Leash Reactivity: What to do when a trigger appears and your dog reacts
My dog Mara had a reaction on a walk this morning. I walk you through exactly what I did to handle it.
Sometimes, it is perfectly clear why your dog reacted. Other times, not so much. Your dog may be fine with a person one day, and react to them the next. You can frustrate yourself trying to determine a pattern!
What is more important is that you can read their body language and you have a plan for when and how you need to help them.
Teaching your dog a fun, reliable, easy pattern can go a long way to ease anxiety. When we know what to expect, we can feel more relaxed!
Want to know more about how to support your anxious, reactive dog? Sign up for my email newsletter! Link in my bio.
P.S. Want more help with your reactive dog so you can have calmer walks, less barking, feel comfortable entertaining guests, and a more relaxed dog overall? Spots are now available for my signature 1:1 Calm Canine Program. DM me to start a conversation about your dog!
#AnxiousDog #CalmDog #CanineBehavior #DogMomsOfInstagram #DogTrainerTips #ScaredDog #DogReactivity #AgressiveDog #PositiveReinforcementDogTraining
What happens when you work WITH your dog
Even in the positive reinforcement space, there can be this theme of "human vs. dog." The human must get the dog to do the desired behavior. It can feel like you and your dog are working against each other.
But I say you need to work WITH your dog. Because you will get the behavior change you want and so much more.
Team Fezco has been working diligently on reducing leash reactivity. We've been working on desensitization, counterconditioning, and doing fun things in the presence of triggers. Their ultimate goal is to take a hike together and they are well on their way to reaching that goal.
But a really cool "side effect" has happened. He's just opting to be around his mom more. He's more engaged with her on leash walks. He's more affectionate.
It's not just training, it's a transformation.
Want to know more about working WITH your dog to overcome reactive behavior? The Calm Canine Program coaches you to work with your dog so you both can get less stress, fewer reactions, and a closer bond.
DM me to start a conversation if the CCP is right for you and your dog!
#workWITHyourdog #DogBehavior #CalmCanine #RelaxedDog #PositiveReinforcementDogTraining #LeashReactivity #ReactiveDogsOfInstagram #DogReactive #LooseLeashWalking
"My dog is so much calmer and better behaved when off-leash!"
Listen, I get it.
Rosie is not fazed by other dogs when we are going for an off-leash walk on the beach. But we had to work together for quite a while to help her feel better about other dogs when she's on the leash.
Most places in the world have leash laws in place so leashes are here to stay. Truth be told, leashes are the best option for keeping your dog safe while out and about.
Leash reactivity can be overwhelming. But a great place to start can be teaching your dog they can "flight" instead of "fight."
Want to know more? Sign up for my free email list! I show up in your inbox 1-3x a week with tips, tricks, support, and advice for your reactive dog. Click the link in my bio to sign up for the newsletter!
#LeashReactive #FightOrFlight #LeashReactivity #DogReactivity #ReactiveDogsOfInstagram #DogOwnerProblems #DogBehaviorModification #DogBehaviour #dogmomlife
"He needs time for himself, not a timeout."
What mindset shifts have you had about your reactive dog?
P.S. If you want more help with your dog, enrollment is going to open in a few weeks for my signature program, the Calm Canine Program.
The CCP is a 4-month online coaching program to help guardians and their dogs cope and recover from maladaptive behaviors like reactivity and hyperactivity so they can coexist peacefully and harmoniously.
Sign up for my email list to be the first to be notified that enrollment has opened! Link in my bio.
"I want my dog to be more relaxed in XYZ situation" is a really common goal for guardians.
Whether it be out on walks, when friends visit, or dining at a local restaurant, calm behavior is absolutely desirable.
But like all new skills, it's best to learn at home - where distractions are at a minimum. The good news is this phase usually happens really fast, so you can start to try it out in other settings pretty quickly.
Rufio is a dog in the Calm Canine Program working on being calm. We started on the relaxation protocol right away and now Rufio's mom is noticing a more relaxed Rufio on walks, during car rides, and on busy walking trails!
Tell me in the comments! Have you done a relaxation protocol with your dog? How did it go?
