Pawsitive Pet Tales: Understanding Dog Reactivity

Why Are So Many Dogs Leash-Reactive?

On-leash reactivity is one of the most common reasons people contact me for private training. Many dog lovers are puzzled by their dog’s aggressive displays (or otherwise anti-social or embarrassing behaviour) when passing dogs on leashed walks, especially when that same dog can get along just fine with other dogs in the home and some are even social butterflies off-leash at the dog park. So why is meeting other dogs while on leash so problematic?

There is not a simple answer and there are many factors at play when dogs become reactive, but I will focus on the main issues.

Curves are IN

Firstly, in polite dog society dogs do not meet face-to-face (head on), instead they approach each other circuitously to show that their intents are friendly, then often they circle-sniff with each dog’s nose meeting the other’s rear end. Dogs can get so much information from a sniff and from observing the other dog’s posture. When dogs are approaching face-to-face their postures are often stiff, heads held high, coming in a straight line with no opportunity for appropriate body language and doggy etiquette. As they are getting closer the tension is already building before they’ve even come in contact.

Walking along a sidewalk most people are walking in a straight line with not much room. It is wise to give the dogs a wide berth so they can pass each other in a curved pattern rather than a straight line. Always ask the other person if the dogs can meet, please do not allow your dog into another’s face, and if the other person’s dog is on leash and you’re not in an off-leash park, the polite thing to do is leash up. It’s so hard for trainers, walkers, and owners to work with reactive dogs when they cannot control the environment and it sets dogs back quite a bit when they have an off-leash dog not under control approach them. Often these off-leash dogs greet enthusiastically, and although they may be very friendly, it’s not polite and the off-leash dog may not heed the signals from the reactive dog to please back off.

Frustration

Many reactive dogs started off quite social and eager to play and interact in a friendly manner. Unfortunately, being on leash limits the ability to do so and can cause frustration in young, playful, social dogs. A lot of dogs also spend time barking at their window at dogs passing by, further adding to these frustrating experiences. Over time the dog associates seeing other dogs with frustration and as the occurrences accrue, the dog ends up acting out whenever he sees another dog.

If you have a friendly, social dog right now - great! Keep it that way by arranging play dates with other social, friendly dogs who are a good match for your dog. Socialization is a continuous process and dogs need to continually practice their social skills and have an outlet for their playful energy.

If you have a dog that is reactive contact a certified private trainer or attend a group class specifically for reactive dogs. If your dog is reactive but has some friends he gets along with, arrange as many supervised play-dates as you can so that they have an opportunity to exercise their social side and have positive experiences with other canines. These play dates are best done in a large, fenced area with one adult for each dog in case the dogs start to get overly rambunctious. If they do, call them away with treats, ask them to sit or down, reinforce them for settling, then allow them to return to play. Continue interrupting and reinforcing for calm every few minutes so the dogs don’t get over-excited and start playing too rough, remembering to reward them by allowing them to get back to their fun.

Provide Alternatives

In the mean time, when you are out for walks you can help your dog develop a more positive association with seeing other dogs. Whenever he sees a dog (further away is better so that he remains calm) give him treats. You can ask for alternative behaviours such as sit, lay down, watch me (eye contact), touch (target) or anything he knows that he can do easily. Being rewarded in the presence of other dogs helps create those positive associations and gives your dog something to do with his nervous energy.

If your dog is too worked up to focus on you or to take treats that means you are too close and he needs more space.

Avoid Punishment

It is not advisable to punish your dog for acting out, no matter how frustrating or embarrassing it may be. This will further add to the negative association being developed and can worsen the reactivity and increase the risk of aggression. Try to keep your tone light and positive when you are working with your dog, if he sees you are relaxed and having fun this will help him understand that there’s nothing to be worried about.

You Are Not Alone

As I mentioned, this is one of the most common reasons people contact me for private training, there are also many books written on the topic. To further illustrate this point, out of 11 blog posts, this is already the second on reactivity. Know that, as difficult as this issue can be, you are definitely not alone and there is help and hope!

If you need help and are within our service area, please feel free to contact me, and if you are outside my service area I may be able to provide an appropriate referral.

Jillian Enright, CPDT-KA