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01/28/2025
Tuesday Training Tip: Preventing Reactivity with Better Choices
Does your dog struggle with reactivity? You might be unknowingly setting them up for failure with common social interactions. Here’s why and how to do better:
1. On-Leash Dog Meetings:
Leashes create tension and prevent natural interactions, leading to frustration, guarding, or bullying. Pushy dogs overpower softer ones, and timid dogs feel trapped. Skip on-leash introductions — they rarely end well.
2. Poorly Supervised Doggy Daycare:
In many daycares, pushy, bratty dogs bully soft or fearful ones because no one is managing the dynamics. Dogs learn bad habits in these environments, from bullying to shutting down. Choose facilities with knowledgeable staff who structure interactions and advocate for every dog.
3. Dog Parks:
These uncontrolled environments are a breeding ground for problems. Overly aroused dogs overwhelm sensitive ones, and there’s no escape. The result? Bullies become bigger bullies, and timid dogs lose trust in others.
4. Leadership-Free Living:
Even without exposure to the above scenarios, your dog can develop reactivity if their daily life lacks structure and leadership. Pushy dogs get bratty, and nervous dogs grow more anxious when no one is showing them how to behave. Reactivity thrives in chaos, but it dissolves with calm, consistent guidance.
The Fix:
Avoid putting your dog in environments that allow bullying or fear to fester. Focus on teaching neutral, calm behavior around other dogs by leading with confidence and clarity. Even if your dog has already developed reactivity, it can be reversed. Start today by stepping up as the leader your dog needs.
Stay consistent, and you’ll see the difference!
