How to work on dog reactivity at home?
Leda Kessler
2025-07-22 05:51:32
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: 13
consistently use reward-based training methods and keep them on a lead when needed.
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 to play with.
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.
choose quiet places and times for walks, when possible, to avoid triggers while you’re working on changing their emotions.
speak to your vet to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
Emory Runte
2025-07-22 00:53:29
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: 12
You can work on calm behaviours throughout your day – teach them to wait for their food, settle down on cue and solve problems through enrichment. Walk your dog less and replace the activity with games or training in the garden. If you reduce the opportunity for your dog to be reactive and increase their practice of alternative behaviours, it will become second nature. Teach them alternative behaviours for times when your dog is confronted by a stressful situation, teach them to sit down, sniff out some treats on the floor or turn away and walk in a different direction. First, you should teach these cues while you’re at home before trying them out on a quiet and calm walk. Practice basic training, all dogs benefit from having a good recall and knowing simple cues like ‘sit’. Marker words like ‘good’, ‘yes’ or a clicker are powerful training tools. This will let your dog know instantly that they’re being praised and a treat is on the way.