Your dog’s leash reactivity often has less to do with the sidewalk than with everything leading up to it. Here are five hidden triggers to check: undiagnosed pain or GI discomfort, disrupted routines and sleep loss, stacked stress hormones from the prior 72 hours, tense gear or pre-walk rituals, and your own anxious energy. You’ll also find long-term calming projects as a solid Plan B for days when your dog’s “stress cup” is already full and a walk isn’t the answer.
