25/07/2025
🌀Understanding the Difference Between Reactivity and Socialization is so important!
🐕 When dealing with dog reactivity, it's essential to recognize that simply exposing your dog to other dogs isn't a solution and can often make the problem worse.
😱 Reactivity is a complex issue rooted in emotional responses, such as fear, anxiety, or over-excitement. By forcing interactions with other dogs, you're not addressing the underlying issue; instead, you're potentially nurturing the reactivity. 👎🏼
The problem with this approach is two-fold:
1️⃣Safety concerns:
❌Allowing a reactive dog to interact with every dog they meet can be dangerous for both dogs and humans. Reactivity can escalate quickly, leading to bites, fights, or other unwanted behaviors.
2️⃣Increased reactivity:
❌When a reactive dog encounters another dog, their internal reaction intensifies. The stimulus of the other dog triggers a stress response, which can enhance the reactivity. By repeatedly exposing your dog to triggers without proper management, you're inadvertently making the reactivity worse.
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🐶 To effectively address reactivity, you need a different approach. This might include:
1️⃣ Desensitization and counterconditioning:
✅Gradually exposing your dog to the trigger (other dogs) at a safe distance, while associating the presence of dogs with positive and or neutral feelings.
2️⃣ Managing encounters:
✅Learning how to safely navigate walks and encounters with other dogs, using tools like distance, barriers, or redirection.
3️⃣ Building emotional resilience:
✅Helping your dog develop coping mechanisms and reducing their stress response to triggers.
🤔 By understanding the difference between reactivity and socialization, you can develop a more effective training plan that prioritizes your dog's emotional well-being and safety. This approach may take time, patience, and professional guidance, but it's essential for helping your dog overcome reactivity and thrive in social situations.