P.S. I have 2-3 more spots opening in April for 1:1 coaching in my signature Calm Canine Program! DM me to start a conversation if the CCP is right for you and your dog!
Unpopular truth when working with reactive dogs:
You need real data to get real results.
Reactivity is emotional for the dogs and the guardians. When bumps in the road happen, it can be easy to get stuck in a negative thought pattern.
You may question if your dog is even improving. When this happens, go back and look at your data. It will tell you objectively if your training approach is having the desired effect.
In my Stranger Danger Program, I teach you a super easy, straightforward way to track your dog's progress. Having a history of your dog's progress can be really motivating and help you set up future sessions for success.
Want to have guests over to your home without causing your dog stress? Enrollment is open for 1:1 spots in January! DM me your dog's name so I can start to learn about your goals.
#DogReactivity #ProfessionalDogTrainer #StrangerDanger #FearfulDog #ReactiveDogsAreGoodDogsToo #ForceFreeTraining #CalmDog #RelaxedDog
It is a reasonable and common goal for reactive dog guardians to want their dogs to be calm and relaxed.
What we need to understand is this is a skill and must be practiced.
Mundo was struggling to relax in various settings. We started practicing relaxation with him at home first since this was where he was most likely to be successful. A big first win was Mundo relaxing so his mom could study!
They are now able to relax in a busy corner of town with lots of cars and people. I love the way he looks up at his mom! Good job Team Mundo!
P.S. Enrollment is now open for my Stranger Danger program. We cover relaxing in various settings, including when guests come into your home. If this is one of your goals, DM your dog's name so I can start to learn more about you and your dog!
#CalmDog #GoodDoggo #DogMum #RelaxationProtocol #FearfulDog #ReactiveDogsOfInstagram #DogMomsOfInstagram #ScienceBasedTraining
When working with your dog to overcome reactive behavior, less pressure and more patience are key.
Easier said than done! As the human in the relationship, you KNOW the situation you are putting your dog in is safe.
But your dog may not know that.
How to reduce pressure for your dog:
➡️ Ask other people to avoid eye contact and talking to your dog.
➡️ ️ Give your dog plenty of distance for them to observe other dogs without causing stress
➡️ End a training session early if your dog is stressed and isn't into it
➡️ Teach and prioritize "flight" so your dog knows they can always leave a setting they find uncomfortable.
While this may feel slow and tedious at first, by reducing pressure and moving at your dog's pace will yield more consistent progress.
#fearfreetraining #dogtrainingtips #dogmomma #reactivedogsofinstagram
Counterconditioning is the process in which you change your dog's undesirable (likely fear-based) emotional response to a stimulus to a positive response.
It absolutely has its place in your dog's behavior modification plan.
But rather than set yourself up for an uphill battle at the start of your journey, start at neutral. Help your dog form positive associations with things they really don't have an opinion on yet.
Laying this groundwork will help your counterconditioning efforts be more successful.
Have you tried counterconditioning with your dog? What were your results?
PS if you want more support for your reactive dog, click the link in my bio to sign up for my newsletter!
#ScienceBasedDogTraining #BehaviorModification #DogOwnerProblems #DogTrainingTips #ReactiveDogsOfInstagram #SnackLeaderNotPackLeader #FearFreeTraining #counterconditioning
It's a human reaction to reach in for a belly rub when a dog rolls onto their back.
But did you know that could be the exact opposite of what your dog wants?
Some dogs will go belly up in a submissive display, as a way to say "I am not a threat" and they actually want to be left alone. Rosie will actually do this around new people and I have to ask them to please NOT pet her.
It can be tricky to determine the difference because sometimes, your dog really DOES want a belly rub!
If you aren't sure, do a consent test. In this video, I pet Rosie for a few seconds and then move my hand away. She definitely does not ask for more pets, and even seems to relax her hind leg when I stop petting her. She'd rather not be pet right now - and that's OK!
I know I will have plenty of opportunities for belly rubs when she does feel like it!
Try this and let me know what happens! Is your dog into it or not really feeling it? No wrong answers!
#DogBehavior #DogBodyLanguage #ConsentIsCool #DogEnrichment #DogBehaviorModification #ScienceBasedTraining
Do you have agency in your dog's behavior modification plan?
