Caring for a reactive dog

Having a reactive dog can be heartbreaking at times and so rewarding at others. If you have a reactive dog, you have been there face to face with their biggest trigger and trying your best to remain calm. This happened to me yesterday, an off leash dog at a very much not off leash park came running up to us. After nine years with my guy, this situation is still hard.

I adopted my dog when he was 4 years old from the SPCA, he came with a number of rescue quirks. I just love him and would do anything for him. When I brought him home there was a lot to learn is this is what I share.

Don't give up

Be there for your dog and Most importantly stick around and advocate for them when things get hard.

Learn their triggers

Within a few weeks I realize that dogs were a big trigger and then I started to realize that's certain types of dogs are more okay and some are very much not okay. So large white dog = BIG trigger, there is no way this will end well. So if we're faces with this we turn around. On the other hand smaller dogs I could get a way with crossing the street. I quickly realized that bikes, skateboards and occasionally men with beards or people with sunglasses hats are triggering.

Working with your dog and their triggers

For me and my guy, the best thing is positive reinforcement and distraction. Treats and food do not what for him, as silly as it seems a high pitched and happy sounding "yes" works well. When I see him starting to react I keep saying good boy and remain calm. If we are out of the situation with little to no reaction he gets a big "yes" and some but scratches.

The most important thing I have realized when walking is that dogs can absolutely feel you stress through the leash. Your anxiety fuels their anxiety, so keeping the leash relaxed and you body language relax is super important here.

At the best thing I can do is avoid the situation or remove him from the situation. Cross the road and turning around common practice.

don't put them or those around you in unnecessary stress.

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