When you are with your dog inside your home, things are great (for the most part).
But when you have guest over things aren't quite a good. And walks, forget it! Your dog barks, lunges, and pulls HARD on the leash toward dogs and people. You have a reactive dog.
It is stressful when you have a reactive dog. Life isn't easy, you probably worry every time you go for a walk that your dog will lunge and pull toward other dogs or people.
When your dog is dog reactive you are just hoping you don't run into a loose dog. And you swear, if you hear another "oh he is friendly" as an off leash dog is running full force at you and Sparky you are going to loose it. You may even hop onto your neighborhood forum and think about writing a nasty post about off leash dogs that are out of control...
If you hold your breath at every corner, just hoping the walk goes well, there is hope, and I want to give you a few pointers to help you out.
Give yourself permission to have 30 minutes a day to yourself (without your dog). Do something you enjoy. Walk, read a book, do a craft, workout, whatever suits you. Just get time for you. Doing something to relax yourself will help you be able to stay calm in the stressful situations that involve walking your dog.
Depending on your dog and how reactive they are, it might be a great idea to muzzle train them. Proper muzzle training (especially with a properly fitted basket style muzzle) will help your dog actually like wearing the muzzle. They will actually get excited for the muzzle. And, as a majorly added benefit, you will feel more comfortable and confident on your walk.
Plan ahead! If you can walk your dog at the times of day that are less stressful for both of you, it will be much more enjoyable. So, watch the patterns of your neighborhood and take your dog for a walk during lower traffic times.
When you have a reactive dog, it can be hard to walk with confidence. But just fake it until you make it! Seriously, walk with confidence, our dogs pick up on our body language and behaviors. Your confidence will help your dog.
Don't coddle Fido. IF your dogs starts to bark and lunge at other dogs, say, "let's go" and turn around. Keep walking. Coddling your dog will make them think their reaction was good and will only make them think that is what they should do.
Confine your dog securely when you have guest come over. Do your duty and keep your dog and your guests safe. Make the crate an awesome thing for them, too. That is their safe space.
Reach out to a trainer. If you are overwhelmed by your dog's behavior, you can bet that they are overwhelmed by the world. Having someone there to help and guide you is going to be good for you and your dog. You will get the tools you need to help YOU and your reactive dog through this and work toward feeling better about the world.
These suggestions will not be the best for everyone, but it is a starting point. This is not meant to replace good dog training, but more to give you something to get you by until you can work with a dog trainer.
Click here to submit a contact form, let's get you from dreading walks to looking forward to them again. You deserve to enjoy walks with your dog.
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