Stopping a dog from lunging at people is all about making sure the dog feels comfortable and confident. If the dog’s handler manages the situation by helping the dog move away from things before it gets startled or fearful, it is essentially practicing not reacting to strangers. This is a...Read More
How to stop stray dogs from following you?
If you meet a stray dog, don’t run away and don’t try to throw anything at it. If you see a dog, don’t try to run or even quickly walk away from it. The best thing to do is: Stay at a safe distance and wait for the animal to...Read More
How to stop a dog from being reactive to strangers?
Stopping a dog from lunging at people is all about making sure the dog feels comfortable and confident. If the dog’s handler manages the situation by helping the dog move away from things before it gets startled or fearful, it is essentially practicing not reacting to strangers. This is a...Read More
How to train a dog not to chase people?
Train your dog to “leave”. This command will often tell your pet not to pick up something, but it can also tell your dog not to run off. Make sure you say “leave” as soon as your dog spots something to chase. Then, reward your dog for giving their attention...Read More
How do I calm my dog down around strangers?
To train your dog to act appropriately and be calm when he encounters strangers you should never punish reactive behavior, do not yell or pull back on a lead, which creates more excitement and anxiety and makes the behavior worse. You want your dog to be mentally relaxed when he...Read More
What does it mean if a dog keeps following you?
Dogs are pack animals, and we are their pack. Canine companions that follow their humans everywhere are often referred to as “Velcro dogs” because of their desire to be attached to your side. Young puppies anywhere from birth to 6 months of age can often imprint on their owners and...Read More
Why do dogs follow random people?
If your dog follows you, they often want to be around you or are curious. They love you, dogs are known for forming strong bonds with their human caregivers. If your dog sees you as their favourite person, they will naturally want to be by your side as much as...Read More
What do stray dogs hate the most?
While dogs seem immune to bad smells, there are plenty of scents that most dogs tend to hate. These smells, like citrus and vinegar, are known for being strong and overpowering. Pungent odors can overwhelm your dog’s strong sense of smell, which leads to your dog avoiding areas where the...Read More
What are the biggest mistakes in reactivity training?
Mistake #1: Exposure Therapy Like many well-intentioned dog owners, I thought that exposing my reactive dog to more dogs would help him overcome his reactivity. I took him to the park to play with other dogs and to doggy daycare. Scott would stand stiffly, scanning, sometimes visibly flinching when a...Read More
How to curb reactivity?
Emotional regulation is the ability to have control over your emotional state. Usually, this involves using skills that decrease the intensity of emotions. For example, emotional regulation may involve actively noticing my feelings and practicing slow breathing when I feel fatigued and irritated so I do not act unhelpfully when...Read More
How to stop a highly reactive dog?
If your dog feels fearful or anxious around other dogs or people, they may try to hide or get away from them.
If you encounter a trigger, calmly move your dog away, avoiding adding extra tension to the lead.
Try luring them away with a tasty treat or favourite toy...Read More
How to desensitize a dog that's easily triggered?
Working to change a dog’s emotional response to their triggers is one of the most important parts of a behavior modification program, and it’s done through a process called Counterconditioning & Desensitization. Counterconditioning & Desensitization (CC/DS) uses principles of classical conditioning to change the emotional responses our dogs have to...Read More
How to punish a dog for being reactive?
If your dog feels fearful or anxious around other dogs or people, they may try to hide or get away from them.
They may also approach them using threatening body language to make them move away.
Consistently use reward-based training methods and keep them on a lead when needed.
If...Read More
What not to do with a reactive dog?
Don't Go to the Problem Area and Challenge your Dog.
Don't Expect your Dog to “Just Get Over It”.
Don't Look for a Single Solution.
Don't go into Reactive Situations without Super Solid Basics.
Don't Ignore Your Dog’s Signals.Read More
Can you train out reactivity?
Most dogs don’t want to fight, so they display a number of behaviors designed to prevent it. These distance-increasing behaviors includes barking, lunging, or growling — anything to make the threat go away. Adult dogs, while patient with puppy antics, will usually start to discipline puppies once they reach 5-6...Read More