Hello Reader,

I hope you are enjoying our amazing colour-filled fall. I'm sure that our dogs are all enjoying the cooler weather!

In This Edition

• Reactive Dogs
• Amazing Dog Facts
• Puppy Resources
• I'm Looking for Course Help

Reactive Dogs

What is a 'reactive' dog? This describes a dog that reacts, or perhaps overreacts, to something in their environment. This could be a specific person (i.e. with a hat), another dog, or an inanimate object that scares them.

I think that some people misunderstand what a reactive dog may be experiencing. We often correlate reactivity with aggression. We see a dog on leash who is barking and lunging, and we presume they are aggressive. While that is certainly possible, the majority of the time that reactive dog is most likely fearful or perhaps even frustrated. Many dogs bark and lunge at other dogs while they're on leash, but are totally fine at the off-leash park or trails.

What that reactive dog is typically doing in the case of fear, is barking or lunging in order to try and create distance and space. In other words, to let that scary stimulus know that they should move away. Working towards changing this behaviour is different than training, although some training is definitely mixed in with the behaviour change plan.

If you have a reactive dog, you can practice a quick U-turn so that if you see another dog approaching, say 'let's go' in a happy voice... pair it with a yummy treat, and walk in another direction. As hard as this is, if your dog does start to bark and lunge, do your best to stay calm, speak in a soothing voice, and say something like 'alright, let's go'. I call this the 'fake-it-till-you-make-it' strategy. ;-)

Our reactions can impact our dogs. If we also get stressed, yank on their leash, or shout 'no', our dog's might think..."holy heck my person is also freaking out, so I must be right about this situation!!" So, plan this strategy in your mind, in advance... just in case you find yourself in this situation.

If you're struggling, and your walks are stressful, reach out for support.