Start training your dog at a distance he doesn't react to the stimuli and build up to being closer to the person, dog, or object that causes him to react.Once your dog knows some of these behaviors, use them to redirect his attention when reacting. ![]() Teach your dog some redirection behaviors like target and "watch me" (see our handout: "Dog Clicker Training").This results in them reacting to the stimuli when first seen, which often results in more tension on the leash and over time an escalation in behavior to reactivity. Learned behavior: When some dogs see a stimuli, like a person, dog, or object and proceed to approach but are met with an aversive, like being pulled back on the leash, they may begin to associate the jerk on leash to the people, dogs, or objects. Either way, as the person, dog, or object gets closer, your dog is unable to leave due to the leash, which then forces your dog to face the specific stimulus, causing reactivity. This may be the result of a specific scary experience that occurred in your dog's life or due to the lack of socialization. ![]() For example, when your dog is on leash and tries to pull towards a specific stimulus, they are met with tension from the leash, which leads to frustration and escalates the behavior to reactivity.įear: Some dogs become fearful at the sight of a person, dog, or object. Why Reactivity Occurs: Frustration: Some dogs, if restrained by a barrier, like a leash or fence, can become aroused or excited at the sight of a person, dog, or object. Phone consultations, including our Behavior Helpline can give you tips on how to manage the reactivity but to completely resolve the behavior, an animal behavior specialist is recommended (see our handout: "When the Behavior Helpline Can't Help"). Because reactivity is so complex, we recommend that you get professional in-home help from an animal behavior specialist if your dog is displaying any reactive behavior. There are many different reasons for reactivity and different levels of intensity. Dogs can be reactive to a variety of different stimuli like people, other dogs, and bicycles. ![]() Many reactive dogs live well with other dogs or play well at dog parks, because reactivity is just your dog reacting to a specific stimulus. Aggression means intent to do harm and though reactivity can look aggressive in nature when your dog is barking and lunging on leash, there is no intention to do harm.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |