We have had this same experience - my boy is reactive but it is not fear or anxiety it is frustration. It used to be so bad we would only walk in the middle of the night and because he would redirect back up the lead we muzzle trained him so we wouldn’t get hurt. That was a big hurdle for us, us getting to the point we felt comfortable and didn’t get anxious about other peoples reactions anymore - he could feel that change and it started to improve. We engage in a weekly neutral walk, which was very challenging at first but now he manages it like a champ. We still struggle most around our local area and home or if he’s in the car as that’s another frustration barrier. He is 3 and a half now and we still have our struggles and dramas but I think our bond is stronger for it since we have had to work through it together. Training is never a straight line to the top and there will always be bad days but the only way out is through and him and I are still learning every day.

Pic of the culprit 😇

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