What if your reactive dog didn’t need to be fixed—just understood?

In this episode of How to Have a Happy Dog Without Going for a Walk, I’m talking about reactive dogs—those who bark, lunge, or struggle around others—and why trying to turn them into "normal" dogs often does more harm than good. I believe reactive dogs deserve lives that are adapted to their needs, not shaped around our expectations.

You’ll hear the story of Orla, a senior rescue dog who came to live with me while I was running a daycare centre. I initially thought she’d be an easy fit—until she decompressed and her dog reactivity became clear. Rather than force her into environments she couldn’t cope with, I made changes to support her version of a happy life. That meant private walks, distance from unknown dogs, trick training at home, and a strong bond built through trust and communication—not pressure.

I also share why I don’t feel guilty for leaving certain dogs at home, like Mungo, when we go on family holidays. A peaceful dog isn’t one who’s doing all the things we want—it’s one who’s not doing the things that cause them stress.

If you’re parenting a reactive dog, this episode is a reminder that your dog isn’t broken. You’ll learn how to read their signals, respond with compassion, and use enrichment and trick training to meet their needs—without expecting them to enjoy busy parks, group walks, or chaotic social outings.

I’m Laura Carter—dog trainer, author of The Vet Says Rest (available now on Amazon), and founder of Wags Without Walks. You can find out more, join our online community, or explore training programmes like Reliable Recall, Pulling to Perfect, and Smart Puppy at www.lauracartercanines.com.

Follow along on social media @lauracartercanines and @wags_without_walks—and if this episode helped you see your dog in a new light, please share it with someone else who needs to hear that it's okay not to fix everything.