There comes a point where we need to expose our reactive dogs and take them in public. We can control our dogs, but please can you control yours?
Not only had we moved well off the track to avoid the dogs, she then had the audacity to say “theyre reactive on the lead”Well guess what, theyre reactive off the lead as well” 🙄 Only yesterday, i post a video of off lead etiquette around other dogs and we get reminded that twats like this still existWe have a local code round here that ive seen improving year on year. We respect other people and their dogs and get to know who we can and cant interact with I havent seen these dogs locally before but if you’re local to Buxton beware they are not at all friendly
Ensuring safe interactions between dogs is all about communication and respect. If a dog is on a lead, I usually refrain from approaching, understanding they might have a reason for being on the lead. Off-lead, I still train my dog to come back to me first, then politely ask, 'Can they say hello?' It's a great way to teach them not to rush other dogs and reinforces their recall. Sometimes, we get to greet, sometimes we don't – it's all about courtesy. We never know an unknown dog's history or their state of mind and behaviour that day. They might be friendly, unwell, or anxious so, it’s crucial to ask and respect the other dog owner's wishes.
Our human habits create a dogs behaviour patterns. Some more minor than others. If youve got a dog who runs off from you, the second the lead is unattached, consider adding a release cue to each behaviour that says ok we’re finished or you’re free to go nowThis way, youll help the dog to learn patience, better listening in highly exciting situations and ultimately you can prevent the dog making bad choices or rushing another dog/person/distraction P.s. This was super hard to film and unclip with one hand 😂
When someone tells you that you can't do something with your reactive dog, use it as motivation to prove them wrong. Stay focused on your goal, believe in yourself, and work hard to achieve it. Use their doubt as fuel to drive your determination to succeed. Remember, others' opinions don't define your capabilities.
Tricks have their place in dog training, and you could argue that everything we teach the dog, is a trick.Im talking more specifically to the people who are focusing on tricks over life skills and stability… When dealing with a reactive dog, focusing on life skills like impulse control, calmness, and obedience can be more beneficial. These skills help manage and redirect their reactions, creating a calmer and more manageable environment. Once these foundational skills are in place, incorporating tricks can further enhance the bond between you and your dog, but for me, it's crucial to prioritise managing reactive behaviour and building an ability to cope, first. Paw isnt going to help you with that!
Foods like porridge contain complex carbohydrates that provide a steady release of energy throughout the day, which can help to stabilise blood sugar levels and mood. A balanced and heavier breakfast can also support mood regulation and overall well being, but it’s direct impact on reducing anxiety isn’t a guaranteed solution, just an addition you could tryIt’s certainly helped my dogs #anxiousdog #dogbehaviour #reduceanxiety
Sometimes i just need to rant 😂
Although, in all seriousness i do understand the difficulties attached to mental health and often owning a reactive dog can impact that.
Im the sort of person though who will have a word with myself if i fall off track or find a solution to my problems, instead of always bitching and moaning about them and doing nothing about it
Its ok to vent sometimes, but dont always blame the dog
Those bloody off lead giraffes 😉
Reducing distances to distractions is something that a lot of people want to rush. But, take it slowly and keep the dog as calm as possible, a.k.a under their threshold/coping distance. Whilst it might look boring and unproductive, the dog learns much more in this state and it’s faster than having to rebuild it later down the line. Go slow, to go fast
I learned a lot about the movements of herding dogs and communication between animals via Pat Tagg.
Ive definitely not done her work the justice it deserves, but a huge part of my learning around it, came from shutting up and allowing the dog to make their own choices
You have to start at suitable distances first
Before then moving and working with distractions at closer range.
What i also loved and learned from the work was how to keep both parties comfortable.
There wasnt a moment where the sheep felt stressed or worried. Im not really down for that style of herding work or scaring or rushing animals to move.
The work speaks for itself though as this was the first time we’ve ever got that close to passing that many free range sheep. Behind gates is one thing, with free access is another!
She didnt get it completely right, but the fact we had no barking was bloody marvellous 🤩
I cant wait to transfer this learning to the dog distractions too!
The government announced the XL Bully standards yesterdays, which is a complete load of crap and pretty much identifies loads of larger breeds of dogs. I cant see how they can seriously be putting these standards out to the public, but that they areIf you own #xlbullies please dont surrender your dog to anybody or take the silly payments they’re offering. Especially, if they’re friendly and well balanced dogs I dont know what the answer is, but dont rush to offer them out. Silly government. Vote them out!
Doesn’t matter what size they are. They all need, and love, training
Dogs who take this ‘bouncer’ mentality can be tricky to deal with. Ive had to pull this dog out of the group walks and put him back into classes because he was kicking off whenever another dog started barking or feeling strong emotions externallySo, the plan is to desensitise him to various barking dogs and get him more comfortable relaxing around the sight and sound, hopefully working up to a dog barking directly at him and him remaining composed 🤞🏻 Itll take time because its tricky to stay calm when someone is shouting at or around you, but this is how id go about starting it
Sometimes, our dogs can learn to train you or attempt things that might gain them attention, that aren’t that desirable.
There’s a couple of subtle examples of that in this video.
Ultimately though, this video is about recall and teaching control off the lead and around potential distractions.
