While it will undoubtedly be more challenging to socialize an adult dog, it’s never too late. Although it is far easier to socialize a puppy (thereby decreasing the chances of them becoming a reactive dog), all is not lost if you have an adult dog who is reactive to their fellow four-legged canine peers. However, not all puppies are afforded this luxury, which means that some may miss out on this crucial stage of development in their early lives. Socializing a puppy is undoubtedly one of the best ways to develop a friendly, playful, sociable, happy, and well-rounded dog. Any time your pooch glances in your direction, reward them! Make sure you take lots of treats out with you, as once they realize a look your way results in a treat, they’ll be continually gazing in your eyes! Dog Reactivity Chart – What You Should Know? It may take you a little time to know your dog inside out, but it’ll exponentially help you train your dog to be less reactive (or not reactive at all). By doing this, you’ll learn the cues that indicate when your dog is stressed, anxious, relaxed, calm, and every other emotion under the sun. Follow this by doing exactly the same when they’re outdoors interacting with everything that occurs in the outside world. Begin by carefully watching your dog when you’re at home, and they’re resting examine their mannerisms and see how they react to different things. This goes for all dog owners but is particularly relevant for those with reactive pets. Oh, and teach your dog the whiplash U-turn it can get you out of a sticky situation very quickly without much commotion. If you’re used to leisurely strolls with a drink or cellphone in one hand and your dog in the other, daydreaming about what you’re going to have for dinner tonight, I’m afraid you’ll have to change things up and start becoming fine attuned to the world around you when you’re out on a dog walk. Know where exits are and what is going on all around you at all times. Always have an escape route ready should anything unexpected happen. Doing this is straightforward avoid your four-legged friend’s triggers (as best as you possibly can).Īs dog owners, we should be aware of everything that is going on around us at all times – particularly if your dog has reactive tendencies. Just like humans sometimes need a detox, your dog may also need an emotional detox. Here are our top tips for Reactive Dog Training in 2020: Regardless of the reasons why your dog is reactive (because in reality, it doesn’t really matter), it is important (and reassuring) to know that reactive dogs can be trained to act in not such a reactive manner. Perhaps they have been attacked by another dog when off the leash, or possibly they’ve simply not been socialized correctly when they were a puppy. Maybe, as detailed in the scenario above, they feel they are under attack, and their natural reaction is to react in the only way they know. Unfortunately, it’s just a fact of life that our dogs have many reasons to react to certain situations. Sound familiar? If so, don’t worry I’ve been there many a time, and I know how that situation feels all too well. Overcome by embarrassment and frustration, you put your head down and walk off, hoping to avoid the gaze of the many unwanted spectators. At this point, you realize that several of the neighbors are watching you try to control your dog and make a quick exit.

You spill your favorite drink as your dog aggressively and uncontrollably lunges towards the other dog, baring its teeth and growling loudly, it causes one hell of a furor. Then, BAM, out of absolutely nowhere, a dog comes bounding from its yard, barking its head off, stopping just short of the all-too-thin wire fence that separates it from you. At this moment, everything is right with the world. Your canine pal is walking energetically at the end of the leash.

There’s not a cloud in the sky the birds are singing, and you’ve got a cup of your favorite beverage in your hand. It’s a lovely day you’re walking down the street with your beloved four-legged friend. Reactive Dog Training Tips – UPDATED 2020

Dog reactivity chart