Does your dog whine, bark, and lunge at other dogs but then act friendly and playful when they finally get close? This is a classic sign of low frustration tolerance—the inability to cope with not getting what they want. While it sounds simple, this issue is at the root of many reactive behaviors. In this article, you'll learn what frustration tolerance truly is (and what it's not), how it connects to your dog's reactivity, and how to safely start improving this critical skill.

If you've ever felt like you're the only one dealing with a reactive dog, think again. From a lack of early socialization to genetics and low frustration tolerance, many factors can contribute to a dog's over-the-top reactions. This article breaks down the common causes behind reactivity—including territorial behavior, resource guarding, and learned aggression—to help you better understand what's triggering your canine companion.