Actually social media is always full of angst, but I want to talk about some of the doggy angst I’m seeing.
Owners are shocked to find their dogs are now lunging and barking at other dogs, people, cars and a whole range of other things. So, they are asking for help through Facebook posts.
Many of these dogs had been fine before we went into lockdown, with no signs of reactivity at all. I warned at the beginning of April that the sudden changes to all our routines would be affecting our dogs too. And an increase in reactivity is one.
Facebook is not the best place to get advice about anything, but especially dog training. You’ll get all sorts of replies to your request, many judging, others giving opposite suggestions.
Because you need direct, practical help. That’s why we set up our Reactive Rover bootcamp, an intensive online course. The first one finished last week and was very successful. Here’s what one attendee said:
“I learnt so much on this course that not only makes me a better dog owner but makes me more understanding of all dogs and helps me to be more considerate when out and about around other dogs. I now feel like a basic understanding of canine communication and different types of reactivity should be something that all dog owners learn to help their dog and other dogs be safe and happy!
The biggest lesson for me is understanding the close link between excitement and stress and how they’re both types of arousal in dogs. I used to think that I was a brilliant dog owner by taking L on loads of exciting walks, she would be racing around in the woods, running up and down the banks fetching sticks from the river, she was having a great time. She would also bark in frustration if we stopped walking or stopped interacting with her, but I just put up with that. I now know that being so aroused from exciting walks doesn’t help L to cope when she’s stressed with the dog next door barking.
In just a few weeks L is much calmer on walks and at home, she waits patiently in her crate in the kitchen as we eat meals rather than hovering around my toddlers high-chair, and she’ll also look at us when the barking starts for the ‘I’m trying really hard to be quiet’ reward…sometimes, but sometimes is good enough for now.”
If you’d like to help your reactive, barking or fearful dog, or just learn what you need to make sure you avoid the problem, join us for for Reactive Rover bootcamp. Find out more and book here: https://www.downdog.co.uk/reactive
I’ll help you, but you’ll need to do the work, not waste time on Facebook.
Keep training and keep safe,
Carol