01/10/2025
This needs to be recognised for what it is....a very BIG issue, but it isn't addressed as much as other forms of reactivity (or even viewed by some as a reactive behaviour)‼️
Of course it is ok for a dog to be excited at meeting another ✅ but it pays to be aware of the habit that is being created here.
This can 💯% be the start of a very big issue called reactivity and continually allowing a dog to drag you towards another dog or having a dog bark, yelp, spin, screech and dig in... dragging you to meet another dog, can be a VERY damaging behavioural issue, even if many people view this as a dog just being happy.
This habit will continue.
It can get a whole lot worse.
If you are new to a reactive dog or have this issue, you may find the videos in the comments helpful, there will be one there about lowering excitement before a walk even begins which is crucial for dogs that have over excited reactivity.
This dog training handout is available abcdogsnz.com