Life with a Reactive Dog

Each dog has a unique personality. A large part of being a successful pet owner is giving the animal the space to be themselves and doing what you can to help when needed. Life with a reactive dog can be challenging at times, but taking the proper precautions and giving your dog the guidance they need can be a very rewarding experience for both of you.

What Is a Reactive Dog?

Reactive dogs have increased levels of one or more extreme emotions in certain situations. This can be anxiety, fear, or frustration that stems from encountering specific triggers. When dogs have one of these emotional responses, they will bark, snap, or even charge. 

Getting to Know What Triggers Your Reactive Dog

One of the most essential elements of living with a reactive dog is your ability to recognize your pup’s triggers. When you know what is causing these responses, you can work to minimize your dog’s exposure to them. Keep a detailed list of things that trigger these reactions in your dog. 

Pay attention to your dog’s body language before, during, and after the encounter. Do what you can to avoid these triggers entirely. Take precautions like always keeping your dog on a leash, and keeping distance from other animals and people. In extreme cases, you might want to use a muzzle to keep your dog from snapping.

Work with Your Dog to Decrease Reactions

Once you know what triggers your dog, there are ways to work together to decrease his or her responses to them and get them more comfortable. Some of these include:

• Counter-Condition Your Dog: Sometimes, working to expose your dog to these triggers in an environment that you can control can help them feel comfortable with them. Use treats and praise to positively associate your dog with the trigger.
• Work on Focus Training: Keep your training sessions centered on focus training. This means you are teaching the dog to pay attention to you and not other people or animals while walking. Use terms like “watch me” or “look at me” during your sessions.
• Refocus the Dog’s Attention: If you are very familiar with your dog’s triggers and you know he or she is about to react, try to draw attention to something else. Treats and toys work well in this situation, so you might want to keep some close by at all times.
• Work with a Professional Trainer: Professional trainers are well-versed in helping reactive dogs feel more comfortable in the world.

Pay Attention to Your Own Reactions

Dogs pick up a lot about their surroundings from how humans react to them. If you tend to get stressed or emotional, it could make your dog feel more of those emotions. Try to stay calm and collected when you are near your dog, especially if you’re out in public. Find joy in the happy moments, and appreciate the bond you share with your special pup. 

If you struggle to accommodate your reactive dog, schedule a veterinary behavior consultation with Oakland Veterinary Referral Services. Our team is here to help you shift these reactive behaviors. Call (248) 334-6877 to schedule your consultation.