About Blog Blog posts written by Ally Lantis include topics such as adopting a new rescue dog, dog training class policies, private dog training policies, and behavior issues like potty training, crate training, puppy biting,
reactive dog training, and aggressive dog training.
She also teaches a specialized class for
reactive dogs called «Not Ready for Prime Time» at DITR.
Reactive dog classes have become very popular and I must be honest with you, most of them are useless because they think all you need are treats to overcome this behavior problem.
Nose work is great for building confidence in a shy dog, giving an active dog an appropriate and challenging out for its energy or helping
a reactive dog overcome its environmental sensitivity.
(excesses of anything - high stress in your job, high stress at home; driving long hours, dealing with a with a child with physical or psychological issues, dealing with
another reactive dog in the house, dealing with a spouse or family member with drug or alcohol issues?
An excellent remedy for environmentally
reactive dogs, safe for long - term use.
A fearful or defensive dog isn't the same as
a reactive dog.
Anything to increase distance, as that is what
the reactive dog is searching and working for.
This isn't something I usually recommend though as this is often too much to ask of
the reactive dog.
The reactive dog may not realize that his lunging behavior is what causes the jolt to his neck, but rather, that this painful jolting happens when other dogs are around.
The reactive dog usually asks the other dog for distance with signals that many of us are oblivious to, and we just move the dogs closer together, decreasing the distance between them, which just increases the emotions of
the reactive dog, and sometimes of the other dog as well.
Teaching an emergency U turn is often very helpful, to get
a reactive dog to move away from the trigger of the other dog is an excellent choice, as it breaks the visual, which is important.
We are forever grateful and indebted to Sophia for her teachings, whether it be in socializing a puppy, helping
a reactive dog or using lower stress handling for vet visits.
Fortunately, I do think it's much easier now to get involved in dog sports and fun activities with
a reactive dog than it used to be in the past.
Sniffers can help with
reactive dogs as well by focusing them on scent detection and can help build confidence in pooch's that are on the shy side!
I am able to do about 6 full size dogs in a basics class, 8 puppies, and for
my reactive dogs I do 3 max in there.
CASE STUDY:
Reactive Dog Training Class in Middletown RI.
Reactive dogs are not appropriate for this class.
Nose work is great for building confidence in a shy dog, giving an active dog an appropriate and challenging outlet for its energy or helping
a reactive dog overcome its environmental sensitivity.
This class focuses on basic manners, basic cues and specific issues pertaining to
reactive dogs and how best to manage their athletic skills and impulses.
Not all of us have an ideal environment to host group classes for
reactive dogs.
* Please note - Unfortunately, this class is not suited for fearful or
reactive dogs, or for dogs who really struggle with being in close proximity to other dogs on leash.
Most
reactive dogs will get anxious and aroused at the mere thought, smell, or sound of another dog.
As a trainer, your first step is to break down the triggers a dog typically reacts to (in this case other dogs) enough so that when
the reactive dog is exposed to it, they don't have a reaction.
Therapy Dogs, DIY Service Dogs,
reactive dogs that are too good for a Reactive Class, but not quite ready for the close quarters of a regular class, and students who just want to set new goals, are all great resources for these small groups.
I don't believe that there is such a thing as a perfect
reactive dog class.
- Leash
reactive dogs (lunging, barking, snarling, etc. at other dogs while on the leash)- Dogs with existing behavior problems (such as aggression, anxiety, or extreme fearful behavior)- Dogs younger than 6 months of age
There are training classes specifically on the subject, helpful books, excellent training programs, and even supportive communities for owners of
reactive dogs.
This can sometimes be the most challenging part of
reactive dog classes.
The 12 major skills we identified are resource - guarding prevention; refocusing a leash -
reactive dog; implementing time - outs; decreasing mouthy behavior; teaching basic manners including loose - leash walking; reading and interpreting body language; counter-conditioning and desensitization; sitting when greeting strangers; identifying rewards other than treats; enrichment games; and modifying a dog's response to being handled or touched.
Visual barriers are a necessity for every group class with
reactive dogs.
Shelters / Rescues / Foster Homes Increase the adoptability of fearful and
reactive dogs in your behavior modification programs by using the simple tools provided in this DVD.
«If you have
a reactive dog, Treating Dog - Dog Reactivity DVD is the perfect addition to your training tool bag.
This half - day seminar, taped in September 2010, includes a summary of both Classical and Operant Conditioning methods to help dog - dog
reactive dogs.
To help your shy / fearful /
reactive dog to relax and accept visitors, begin your training routine with only one person.
She gives a great starting point for working with on - leash
reactive dogs as well as a summary of a few of the different approaches out there... a great starting point for learning some simple techniques for dealing with on - leash reactivity.»
Ann has also instructed
Reactive Dog classes and «Control Unleashed» classes at Masterpeace.
Consultation:
REACTIVE DOG (short version) Dog: Stella, 2 year old spayed solid black German Shepherd in good health.
Learn the skills to manage
your reactive dog and change both of your reactions to other dogs.
Puppy Start Right Preschool, Pet Dog Ambassador,
Reactive Dog Classes, Loose Leash Walking Classes, Rocket Recall Classes and MORE offered at our centrally located indoor training center.
Ann regularly assisted author and Karen Pryor Academy faculty member Emma Parsons in
her Reactive Dog classes at MasterPeace Dog Training in Franklin, MA.
Perfect for families with a new puppy, rescue dog,
reactive dog or those fostering a dog who needs some skills to be adopted.
Group classes include Puppy Start Right, Foundation Programme, Agility, Carting, Canine Good Neighbour, Confidence, Focus, Rally Obedience,
Reactive Dog Programme, Scent Detection, and Tricks.
If you have
a reactive dog this is also a good walk for you as it is not very busy.
Behavioral consultations dealing with aggressive or
reactive dogs.
Also, offering
reactive dog group classes and Nose Game classes for anxious / reactive dogs at Veterinary Behavior Solutions Training Studio in Carrolton TX (https://www.vbsthetrainingstudio.com).
You may see them referred to as Feisty Fido or
reactive dog classes.
Basic to Advanced Manners Classes (Levels 1 — 4), Day Training, Private Training, Puppy and Tween Socials, CGC Preparation and Testing, Specialty Classes (City Walks, Tricks, Agility For Fun, Confidence Building, Therapy Dog, and
Reactive Dogs), Workshops (Recalls, Jumping, Games, Leash Walking, Dog Play, Targeting, and Treibball)
These are dogs that may benefit from «growl» classes, or
reactive dog classes.
«It's easy to get overwhelmed with all the information circulating out there about what to do with
your reactive dog and how best to help them improve,» said Scott Raymond, MS, CPDT - KA, a certified professional dog trainer with Synergy Behavior Solutions in Portland, Oregon.