How we helped Teo, a real case of reactivity, to regain confidence thanks to our balanced pack

Teo arrived at La Finquilla with a problem that is very common nowadays:

Real case of reactivity towards other dogs, insecurity and difficulty managing emotions in new situations.

Their owners were worried because walks had become tense, and any encounter with an unfamiliar dog triggered:

• jerks

• barking

• strain

• blockages

• overexcitation

In this blog we tell you how we worked with Teo from day one and why living with a balanced pack can completely transform a dog's behavior.

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🟦 What is reactivity, really?

Reactivity is not “aggressiveness”.

It is an uncontrolled emotional response to a stimulus that the dog does not know how to handle:

• fear

• insecurity

• frustration

• overexcitation

• past negative experiences

Many dogs don't know how to communicate properly with other dogs, or they've had bad experiences, or they simply haven't been properly exposed.

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🟦 Teo's initial assessment

When Teo arrived, we observed:

✔ A lot of body tension

✔ Staring at new dogs

✔ Sudden energy changes

✔ Need to control the environment

✔ Low stress tolerance

✔ Difficulty switching off

But also:

💚 I'm really looking forward to doing well

💚 A noble dog

💚 Good response to human guidance

💚 Enormous potential for improvement

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🟦 The key to success: the balanced pack

At La Finquilla, we work on behavior naturally, using our stable and balanced pack to help dogs like Teo to:

• Learn real canine communication

• Read calming signs

• Understanding limits

• improve emotional management

• learn to relax around other dogs

• to live together without tension

This cannot be achieved in a residence with kennels or separate dogs.

Real coexistence is the most powerful tool.

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🟦 First days: observation and calm

We don't put any dog directly into challenging situations.

The steps were:

1️⃣ Controlled presentations

2️⃣ Reading body language

3️⃣ Progressive integration

4️⃣ Regulated play

5️⃣ Group walks with safe distances

Teo began by observing the herd without pressure.

He saw security, good energy, and clear communication between them.

👉 The calmness of the pack is contagious.

👉 Dogs learn by imitation.

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🟦 Teo's big change

A few days later we saw:

✔ Less tension

✔ Less fixation

✔ More self-control

✔ Acceptance of limits

✔ More relaxed living arrangements

✔ Healthy play with other dogs

✔ Greater attention to human guidance

✔ Better communication

The key moment was when Teo understood that:

🟩 I didn't have to control anything

🟩 I wasn't alone

🟩 Other dogs were stable and predictable

🟩 The pack gave him security

That emotional change is what transforms behavior.

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🟦 What should a family do after such a process?

We recommend:

• maintain structured walks

• Avoid overcrowded and chaotic dog parks

• Follow calming routines

• Reinforce self-control signals

• look for balanced dog groups

• do not overexpose it

• Let the dog process without pressure

Behavior is a path, and with a good foundation, progress lasts a lifetime.

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🟦 Conclusion

Teo is the perfect example that dogs react this way because they don't know how to do it any other way.

With patience, structure, and a balanced pack that provides them with security, a dog can once again enjoy living with others and regain its tranquility.

At La Finquilla we don't work with invasive methods or force situations:

🏡 We work from home,

🐾 with real dogs,

💙 with a safe environment,

💬 and with natural communication.

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Does your dog also show reactivity, fear, or insecurity?

We can help you.

📲 Click if you need help for your dog