Leash reactive dog training2/28/2024 In the training book The Midnight Dog Walkers, Annie Phenix says, “A reactive dog responds to normal events in his environment with a higher-than-normal level of intensity. Blue is a good example, for once she’s off-leash on a trail or in a dog park, she plays well with other dogs. Dogs are called leash-reactive when the frustration caused by a restrictive leash overwhelms them (see Feisty Fido by Patricia McConnell). What exactly is a reactive dog? Reactivity describes a dog’s over-the-top or excessive response to specific situations, such as seeing a person, animal, other dog, or unexpected object. So far I’ve studied 40 books and more than a dozen DVDs from force-free trainers, some of whom live with reactive dogs and all of whom have helped inexperienced handlers change their reactive dogs’ behavior. No matter what your approach, you will find resources that will help advance your understanding and ability to deal with your reactive dog.įor a topic that barely existed two decades ago, reactivity has spawned a training industry. Others may be impatient to skip the technicalities and start training, or want to focus on the emotional and energetic bonds connecting dogs and humans. Some of you may be most interested in how and why dogs become reactive and what their body language means you may find technical descriptions and the language of behavior modification fascinating. They offer tools that we have to master and practice in order to help our dogs develop patience, confidence, and good manners. It would be wonderful if these resources came with magic wands that transformed our dogs overnight, but alas, they don’t. If you prefer video demonstrations, try some DVDs, webinars, or online classes. Trainers presenting the same basic information do so with different examples and approaches, at least one of which may be a perfect fit for you, your dog, and your schedule. You don’t have to purchase the library’s worth of books I’ve invested in, but multiple descriptions can help you understand and implement effective training programs. Perhaps some of what has helped us will help you as well. Blue is mastering impulse control and I’m learning a lot about training. Since then, in addition to working with talented local trainers, I’ve been studying books, DVDs, articles, and online classes devoted to reactive dogs. No one meeting us would assume that this growling, barking, lunging terror was otherwise intelligent, affectionate, and a joy to live with. For months she erupted with ferocious barking as soon as she saw motion – a hiker, dog, deer, or bike – 50 or 100 yards away. Blue would love to race after not only tennis balls but animals, skateboards, kids on bikes, motorcycles, joggers, and anything that moves. My crash course in reactive dog training began two years ago, when my Labrador Blue Sapphire was six months old. From time to time I heard about the rehabilitation of problem dogs but didn’t pay much attention. My first two Labradors, Samantha and Chloe, were calm, friendly, relaxed, and easy going. Like many who have reactive dogs, I was not prepared. Today “reactive” describes several related problem behaviors, and the emphasis has shifted from physical punishment to positive-reinforcement training. They were called “aggressive,” and most trainers applied physical corrections. Years ago, almost no one used “reactive” to describe these difficult dogs. That’s scary enough – but it’s worse when the out-of-control dog is yours. It’s only natural to feel angry or annoyed when you encounter a problem dog. They ruin visits to dog parks and even walks around the block. We’ve all seen them – those nightmare dogs who lunge, leap, growl, snarl, snap, bark, threaten, bare their teeth, act like bullies, and charge at other dogs. Does your dog suddenly “lose it” when she sees another dog coming down the sidewalk toward you, or behind a fence you are walking by? Start pulling and vocalizing like mad? Does she take a long time to calm down afterward? Then you, like the author, have some work to do! Don’t worry, though with proper guidance and practice, your dog can learn less-stressed (and less stressful!) behavior.
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