What are the biggest mistakes in reactivity training?
Mistake #1: Exposure Therapy Like many well-intentioned dog owners, I thought that exposing my react Read More
What not to do with a reactive dog?
Mazie Bernhard
2025-08-08 15:51:30
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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. While on-lead, they might not be able to move away or closer. This can result in frustration, and their attempts to move away or to get closer can intensify. Don't add extra tension to the lead if you encounter a trigger, calmly move your dog away. Try luring them away with a tasty treat or favourite toy to play with. Avoid triggers while you’re working on changing their emotions by choosing quiet places and times for walks, when possible.
Landen Will
2025-07-28 04:46:02
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If you have a reactive dog, it's essential to understand how to manage them, to learn what may trigger them to react, and to spot the signs early to prevent this from happening. Dogs may become reactive to certain things because they are worried, but sometimes this can be because they are excited or frustrated. 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. If these signs are ignored, dogs can show more reactive behaviours such as growling, barking, and sometimes snapping towards whatever they are afraid of. You can avoid triggers by choosing alternative walking routes or times of the day you take your dog out. 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. 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.
Read also
How to curb reactivity?
Emotional regulation is the ability to have control over your emotional state. Usually, this involve Read More
Onie O'Keefe
2025-07-20 18:13:13
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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.