05/08/2024
📌 Handling Dog Reactivity: 3 Key Steps
Reactivity can be tough, but these steps can help manage it effectively:
1. Stay Calm and Create Space: Keep calm and move away from the trigger. This gives your dog room to feel safe.
2. Release Tension and Evaluate: Quickly release any tension on the lead and assess your dog’s stress level. Can they recover, or should you abort the walk? It’s okay to cut the walk short after a stressful event. Better to go home and play calm games than risk another trigger and escalation. If your dog recovers quickly, you can continue.
3. Allow Decompression Time: Depending on the situation’s severity, your dog may need a few minutes to a couple of days to fully decompress. Decompression activities can include quiet time at home, gentle walks in low-stress environments, sniffing games, or relaxing puzzle toys. This time is crucial for your dog’s mental and emotional recovery.