How to Deal With Reactivity and Aggression in Dogs
Sharing your life and home with an aggressive dog is challenging; your whole world shifts a bit. As a professional dog trainer who works with reactive clients, I would like to share 5 tips that will make your and your aggressive dog’s life a bit easier.
5 Reminders You Need to Know
1. You’re Not Alone
It’s so important to know you’re truly not alone when it comes to having an aggressive dog. There are so many pet owners struggling to live within a reaction-free bubble every day, and they fear their dog is the only one with behavior issues. That’s not true.
During the first week of group reactive dog training class, usually one or two clients break down crying. They’re so relieved to see other pet owners walking in their shoes. Do know most dog trainers have lived with or are still living with a reactive dog too. I’ve had several aggressive dogs of my own, and I know exactly how your stomach drops to your knees when your dog reacts.
2. No One is Judging You
Pet owners feel a sense of guilt when their dog reacts. They feel everyone is judging and blaming them for their dog’s behavior. This is a tough one. I do feel some pet owners unknowingly reward the wrong behavior, but you do better when you know better, so seek professional help. The majority of aggressive dogs are predisposed to react, and when put in certain situations, they’re more likely to react instead of ignore it. Knowing this, even the best socialized puppy can become reactive despite doing everything right.
3. If Your Dog Reacts, Leave ASAP
It’s going to happen, and it’s your job to learn how to “unfreeze” yourself when your aggressive dog reacts. So many times, the moment a dog starts to react, the pet owner freezes up and her dog continues to bark and lunge. Instead, know your dog’s triggers, turn around and leave the area quickly before your dog reacts. If your dog does react, turn around and quickly walk away from your dog’s trigger. Don’t beat yourself up; just make a conscious effort to keep your dog away from triggers going forward.
RELATED: Can You Stop Dog Aggression?
4. Seek Professional Help
Reactivity never gets better on its own. Pet owners must seek help from a professional dog trainer immediately. Choose a dog trainer who has earned nationally recognized dog trainer certifications and who only uses positive reinforcement. Punishment will make reactivity much worse, and it doesn’t change behavior. Rewarding a dog for choosing to react differently works, so it’s worth the extra effort to find a positive dog trainer.
5. Don’t Dismiss Medication
There are many medications that will certainly reduce your dog’s reactivity, and they work quickly. For best results, ask your veterinarian to consult with a board certified animal behavior veterinarian, as she can advise correct dosages. It’s important to understand your dog doesn’t want to live in a constant state of anxiety. It’s an awful way to live, and the right medication can help. Also, medications for anxiety won’t tranquilize your dog. If it does, it’s the wrong medication. As a dog trainer, I’ve witnessed amazing results when the right medication at the right dose is added to a behavior protocol. Many pet owners wished they would’ve done it sooner.
Everyone has been there, so be kind to yourself and your dog. Seek professional help today.