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Writer's pictureBeth Deitchman

Tips for Humans with Reactive Dogs

Having a dog with big feelings around a range of triggers can be overwhelming! While training is key to modifying this behavior and changing your dog's feelings, there are ways to help him in the meantime.


Developing and implementing management strategies is an important place to start. You can use simple tactics to arrange your dog's environment and limit his ability to practice his reactive behavior:

  • Bring a variety of treats on walks to reinforce behavior you'd like to encourage and to redirect your dog's attention.

  • Walk at quieter times of day and in less populated areas, which is challenging in a place like Portland where there are so many dogs!

  • Use your environment to avoid distractions or triggers: cross the street if it’s safe, duck behind a bush or a wall or a parked car, or change directions.

  • Watch your dog’s body language for the first sign that he has spotted a trigger—you might see his ears perk up and move forward, his body stiffen, or his pace change. As soon as you see one of these signs, get his attention and change direction.

  • Regularly practice direction changes in low-stress environments, making it fun and rewarding so that when you need to change directions your dog is more likely to come with you.

  • Advocate for your dog, especially when people ask if he can meet their dog or if they approach you when you have no escape route. It's okay to say no or to ask someone to stay back while you remove your dog from the situation!

  • Try taking your dog to a SniffSpot for trigger-free fun.

  • For other kinds of reactivity, put removable opaque film on your windows to reduce barking at passing dogs or the mail carrier, cover any chain link fences to reduce visibility, and monitor your dog while he's outside so that he can’t spend lots of time reacting.

 

Sometimes we can’t arrange the environment to prevent reactions, so we should have a plan to help our dogs recover if they do react:

  • Get her away from the trigger as calmly as you can.

  • Once you have moved far enough away that your dog can focus, toss some treats into the grass and give her a chance to forage, which will help her calm down. Make sure no one is nearby.

  • You could also play a game of Find It: say find it and drop or toss a treat and then, if necessary, help her find it.

  • You can also let your dog sniff; guide her over to anything another dog might have peed on or that might have a cool scent: mailboxes, trash cans, fallen branches, trees, fire hydrants.

  • When she has settled down, resume your walk.


Giving your dog regular opportunities to engage in normal dog behaviors can lower their overall stimulation level, which is crucial for reactive dogs:

  • Take your dog on dedicated sniffy walks. Dogs see the world through their noses and sniffing has been shown to be relaxing. Try using a long line to give them more freedom.

  • Give your dog the chance to forage for treats or kibble in snuffle mats and puzzle toys or treat scatters in the grass.

  • Puzzle toys, snuffle mats, and games of Find It all work your dog's mind, providing important mental stimulation. Training is another great way to work your dog's mind. You can practice a game or teach them a new trick!

  • Give your dog opportunities to lick with lick mats coated in wet food, pumpkin, peanut butter, or cream cheese. You could also give them empty peanut butter jars (birch sugar / xylitol free!), empty yogurt containers, or empty cream cheese containers.

  • Play a game of fetch or frisbee or use a flirt pole to give your dog a chance to chase. It's also great exercise!

 

Because having a reactive dog can be stressful, I like to teach this simple relaxation exercise to my clients:

  • Take a deep breath.

  • Think about the soles of your feet.

  • Practice this exercise regularly at different times of day: first thing in the morning; while doing dishes, brushing your teeth, or taking a shower; while feeding, leashing, and walking your dog; any other time you need to relax .

  • Then when you need the exercise, like during a reaction, it will be part of you.

 

Finally, to learn the skills you need to change your dog's behavior, take a class or hire a trainer!

 

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