Do dog parks help reactive dogs?
Reactive dog owners don’t go out of their way to make their dogs react and act out, they try to do e Read More
Will my reactive dog ever get better?
Aida Dickinson
2025-07-23 13:35:12
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Can reactive dogs ever stop being reactive?
We’re working hard on his reactivity, but I wonder, is this something that will ever go away?
Or will we only ever be able to manage the symptoms?
Cleo Gislason
2025-07-15 19:48:48
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: 12
It absolutely gets easier BUT part of that is going to depend on how consistent you can be, and to be completely honest you will just get used to the various ways that you work to manage your dog. In the beginning everything really feels like a huge effort. But in time, it becomes just another habit to keep your treat pouch with your leash. At the same time, it gets easier because you are training your dog to trust you, learning how to read them, and anticipating what might trigger your dog's reactive behavior. You'll learn what your dog will and won't be able to cope with, and making the decision to stand your ground, increase distance or find a physical barrier will become second nature. Your dog will understand that you're not going to put him in situations he can't cope in, and the more that you build that sense of trust the less your dog will feel the need to react. Using fear-free, force-free methods and managing his environment has all led to a dog that is much easier to live with. The point of this post is to say: we'll never take your dog and turn him into another dog. But you WILL see improvement, and this training will get easier. Give it time, build your dog's confidence, and trust the process.
Read also
How do I train my dog to stop being reactive?
To train a reactive dog, it's essential to understand that reactivity is a symptom, not the root iss Read More
Jaime Howell
2025-07-08 09:53:23
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: 26
Reactive behaviour can develop due to a dog's experiences, or lack of, during puppyhood. Can a reactive dog be trained, absolutely. Consistently use reward-based training methods and keep them on a lead when needed. Choose quiet places and times for walks, when possible, to avoid triggers while you’re working on changing their emotions. If you encounter a trigger, calmly move your dog away, avoiding adding extra tension to the lead. Reward calm behaviour. Practice focus training to help them pay attention to you. Learn to recognise your dog's body language, this will help you understand when they're feeling worried or frustrated.
London Rau
2025-06-27 09:56:24
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: 13
Reactivity isn’t something to be cured. Your dog is not broken therefore there is nothing to “fix.” Your dog is only behaving in a way that they feel is entirely necessary. There is no cure for reactivity. Some dogs develop reactivity as a phase through adolescence and mature through it quite well. Other dogs are just highly sensitive and will always need you to advocate for them. Your dog does not need to be any certain way. Your dog doesn’t need to be anything but themselves, as long as they are safe and feel safe. This journey that you are on with your dog will have plenty of ups and downs and can be difficult at times but remember that you are in this together.
Read also
What is the best training for reactive dogs?
At Woodgreen, we recommend three things: Practice basic training, Keep your dog away from triggers, Read More
What not to do with reactive dogs?
Don’t Go to the Problem Area and Challenge your Dog. Don’t Expect your Dog to “Just Get Over It”. Read More