What not to do with reactive dogs?
Garfield Trantow
2025-06-27 12:27:28
Count answers: 13
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.
Anita Boyle
2025-06-27 11:19:21
Count answers: 6
Dogs can be reactive to a range of triggers and it’s important to recognise which ones your dog is particularly reactive to. These triggers can include things like new people, children, or other dogs. If it’s new people that worries your dog, you could ask them not to force an interaction with your dog when they come into your home. Fearful dogs use their body language to communicate that they are uncomfortable and would like more space away from whatever it is they’re afraid of. Ignoring these signs can lead to more reactive behaviours such as growling, barking, and sometimes snapping towards whatever they are afraid of. If you are struggling to safely maintain your dog – whether in your home or out on a walk – we advise you seek advice from a behaviourist for support. You can also teach your dog to wear a muzzle. Do not force interactions with your dog when they are reactive, instead, give them space and consider using a ‘this way’ cue to remove them from the area around the trigger.
Read also
- Do dog parks help reactive dogs?
- How do I train my dog to stop being reactive?
- What is the best training for reactive dogs?
- How do you desensitize a reactive dog?
- How to desensitize a reactive dog?
- Will my reactive dog ever get better?
- What is the lat protocol for dogs?
- Should you walk a reactive dog?