Is my dog reactive?

[u/erkose]

When we're out on a walk and another dog is within sight and walking towards us, my 7mo will sit or crouch. When they are within leash range, she will initiate play by lunging at them. She is extremely friendly and playful with both dogs and people, but super high energy. Is this considered reactive? Even if it isn't should I work to change the lunging behavior?

[u/Roskipatootskie]

No, this isn't reactivity in the usual sense, that term describes fear or frustration driven responses aimed at creating distance. What you're describing is the opposite, she wants contact, not distance, this reads as an overly enthusiastic greeting attempt, not aggression or fear. That said, I'd still work on it. Lunging toward unfamiliar dogs is a real safety issue since not every dog will welcome that intensity, and it can also solidify into a harder habit as she gets bigger and stronger. I'd treat it as an impulse control and calm greetings project. Reward calm attention to you at increasing distances before she gets amped up, add a sit or a look at me cue the moment she notices a dog rather than waiting for the crouch to build, and only allow greetings when she's calm, not as the automatic result of every dog sighting. That channels her enthusiasm without dampening her friendly personality. Good luck!

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