triggers.

Final Thoughts

If your dog struggles with reactivity, take a look at their exercise routine. Are they just going on slow walks, or are they getting real heart-pumping activity? By adding short bursts of high-intensity exercise into their day, you’ll see a noticeable improvement in their ability to stay calm and focused. A tired dog is a happy dog—and a much easier one to train!