#Dog reactivity how to

Your job as the handler is to make a note of the stimulants that trigger your dog and work toward building tolerance of those objects over time. This is because they have the ability to move away from the situation as they please.Ī few signs your dog is displaying leash reactive behaviors: You may notice that your dog is only reactive on leash, but not when they’re off leash. Fearful dogs react because they want to create space.įrustrated dogs react because they want something they can’t have, such as saying hello to an approaching dog. Typically dogs are reacting to stimuli out of fear or frustration. If the aggression seemingly comes out of nowhere and is persistent, take your dog to the vet to rule out any medical issues. The job of the handler is to learn to recognize their dog’s triggers and reactions and prevent the response from turning into aggression.Ĭommon signals that a dog is going to turn aggressive include: This is most common in fearful and anxious dogs who are actively seeking space from the object that scares them. Common triggers for reactive dogs include:Īggression displays when signs of reactivity are ignored or the stimulus has not gone away. Reactive means that your dog is in a heightened state of arousal in response to a stimulus.

#Dog reactivity how to

Learning how to manage the reactivity before it escalates is the key to prevention. When a dog is allowed to react to stimuli without intervention from the handler, it can lead to aggression. Reactivity is often mistaken for aggression and knowing what to look for will help you identify what’s really happening. Let’s first discuss the difference between a reactive and an aggressive dog. Understanding what reactivity is and is not, as well as learning to recognize the signs and identify your dog’s triggers will put you ahead of the reaction and in a position to stop it before it gets worse. With practice and patience, it is entirely possible to manage leash reactivity and even enjoy the trails with your pup. Recognizing and understanding leash reactivity is the first step in creating a plan to work through your dog’s reactivity. They’ve taught me far more than I ever would have learned with a happy go lucky dog. I love working with them to overcome their fears and anxieties. I have a special place in my heart for leash reactive dogs. Unfortunately, the reactive dog takes the blame. If their dog is the one who has invaded your space, then that is on their dog, not yours. Other dog owners may tell you that your dog does not belong on the trail. From owners who do not obey leash laws to those who allow their dogs off leash with no recall, finding safe spaces to enjoy the outdoors with your dog takes work, skill, and planning. Hiking with a dog that has leash reactivity can be extremely frustrating.