It was also a close call on that last recall!
Thankfully, I’m the pro active on preventing problems arising and dodged an off lead dog issue.
🐾 Exploring New Places with Your Reactive Dog 🌍Every step we take with our reactive dog is a journey of progress and understanding. Working with a reactive dog in new places is a vital part of their training. Here's why it matters. If you’re struggling to take your reactive dog to new places, then reach out and see how I can help you by clicking the link in my bio
Working a reactive dog through distractions can be one of the most soul destroying activities whilst youre building stability.
Here are some of the things that I’ve been doing with the foster dog to help her to cope better with the world, and going back to work with the very rude intrusions.
Please dont believe this, dogs sleep on beds because its usually more comfortable.
They stand on your foot, usually by accident
If they lean into you, its often for a cuddle
There are resource guarding dogs who might try to ‘claim you’ but thats most often tied to insecurity and resource guarding.
My dogs sleep on my bed and they listen to me perfectly fine
We need to be working on a mindset based around co-operation, instead of control
This way of educating people with their dogs almost always lands with more behavioural problems occurring
Click my bio to learn more
Emotions play such a huge role in our ownership with any dog, but especially a reactive one. You can learn how to regulate and control your emotions more, so that you can both relax more outside.
Emotions play such a huge role in dog ownership, that we simply cannot discredit them, when rehabilitating an animal. Your dog and you play this training game as a team. If you feel like you’re not in control, or panicking on every walk, then you need to take a look at the Reactivity Reboot. It’s going to help you and your dog so much in getting back on track. Click the link in my bio to learn more
🐾 Cultivating Resilience in Canine Companions 🐶
In a world full of challenges, our dogs can benefit from resilience, too.
When faced with a fearful dog, it can be easy to wrap them up in cotton wool but consider how they’re going to develop resilience, if they’re always being protected and kept away from it
Here are some thoughtful strategies to foster resilience in your fearful dog:
1. Patience and Consistency 🌟: Calmly reinforce positive behaviours to help them cope with adversity.
2. Slow, Controlled Exposure 🐕 Gradually introduce your dog to new and potentially intimidating experiences to build their adaptability.
3. Structured Training 🐾: A well-trained dog can better handle unfamiliar situations, reducing stress.
4. Mental Stimulation 🧠: Engage their minds with puzzles and training games to enhance problem-solving skills.
5. Unwavering Routine ⏰: Stability is key; maintain a dependable schedule to give your dog a sense of security.
6: Try new activities together! 🏊♀️ If your dog can’t cope with doing daily walks, then look into alternative activities you can do together that they will enjoy and feel good doing.
What else do you do with your dog that isn’t just walking them?
Share your insights on nurturing resilience in your canine companion below. 🐕💪
🐾 Teaching the Check-In for Reactive Dogs 🐾🐶 Does your furry friend get a little too excited or anxious around other dogs? It's time to work on the "Check-In" command! 🙌📌 The Check-In is a valuable tool to redirect your dog's attention and keep them calm in social situations. Here it is, in action Remember that teaching your reactive dog the Check-In will take time, but the payoff is a happier and more well-behaved dog at the end of it. 🐕❤️
Full version on my YouTube channel Changing a dogs behaviour through a desensitisation and counter conditioning program should be done over a period of time, where the dog sets the pace For some dogs, they get things really quickly and can progress forwards in weeks or in some cases, days For other, more traumatised or severe cases, it could be months, even years I find that most reactive dogs can change and build new habits and behaviours in 3-6 months Don’t believe the one day transformations or fall for the drama ‘epic handling skills’ because they’re usually not changing behaviour for the long term They’re often just creating more problems that will escalate when the cameras turned off or later down the line
The journey may not always be easy, but it’s your journey, embrace and cherish it and most importantly believe in yourself and your dog. You’ve come so far and your future holds endless possibilities l. Tag someone who needs this reminder today ❤️
Full version on my Tiktok Dont believe everything you read or even see about a specific breed of dog. I know they might seem big and scary, but in my now 12/13years of the dog world, ive only ever been badly bitten by little dogs. Dont judge dogs on past experiences, it creates problems
🐾 Did you know? Dogs can be affected by neophobia too! 🐶 This is a fear of new things or experiences. It's essential for us to understand and help our furry friends to deal with new things more easily 🤗 ❤️
Dog socialisation is much more than just mucking around together, its about understanding others, being respectful around the young, elderly or unsure and its a million other things too! Socialising a reactive dog to another, usually has to be a gradual process to ensure you get it right for both dogs involved. Some dog are more tolerant than others too, so always be mindful of canine body language and take your time. Better a few weeks of walking together and no meets than a wrong meet!
This is crucial for a fearful dog. It allows them an opportunity to observe and find out more about other dogs from their scent and sight, without the pressure of having to meet them. Find your fearful dogs, safe distance and whilst this might look or seem boring, its actually really great for their mindset and canine confidence
Empathy is a powerful tool that can transform the way we interact. Let's remember that criticising others often does more harm than good. Constructive feedback, offered with kindness and respect, can foster growth and understanding. Let's build each other up instead of tearing each other down. 💛 if you have issues with something another person does, keep it to yourself because you’re only making yourself look bad with your attitude and unresolved internal issues
