Tips on How to Calm Your Reactive Dog
Reactivity is when your dog overreacts to things in their environment. Think about the times that they bark, lunge, or growl. These are signs of reactivity! Keep in mind that these reactions do not make a dog “aggressive” and that this is not an uncommon behavior. Having a reactive dog may be a challenge, but there are ways to calm them. We will go into detail below!
Set up a routine. Did you know that dogs crave routine? Routines make the world predictable, and it helps dogs make sense of everything going on around them, good or bad. A routine will make your dog feel calmer and more focused more on safe in otherwise stressful situations.
Get essential equipment. There are a few pieces of equipment that you can set your dog up with. Gentle Leaders are extremely useful for dogs that love to pull when you walk them. An easy walk harness clips to the front of your dog and discourages them from pulling on the leash. You may also consider a crate which is a great tool when it comes to reducing reactivity.
Counter conditioning. This is a process of changing the emotion or behavior a dog exhibits in response to a specific trigger. You must first notice the trigger and then reinforcement must occur.
Household changes. You may need to make some changes in the household to break the reactivity at home. Think about all the times that your dog barks at someone that they see outside of a window. Your dog believes that the barking will make the person (or even dog) go away, but that is not the case. You may need to use a tie down when you are home. This will teach your dog to stay in certain spots and not go do the window.
Body Language. Understanding your dog’s body language will help you communicate with your pup. Dogs speak mostly through body language. You will be able to sense if they are comfortable, scared, or threatened. Dogs exhibiting aggressive body language will be very tense and stiff, possibly frozen.
Reactivity is common, but as you can see, there are ways to deal with it. It is important to take the necessary steps to ensure that your dog is heading in the right direction. You should never be afraid to enjoy life to the fullest with your four-legged friend. Train them for success!
