Reactivity in dogs can be a normal response and in most cases it’s deliberate and reasonable. But the problem starts when your dog barks at many things or reacts in a totally over the top way. Over 25% of the dogs we see have a reactivity problem – and we do help them
Poor reactive Sid the dog
Recently overheard conversation:
“I don’t let Sid off lead at all. Last time I did that, he set off towards a Jack Russell like an Exocet missile and I couldn’t get him back. Their scuffle sounded awful and I thought one of them was going to be killed or at least badly hurt, but when we managed to separate them, the other dog has a small scratch on his ear and Sid had a tiny cut below his eye, that was all.”
“Poor Sid, is he OK now?”
“Oh yes, that was several months ago. I keep him on a short lead now all the time, and we steer well clear of other dogs. If he sees one, he goes mental, lunging, barking and spinning round like a dervish. I struggle to control him. We walk very early in the morning so we don’t meet many other dogs, thank goodness. It’s frustrating though.”
Reactivity is a common response in dogs
Many dogs find certain dogs more difficult to cope with than others, such as dogs with pricked ears, dogs with hairy faces and black dogs. A review I did of my own caseload showed around 25% of the dogs I see have a reactivity problem, either with or without other problems.
Reactivity can be a normal response – adult dogs may react to pushy adolescent dogs to put them in their place, others may object to rude pushes directly into their face. In these situations the reactive response is deliberate and reasonable – and necessary.
It’s a problem if your dog starts to bark at many things, or react in a totally over the top way.
Some dogs react to other dogs, some react to strangers, some react to moving objects, others to things going past their home. Some react from fear, others from frustration and a high proportion from over-arousal.
The good news is that these problems can be helped and often cured…
…although like anything worthwhile, it takes time and commitment.
Our Reactive Rover Bootcamp gives you everything you need to help your dog learn that the world is not such a bad place after all – and ways to help yourself cope better too. This four-week, twelve session intensive course also includes WhatsApp support through a private group and access to our private Facebook group.
The twelve session bootcamp has been proven time and time again to work.
Here’s what some recent attendees have said:
“I was concerned that the course wouldn’t stop Suzie being reactive. We now know to look at Suzie’s TEMP when a trigger appears and we are now equipped to help her. I would absolutely recommend the course to others. Carol is very knowledgeable and has a great teaching manner. Unlike other dog trainers, she isn’t arrogant even though her knowledge would allow her to be so. Excellent as an online course and the unlimited future support is priceless. I think we can never stop learning when it comes to canine behaviour and I have learnt so much more. It all makes perfect sense when you know.”
“We made absolutely fantastic progress with Buddy today. We took him outside his comfort zone to go meet friends. Apart from a few excited barks to see our friends and their dog, he just had a wee sniff and walked away. We walked past 2 dogs in the car park and he did react slightly but carried on walking after he realised he wasn’t getting near them. After that we did walk past several people and dogs off lead during our walk and Buddy quite happily trotted past not even looking at them. Plus I was able to let my daughter walk him which is a first from August that anyone else has been able to walk him. Thanks again for all your help as without it I would not have got this far with his training.”
Having a reactive dog is a difficult and lonely experience. In our Reactive Rover Bootcamp you also get the support of a group of people in a similar situation on top of our professional help. Which is why we see such good results.
The next live course starts next week, Wednesday 23rd June, and runs over four weeks.
Come and join us.
The sooner you get help the sooner your life can become pleasant again – for you and for your dog.
Keep training and stay safe,
Carol
