06/11/2025
Although I train all kinds of dogs in skills ranging from basic puppy skills to trick training, my absolute favorite are reactive dogs.
You may have heard that when a dog is struggling with a particular situation, the answer is exposure. Although exposure is a part of the equation, it has to be done right! The reason your dog is struggling is because of a lack of skills and if we never teach them those skills, how can we expect them to react differently to the situation? For some dogs, reactivity comes down to a lack of disengagement skills, while for others it may be a problem with going from 0-100 in excitement, fear, or anxiety. So before we can work on exposure, we need to build crucial skills! When we have the skills to be in the presence of the trigger, we need to make sure the dog stays in a seeking mindset (looking for opportunities) rather than an avoiding mindset (looking for danger).
There is a lot of information out there on dealing with reactivity that is actually going to make the problem worse so it's always best to seek the help of a professional.
Happy Puppy Training works one on one with you and your dog, in your home. Positive reinforcement training will strengthen your bond with your dog and is fun for both you and your dog! It's stress-free, game based and focuses on the root of the problem.