Agency is the capability of individuals to make choices and to act on those choices in ways that make a difference in their lives. It gets talked about a LOT in the R+ community for dogs, but what about guardians?
Bandura's Theory of Human Agency (Bandura, 1986, 2000, 2001, 2006) tells us there are 4 components to agency: intentionality, forethought, self-reflection, and self-regulation.
If this video resonates with you, stay tuned, I'll be talking about each of these in more detail!
#DogBehavior #BehaviorModification #CanineBodyLanguage #ConsentIsCool #PositiveReinforcementDogTraining #DogTrainingTips #DogMomsOfInstagram #ReactiveDogsAreGoodDogsToo
Having a good relationship with your dog is important for building trust and recovering reactive behavior.
Bonding with your dog is a fantastic way to build your relationship! Bonding is partaking in shared feelings, interests, and experiences together.
Think how nice it feels to share something you enjoy with someone you care about.
Rosie loves to dig in the sand on the beach. I could see her face light up when Matt joined in.
Bonding with your dog can also look like:
✅ Sitting on a bench just soaking up a view
✅ Playing tug together
✅ Going on a sniffari
✅ Giving a good belly rub
✅ Teaching a new trick
How do you bond with your dog?
#lovemydogs #MyDogIsMyBestFriend #DogMom #DogOwner #ReactiveDogsAreGoodDogsToo #DogDad #BehaviorModification #DogTrainerTips
How do you set your dog up for success? How are you creating more opportunities for your dog to be successful?
#DogTrainingAdvice #CalmDog #ReactiveDogsAreGoodDogsToo #DogMomsOfInstagram #DogParent
Here's another tip to ensure a joyful holiday season for you and your dog!
It is an excellent practice to teach children the importance of asking the human if it is OK to pet a dog. But also teach them some canine body language to ensure the dog is giving consent to pets too.
Dogs give signals when they have had too much and want some alone time. But, they can be subtle and easily missed if you don't know what to look for. Appoint a dog-savvy adult to keep eyes on interactions between the dog and kids at all times. Signs your dog may need a break:
📍 Turning away
📍 Yawning
📍 Lip licking
📍 Panting (out of context)
📍 Whale eye (seeing the whites of the eyes)
📍 High, fast-wagging tail --> tail wags do NOT always signify a happy dog!
If these signals are ignored, the dog may feel the need to "say it louder" and growl, snap, or bite. And that's a situation no one wants! If your dog is displaying signs of stress, lead them to their safe space where they can decompress and ask your guest to kindly leave your dog alone.
How does your dog do with kids? What are you doing to ensure the kids and the dogs stay safe this holiday season?
#DogReactive #Reactivity #LeashReactive #PeopleReactive #ReactiveDog #AdvocateForYourDog #ForceFreeTraining #FearFreeTraining #TrainWithoutPain #Holidays #Christmas #ChristmasForDogs #ProfessionalDogTrainer #OnlineDogTrainingCoach
I spent the last few days in NYC enjoying all the holiday lights, decorations, and activities. It definitely got me into the holiday spirit!
We are entering into a busy time of year filled with parties, shopping, welcoming family and friends into our home, and making new memories. What is fun and exciting to us can be stressful and overwhelming to our dogs. So through the end of the month, I’m going to be sharing some tips and tricks to keep your dog merry and make the most of the HOWL-idays!
The first tip is an easy one. Establish a safe space for your dog. If you don’t have one, start now to build a positive association! This does not have to be a crate. It can be a quiet corner of your living room or another room of your house completely. This should be a space where your dog goes to relax and not be bothered by other pets or humans. ⬅ That part is key!
Make this safe space a wonderful thing for your dog. Offer them special treats, chews, and enrichment in their space. If your dog is noise reactive, you can even play white noise or soft music.
Having a safe space can relieve a lot of anxiety for your dog. Knowing they have their own special place to go to is very comforting!
#HappyHolidays #Howlidays #ChristmasTime #ChristmasTipsForYourDog #DogReactivity #AnxiousDogs #NervousDogs #FearfulDogs #AdvocateForYourDog #NormalizeImperfectDogs #DogTraining #OnlineDogTrainingCoach