Can you ever fix a reactive dog?
Kennedi Boyer
2025-07-13 11:49:04
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: 20
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.
Speak to your vet to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
Hoyt Franecki
2025-07-13 07:50:43
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Reactivity isn’t something to be cured. You cannot just “fix” this. Your dog is not broken therefore there is nothing to “fix.” Secondly, 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. If we want reactivity in dogs to decline then every single human with a dog needs to do a better job at following leash laws and teaching dogs to feel safe around other dogs. Your dog does not need to be any certain way. Your dog does not need to learn to heel on a leash or to hold a beautiful and flashy sit stay while a package gets delivered. All your dog needs to do is whatever you decide is important for them to do.
Nia Dickens
2025-07-13 07:36:00
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: 17
Can reactive dogs ever stop being reactive?
We support the LIMA (Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive) approach to dog training.
The tips and advice here cannot replace a qualified certified trainer or veterinary behaviorist - if you are struggling please consider these resources for your dog.
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?
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