You and your dog are enjoying a nice walk on a beautiful day. They are walking loose leash, taking in the smells and environment. When all of a sudden a dog off leash comes bolting for you and your dog. Mind you they are on an electric fence (read my opinion on those here) so they stop short but the pure fear you and your dog have now is intense. This has happened to me more often then not when walking Aussie. This is the life of living with a reactive dog. These scenarios play over and over in my head. I can totally relate to why we have so many reactive dogs. They may feel attacked and just don’t understand the rules of the human world they live in. Maybe they have been attacked by an off leash dog. Or maybe they are not properly socialized (Most dogs are not), What matters is that from this moment forward you manage your dogs reactivity by setting them up for success. See my Tips for helping your reactive dog stay calm below:
Avoid your dogs Triggers
Try walking at off times and in low activity neighborhoods.
Manage
Don’t leave things up to chance. Plan your escape route. Teach your dog a whiplash U turn.
Block
Practice blocking your dogs visual when you are walking and also at home. Do not let your dog fence bark (pace back and forth while something or one goes by). Remove them from the yard and bring inside. If they won’t come when called they should be on a long line.
Learn everything you can about canine body language
You don’t have to be an expert on dog body language. But you do have to start observing and learning your dogs thresholds and triggers. Start watching them at home and at rest, then observe him outside. Learn the cues that show when your dog is relaxed and when his is agitated. If you need help with this part we can help. Contact us today!
Don’t leave anything to Chance
If you are unsure how your dog will react to something, don’t introduce them to it just yet. Learn your dog’s triggers and behaviors first. Then talk to a professional trainer on how to properly desensitization them to new things. You can do more damage by pushing your dog too much.
Change your routine
Stressful walks are no fun for you or your dog. Try Sniff Walks on long lines, ball in fenced in area, enrichment and even try a flirt pole.
Counter- Condition and Desensitize the Trigger
Make a list of your dogs triggers. Put the most intense ones at the top. Work your way through the list by pairing the trigger with something good. When your dog is over their threshold they will not listen or take treats, this is why you need to learn their threshold to teach them something positive comes with acting correct
Address your dog’s issues on an emotional level
Remind yourself that your dog isn’t being “bad” they are acting in a primitive way. His body has been put on high alert. The fight-or-flight instinct brings with it high levels of cortisol and adrenaline.
Teach an incompatible behavior
Teach behaviors such as Look, Touch, or Leave it can come in handy in these explosive moments. They may not always work. Make sure before you use a cue your dog will do it or you may end of poisonings it.
