By introducing a negative response to that behavior, you will only build further upon those negative emotions. These dogs are often responding to fear or anxiety. How to Train a Reactive Dogĭog training for reactive dogs should never rely on aversive training methods or punishment. Many dogs don’t show signs of reactivity until they are adults. Some dogs are reactive from a young age, but the fact that you didn’t adopt a reactive puppy doesn’t mean that you won’t struggle with reactivity at some point in the future. Some other potential causes for your dog’s reactivity include lack of socialization, lack of training to teach self-control, or an experience that was frightening or traumatic (such as being attacked by another dog). This means your dog could be “wired that way.” There are a lot of myths and misconceptions when it comes to the cause of reactivity in dogs.Ī reactive dog does not necessarily mean that you, as an owner, did something wrong.Ī variety of different things, including genetics, can cause reactivity. In that case, he could be pushed over the line into aggressive behavior, creating a bite risk. Suppose we let those behaviors continue to grow and continue without addressing the behaviors or the situation. In most situations where a stranger is present, he barks and growls while hiding behind me for that feeling of comfort and safety. We are working with our youngest dog Lucifer on his reactivity toward strangers. Some common aggressive behaviors include snapping, muzzle punching (when your dog hits a person or animal with their nose, or mouth closed), and biting. This is when they cross the line from reactivity into aggression. If that frustration continues to build up, it’s like a pot of water on the stove – it will eventually boil over. Your dog’s reactive response is a sign of feeling overwhelmed or frustrated. But reactivity that isn’t addressed and managed can turn into aggression. It is important that we understand the difference between the two.Ī reactive dog is not automatically an aggressive dog. The terms “reactivity” and “aggression” are often used interchangeably, but they have different meanings. It also includes dogs that are internalizing their reactivity by shutting down.ĭoes that internalize their reactivity may be seen shaking, whining, pacing, or trying to hide, all while failing to listen to their usual obedience commands. This includes dogs reacting outwardly by barking, lunging, or growling at their triggers. The most straightforward definition for a reactive dog is that they become so obsessed and preoccupied with their trigger that they can no longer be handled or moved out of the situation to safety. I often hear, “How do I know if my dog is reactive?” The answer is simple – watch for the signs in your dog’s daily behavior and body language. Not only will this make life with your dog more manageable, but it’s also crucial for your dog’s mental health! What Are the Signs of a Reactive Dog? Reactivity is a sign that your dog is having a hard time in that situation and doesn’t know how to respond in a healthy way.Īs their owner, it’s your job to help condition your dog to better respond to their triggers. The most important thing to remember with a reactive dog is that these behaviors don’t mean your dog can never be a loving, family pet. This is a response frequently seen in shelter environments, where dogs are stressed to the point that they hide in the back corner of their kennel, failing to acknowledge people nearby. Reactive behaviors are often viewed as aggressive, but you may also notice your dog becoming overwhelmed and shutting down. Your reactive dog is responding in the same way. Instead, it indicates that your dog is so stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed by the trigger’s presence that their reaction escalates into unwanted behaviors.Ĭonsider the young child who, unable to tell you that a situation is uncomfortable, starts to have a meltdown to express their discomfort. Reactivity doesn’t mean that a dog wants to or enjoys acting out in the presence of a trigger. Before we dig into the training, we should start with the basics.
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