![]() ![]() Never punish your dog, especially when she’s scared, because you will increase her fear. ![]() Studies show that animals subjected to aversive training techniques are less likely to learn and punishment causes long-lasting mental trauma. Stick with sparsely populated areas in your pet’s beginning training stages to avoid pushing her beyond her threshold. If another dog, a cyclist, or a jogger approaches, consider crossing the road or taking another route to eliminate contact with whatever triggers your dog’s reaction. ![]() If you and your leash-reactive dog encounter a problem, you must take deep, calming breaths and avoid yanking on the leash to prevent a canine panic attack. They also quickly pick up on your anxiety, and a leash acts as a direct line that transmits your fear and stress. Harnesses that clip in the front, or a head collar like a Gentle Leader, help you redirect your dog’s attention, guide her away, and keep her focus on you.ĭogs are intuitive creatures who will cuddle with you when you’re sad and snuggle under your blanket when you’re sick. Instead, your dog should wear a harness or head collar, both of which allow more control and security. A muzzle also sends a warning signal and helps deter people and their dogs from approaching.Ī flat collar is not ideal for controlling a leash-reactive dog. A correctly fitted basket muzzle still allows your dog to eat, drink, and pant, but prevents an altercation if an unleashed dog bounds up to her. Avoid the issue by investing in a well-fitting basket muzzle for your reactive pup. Fumbling for treats or tripping over your dog’s leash while you wander too close to another dog or a cyclist only sets you and your pooch up for failure.Īll dogs have the potential to bite, especially if they’re scared and feel threatened. Yin’s set of behaviors at home first so you can help your dog by acting smoothly and giving treats quickly. Yin was a renowned veterinary behaviorist who set standards for low-stress handling and behavior modification. Behavior-modification training has a better chance of rewiring your dog’s response to scary triggers when stress levels aren’t in overdrive.īesides the obvious “sit” and “heel” commands, you should widen your dog’s behavior repertoire and add Dr. Most medications for stressed pets increase serotonin levels in the brain, which makes the pet feel happier and more content, decreasing her anxiety. A veterinary behaviorist can develop a behavior-modification plan for your pet that may include stress-reducing medications and supplements. Your family veterinarian likely will refer you to a veterinary behaviorist for specialized care. Learning your dog’s behavior triggers and her reactivity threshold can be challenging and time-consuming, but you can overcome her leash reactions with patience, training, and dedication.Įnlist the help of a veterinary behaviorist Many canines are sweet and happy pets at home, but when they step into unfamiliar territory with strange people and dogs, they bark, growl, snap, or quiver in fear, making a simple walk around the block into a scary, stressful situation. You can walk your leash-reactive dog safely around your neighborhood, but she will need dedicated training and management. ![]()
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