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Reactivity Misunderstood - They are all good dogs.

Writer's picture: Nat GruinNat Gruin










REACTIVITY MISUNDERSTOOD


WHAT A REACTIVE DOG IS REALLY TRYING TO SAY…


Firstly let’s look at what reactivity is


- I’m feeling nervous / anxious / scared

- I’m not coping with this situation

- I really need you to help get me out of this situation

- I really want the scary thing to go away

- I don’t know what else to do

- I need more space / distance … NOW!

- I’m sore / I have pain / I’m irritable


Now let’s look at what reactivity is NOT


- I’m in control

- I’m a bad dog and need to be punished

- I’m aggressive or dominant

- I’m manipulating the current situation

- I’ll get over it

- I’m being stubborn and choosing not to listen





It is important to be aware of the numerous factors that can contribute to reactivity in dogs

- Territory

- Medical Condition / Pain (undiagnosed/diagnosed)

- Protecting a resource (another pet, person, toy, etc)


Owners of reactive dogs can help them by taking notice of what is triggering their reactivity, this way you and/or your trainer can work on helping your dog to create distance/space and respond in a different way. Always thank a dog for a growl, it’s a gift they give us to communicate how uncomfortable they are feeling in their present situation. Dogs who growl have very good communication skills even though their stress levels are rising, they have chosen to display this in a growl instead of a bite!


Never ignore or punish a growl, be grateful as this is a valuable gift to provide an opportunity to address the cause of the trigger and prevent an escalation in behaviour.


If your dog is reacting to a certain noise(s), then you may be dealing with a phobia. This noise phobia is an excessive fear of a sound that results in the dog attempting to avoid or even escape from that sound. Phobia’s are irrational, intense and a persistent fear response that can develop at any age and in any dog breed.


What can I do if my dog reacts?

Retreat to a safe distance for you dog to stop reacting

and you’re able to gain their attention.

Evaluate the situation. What was the trigger? How can I handle the

situation differently? How can we best proceed?

Adjust training accordingly – start by giving your dog more space

or distance, allowing shorter duration, lower intensity of exposure.

Click (praise) every behaviour you want your dog to repeat,

For example-looking at you, looking at their trigger without barking.

Treat your dog generously for appropriate (good) behaviour and use

HIGH VALUE REWARD – this is your dog’s choice of high value.


Whilst you are working on desensitising your dog to their trigger(s), you may elect to use a double leash. One can go on their collar and the other on their harness, this can be particularly helpful if your dog pulls their head out of their collar whilst in the midst of a fear (reactive) response.


Remember, behind all of the labels, theories, analysis and terminologies a dog just wants to feel safe like we do. Feeling safe is a basic need and many behavioural issues can arise from this fundamental desire. If a dog is feeling physically or emotionally unsafe they are less likely to make progress, just like people, therefore it is important to allow our dogs to make choices in their life (wherever possible). As their owners we are best placed to ensure they build confidence in themselves, us and their environment, there is help available … you and your dog don’t have to “go it alone”. Starting with basic security and comfort at home, predictable patterns (routine) and being consistently consistent will help to reduce a dogs fear.


To learn more about reactivity, phobias and trigger stacking get in touch to learn how to navigate this mine field of emotion and learn easy ways to speak dog, Pawsative K9 Obedience & Pet Taxi are your answer to all these and many more curly issues.






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