5 ways to help your (reactive) dog

I want to start off with a friendly reminder that you and your dog are much more than these reactive behaviors. If you’re here, you’re more than likely a person who loves their dog dearly and wants to help them be their best self.

These tips are helpful for any dog and are especially useful for dogs who react (bark, lunge, pull toward etc.) to things (people, other dogs, wild life, etc.). 

1. Take a break from stressful situations where your dog is consistently reacting. Places like the dog park, routine neighborhood walks during high traffic times of day and having guests over. This will not be forever. This is just for now — a time to formulate a plan and provide immediate relief from repeated stressful situations for you and your pup.
   Some alternatives you can try- walk early in the morning or late at night, explore sniff spots, find quieter places to walk even if they are further away or play games inside or in the yard.

2. Think about which behaviors you’d prefer instead of your dog reacting and start teaching those. Practice these new behaviors in places your dog feels comfortable: at home or in the backyard.
   Behaviors I like to teach: “find it”, “let’s go”/U-turn, engaging with a favorite toy

3. Keep in mind that intimidation and fear-based training tactics are counter productive and as ick as they seem. Basically any technique that involves “correcting” your dog is a huge red flag.
   These techniques teach your dog to avoid the “scary thing/correction” and suppress the “undesirable” behavior. This often results in creating more fear and aggression. So the urge to react is still going strong but now there’s more fear and aggression layered on top. 

4. Reflect on your response to your dog’s reaction. This is hard. People often feel upset or embarrassed when their dog makes a scene and find themselves reacting too.

5. Plan fun, low stress activities for you and your dog. You and your dog are more than the reactive behaviors that currently stress you out. This is a huge piece in making your training experience sustainable and always a good time to remember what you love best about your pup.
   
   
   ** If you’re struggling or want guidance, please reach out to help get you and your pup on the same page.