Help For Reactive Dogs: What Every Dog Owner Needs to Know (and yes, that means you too!

Are you struggling with a reactive dog? You are not alone-and you're definitely in the right place. Whether your dog lunges on walks, barks a lot at other dogs, or seems consistently on edge, reactivity is a common behaviour issue that can feel totally overwhelming for dog owners just like you. But there is hope (and help-obviously!)

So, what is dog reactivity?

Well, that's a bit of a hot topic in the dog world because it can range from small grumbles and a woof here and there to over-the-top emotional responses to anything. It doesn't just mean to other dogs and people! A reactive dog may:

• bark, growl, lunge on the lead

• Fixate, stare, refuse to move, ignore cues and commands

• Appear scared or fearful, aggressive or overly excited!

Now, reactivity is not the same as aggression, they don't always go hand in hand but it can escalate to aggressive behaviour if left unmanaged-which is why we encourage EARLY intervention and getting help.

"Why is my dog reactive?"

Gosh...now this is a question that we could talk about forever! From genetics to experiences, frustration to fear...there's a lot of reasons.

• Fear based reactivity often due to poor socialisation (like being bullied at puppy classes or early experiences) a lack of socialisation or trauma

• Frustration reactivity like those dogs that just want to greet everyone but they can't so it blows up like a tantrum

• Territorial or protective instincts (genetics!)

• Genetic traits and tendencies that have been selected in the breed and family lines

Signs You Have a Reactive Dog (but you probably already know this if you've got this far!)

• "Why does my dog lunge at other dogs?"

• "My dog barks at everything on a walk"

• "My dog just won't calm down when we are out or at home"

• "My dog barks all the time at the window"

• "My dog growls and hides when people walk past or when dogs come up to them"

But good news! We can help you to build your dog's confidence, better manners AND basic skills so this is no longer an issue!

Right then. How to Train a Reactive Dog: What Actually Works (you can have this next lot of help for free)

1. Immediate change: make sure your dog is on a good nutritious diet that is suited to their activity level, size, breed, age and mental state (nothing high in carbs!) Be sure that they are getting plenty of undisturbed rest (yes, sleep too) Give them a break from hot spots! If you keep seeing old Mrs Jefferson up the park with FooFoo the Terror every day, avoid it while you get training!

2. Lead Handling & Thresholds: Learn to read what's going on with your dog. Their natural gait, how they move when they're happy and relaxed and when they're starting to become tense. Act before, rather than after. Train when they can cope!

3. Desensitisation & counterconditioning (here we go): This is about exposing your dog to the things that worry them/frustrate them GRADUALLY and in a controlled, fun, relaxed manner. Spending time around them without having to encounter them. Really we recommend you booking in with us so we can show you how to do this but, up to you!

4. Engagement & focus: we love a bit of engagement and confidence building in our little team! A confident dog has no need to react as it is feeling secure, safe and knows how to handle situations! Paying attention to you, following basic skills and training or even just coming away from their trigger is all rewardable behaviour! Pay them! Praise them!

   
   

   Why Hiring a Behaviourist For Reactive Dogs Can Help:

   If you are already Googling "reactive dog trainer near me" or "dog behaviourist for lead reactivity", chances are, you're ready for expert help and support from people like us. We can and will help you identify your dog's INDIVIDUAL unique reactivity (no, dog's are not all the same and their issues are very personal to them and their lifestyle), we will create an entirely personalised training plan which includes any lifestyle changes that we thing will help in the immediacy, we will give you hands-on personal training and support because we genuinely want you and your dog to succeed and have the life you deserve, and, of course, we will help to rebuild your own confidence in yourself and your dog.

   
   

   The bottom line is...

   We have been doing this a long time and we understand more than anyone what it is like to own a reactive dog (why do you think we became dog trainers?) We specialise in helping reactive, fearful, frustrated dogs to become calmer, more focused and just happier! We want a world of happy, confident dogs with content and engaged owners and the only way we can do that is by reaching more people like yourself and saying "hi, lets get started shall we?"

   Our results come from our experience and our consistency. We don't need force or fear. We use compassion, extensive knowledge and experience with real-world training that will get you changing your dog's behaviour from the very first session and we back all of our methods with the "proof is in the pudding" approach!

   
   

   So, before I go grab my last cup of tea of the day and pick out my dog's hair from it, we are here for you. All calls are free, no judgement, no pressure. Speak to you soon. Tell your dog we said "hi!" x

   
   

   -Laura & Rachel

   Dog Training Revolution, Staffordshire

   Oak Moor Farm, Grindon