How to Help a Reactive Dog? Dog Trainer Mascot

How to Help a Reactive Dog? Advice from a Dog Trainer in Mascot

First, we must understand that dogs aren’t reactive to upset us or because they are getting back at us or just because they are naughty. In fact, 90% of aggression is fear-based. And yes, reactivity is a form of dog aggression. Aggression within dog trainers doesn’t mean a dog who has bitten or attacked someone, it simply means that a dog is showing aggressive signals such as growling, lunging, snapping, showing their teeth etc. And if 90% of aggression is fear-based, the rest of it can be based on frustration, over-arousal, anxiety or pain. So it’s never just a ‘one solution fits all’ type of scenario, aggression always needs to be assessed by a professional dog trainer. But there are certain things that should be done no matter the reason, here’s advice from Anniina, the owner of Eazy Dog Training in Mascot.

1. Distance: First thing to add is always distance. When a dog has reacted they are no longer making good decisions, distance must be added to regain a calmer mental state that works for learning something good.
2. Desensitisation: This is a big one and a lot can be done at home as well. Reactive dogs require intensive desensitisation to the triggers that trigger their reaction. These triggers can be broken down first to sound, sight or smell to make the process easier. This means sound training, observing from a safe distance or just getting used to the smell of the trigger while calm, for example.
3. Positive association: This is the most important part of the training. We must change the negative into positive!