- Set Up a Routine. It's not something dog owners think of very often or are even aware of, but dogs absolutely crave routine. …
- Get Essential Equipment. …
- Counter Conditioning. …
- Household Changes. …
- Body Language. …
- Sign Up for a Behavior Rehab Class.
What do you do when your dog is reactive?
If a reactive dog approaches you, the best thing you can do is
give him space
. Do not approach in an attempt to greet him. If you have a reactive dog, working with a trainer to try behavior modification techniques that will address the cause can prevent escalation to aggression.
Why is my dog reactive?
Nervous reactivity/aggression (Fear)
A common way this behavior develops is a
lack of proper dog socialization before 16-weeks of age during the critical primary socialization period
. A proper socialization program is not as simple as giving a puppy the opportunity to play with other puppies or dogs.
Is there hope for my reactive dog?
If you keep consistently working on your dog's reactivity,
it is very likely to improve a lot over time
. Plan for about 1-2 months of dedicated training. If done correctly however, you should see the first small results within as little as one week.
How do I get my dog to stop reacting to other dogs?
Take your dog's favourite treats out on walks with you to reward them every time they see a dog
. As soon as they look at a dog, say “yes!” and give them a treat before they even have a chance to think about barking. Keep doing this as long as the dog is in view.
At what age do dogs become reactive?
There are innumerable reasons why a dog might become reactive. The typical age of onset is
between 18-30 months
(1 1/2 – 2 1/2 years). Genetics, lack of socialization, a single or multiple traumatic occasions, environment, and physical stressors may all be factors in your dog's reactivity.
How long does it take to desensitize a reactive dog?
One that should be taken slowly and carefully. You can do more damage than good if you rush. Every dog will progress at a different rate.
Some might take weeks, some months and I've seen some dogs take years but with a dedicated owner, it will happen
.
Why does my dog go crazy when he sees another dog?
Most dogs that bark and lunge at other dogs are really
stressed out by other dogs
. They might be scared, aggressive, or overly excited. Seeing another dog without being able to escape, attack, or go say hi is generally “upsetting,” so the dog barks and lunges.
Why is my dog so aggressive towards other dogs?
Aggression between unfamiliar dogs can be due to
fear, poor communication, defensive, possessive behavior over resources (including perhaps family members or other pets) or territorial behavior over territory or owner
. Aggression between dogs can result in injury to dogs and/or to the people trying to separate them.
What does a reactive dog look like?
A reactive dog is
one that overreacts to various stimuli
. For example, when a stranger knocks on the door, a reactive dog might start barking excessively and growling. Reactive dogs are often confused with aggressive dogs, but they are not the same. Although their initial behaviors are similar, their intentions differ.
What is reactive dog behavior?
“Reactivity” means, quite simply, that
the dog reacts to another dog, a person, or an object
. Essentially, something or someone triggers the dog to do things like bark, growl, and lunge — which can look like the dog is being aggressive.
How do I introduce a new puppy to my reactive dog?
Walk both dogs in the same direction on opposite sides of a wide street
. For dog-reactive dogs, you'll need more space than with dog-selective dogs. Sometimes, it's easiest to have the dog-reactive dog in back so she can keep her eyes on the new dog. Reward the dogs with treats whenever they look at each other calmly.
