Today we are going to talk about reactivity. A reactive dog is generally associated with aggression, but in most situations, that’s not the case.

First of all, if as you are reading this article you believe your dog is displaying signs of reactivity, I would like to make it clear that this does not mean you have a bad dog. Reactivity is a response to fear; it’s essentially a “fight or flight” response that’s natural to the body.

I know the display of reactivity may be embarrassing and frustrating as you are attempting to take your dog for a walk down the street or visit the local dog park, but there are various factors that trigger the reactivity.

Sometimes, reactivity is caused by loud trucks, loud situations, or even cars moving quickly past your dog. Basically, when your dog is triggered, she is attempting to escape the trigger whatever the trigger is.

Here are a few tips to help your reactive dog. Before we dive in, it’s critical you understand only positive methods should be utilized. Punishment will only result in worsened behavior and lack of trust.

As always, I want you to clear all medical conditions with your veterinarian prior to addressing a behavioral issue. Sometimes, there is an underlying health condition causing the behavior whether it’s aggression, reactivity, anxiety, etc.

Obtaining a sufficient amount of exercise also assists with reactive behavior. I am not sure about you, but I know when I exercise, I feel significantly better in both mind and body. Your dog is the same way. There’s a feeling of happiness; the feeling of being mentally and physically healthy. Of course, your dog doesn’t understand this the way we do, but that’s why it’s our job to make sure they are obtaining a sufficient amount of mental and physical activity.

Next, every dog generally has something called a threshold. You may or may not know what I mean by this, but basically, it’s when she has reached her limit. Watch her body language closely and you’ll likely notice the warning signs of reactive behavior.

Your behavior is also critical in this. Your dog can pick up on your emotions. If you are stressed, he is more likely to be stressed as well. If you are calm, he is more likely to be calm. One of the CEOs I work with on a regular basis actually meditates with his dog and he finds it to be one of the best bonding exercises he’s ever done. Not only does it clear his dog’s mind, but his mind as well. If you’d like to look him up, his name is James Jacobson. He has also written a book regarding meditating with your dog if you’re interested in checking it out.

Once you have learned what the trigger is, attempt to avoid the trigger as much as possible. Re-direction is an excellent way to move her mind off the trigger. Carry a pocket full of treats and if you notice any type of fear or reaction, prior to her “fight or flight” reaction, provide her wit her with a treat.

Sometimes the reaction to the trigger can be reduced using behavior modification. In these cases, we generally utilize something known as desensitization and counter conditioning. But, in some cases, this behavior has become natural to the dog and should be respected.

PATIENCE

Make sure you are patient. If you have ever experienced anxiety, fear, or another similar reaction to an object or activity, you likely did not want to be forced straight into it. It takes time and commitment to reduce our fears.

If you have any questions, please feel free to join my dog group on Facebook that’s linked to my professional page at facebook.com/specialistamberdrake. We have an excellent group on the page and there’s a significant amount of support. Due to the large number of questions, I am not always able to answer them all in a timely manner, but there are other professionals and other dog lovers who are incredibly helpful and may be experiencing your situation as well or have already experienced it.

Until next time.