Do you live with an over reactive dog? By over reactive we mean a dog that reacts to certain triggers.
Does your dog bark or lunge at a particular stimulus?
Dogs may react for many reasons. Today we wanted to give you some tips to help you survive with your over reactive dog.
Tip 1:
Your ultimate tool is DISTANCE.
By keeping at the correct distance where your dog is able to not react. Your dog is able to more than cope. This will keep your dog under their threshold.
Avoid triggers where you can, but ultimately, if you cannot, stay under your dogs individual threshold and at a safe distance.
Tip 2:
As humans, we do tend to remember the negative experiences more than the positive experiences. We are wired this way for our own survival.
It can be useful to note down your experiences from each walk with your reactive dog. Keep a doggie diary!!
You may find that the positives actually outweigh the negatives.
Tip 3:
You will have good days and bad days. Try to not think about the bad days too much, and instead learn from them.
Tip 4:
Are those bad days outweighing the good days lately?
Well, this may sound insane to some but pull back from the walks and stay in the garden.
If the bad days outweigh the good days your dog is not in a great place emotionally and is perhaps facing too many triggers. He will feel unsafe. Imagine facing your fears every day!!
Your dog NEEDS to decompress!!
Instead of walks try some fun enrichment in the garden. Play scent work games, do training tasks and play with toys instead.
Tip 5:
Teach yourself to be calm. This is vital!! If you are feeling anxious, your dog will feel this from you. If you are stressed, your dog will feel this too. Take a deep breath and be calm. If you can't then do tip 4 instead of walks.
Tip 6:
Who is your superhero? Who is your ultimate warrior?
It can help you change your mind-set if you take on the role of this identity. It can make you feel strong inside. You need to be this person for your reactive dog.
Tip 7:
Be your dogs superhero!!
Protect your dog and keep him safe. You can do this by keeping the correct distance from triggers and keeping him under threshold. The more we make them face their triggers when they are over their threshold the more they will feel unsafe.
Give them control and choice. Provide positive associations.
Tip 8:
Don't yank the lead. Instead try gently lead stroking and gently saying your dogs name.
This takes practice in quiet areas initially. Practice lots when there are no reactions and when your dog responds, say “yes” and give them something tasty or play.
Tip 9:
When you are going a walk with your reactive dog try and have escape routes in mind. This will help you feel calmer in your mind. Avoid areas where you will meet the triggers face on.
Tip 10:
Train some valuable protocols such as swift U-turn. Remember, practice makes perfect.
Always practice with no triggers first!!
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