Is Your Dog Reactive?

Does this sound familiar? You’re enjoying a nice, calm walk with your dog. Suddenly, other people appear. Before you can blink, your dog is growling, lunging, barking, pulling so hard on the leash that you feel like your shoulder is going to get yanked out of its socket, and you’re so tense you could bounce coins off your shoulders. You try to correct him or her, and before you know it, boom! Fido has turned around and bitten you.

If this is something you experience on a regular basis with your dog, you have a reactive dog.

There are two core causes that generate reactive behavior: [1] fear, and [2] insecurity. Either or both of these issues present in the behaviors mentioned above.

Q:  Can a reactive dog be “fixed”?
A:  Usually, yes.

Q:  How long does it take to help a dog stop reacting?
A:  That depends on the severity of the behavior. Hiring a good trainer to help you is the first step.

Q:  If fear and/or insecurity is the root cause, how do I fix that?
A:  Hire a good trainer to help you. They will show you how to help your dog become more confident and trusting so that you can truly help your dog.

If you dream of being able to have an enjoyable walk with your dog when other people and other dogs [or cats] are around and you’re at your wits’ end, send me a consultation request. I’ll come to your home when it’s convenient for you and your family, and we’ll tailor a program that will fit your schedule and get your dog on the road to recovery.

Have a great day, and remember to stay calm and lead on.