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Struggling with reactivity?

It's one of the most FAQ in our community.

Here's your 5-step guide + cheat sheet on how to fix it. 🎁 

Weekly Bite

Reactivity towards other dogs is one of the most FAQ in our community and my neighborhood.

So I figured it was time to create the 5-step guide + cheat sheet that would've saved me thousands when I learned how to manage it with Aki.

Cheat sheet is at the bottom if you’re a visual learner.

Why Dogs React

Reactions are usually triggered by nature and/or nurture.

Some dogs have a low threshold for defense.

They see another dog as a threat and go into fight or flight.

The leash removes their ability to create distance, so they react to drive it away.

Others are driven by prey.

Movement triggers them, and being restrained builds frustration.

5-Step Guide

1️⃣ Introduce Your Dog To Physical Pressure

Your dog needs to understand pressure before you add triggers. Otherwise, you'll create superstitious associations that make things worse.

🔑 How To Use Pressure When Rewards Fail

Guide TL;DR: Ask your dog to sit in a controlled environment with zero distractions. If they don't follow through, apply light pressure via slip lead or prong collar. The moment they comply, release the pressure and reward.

Once they learn how to turn off pressure by doing what you ask, you're ready for the next step.

2️⃣ Teach Loose Leash Walking

You can't redirect and counter condition a dog that's dragging you towards every distraction.

🔑 How To Stop Leash Pulling

Guide TL;DR: Apply a light leash pressure pop on a prong collar when they pull and release the moment they give you slack. Repeat until walking on a loose leash becomes the default.

3️⃣ Establish Threshold Around A Neutral Dog

Find a helper with a calm, non-reactive dog who will follow your instructions.

Measure how far your dog can be from the other dog before they show threat displays (staring, hackling, stiffening, barking, lunging). That distance is your starting point.

Have them hangout with their dog at a distance your dog is comfortable with to keep them below threshold.

4️⃣ Exercise Your Dog Before Training

Satisfy their body and mind with physical exercise before working on reactivity. Tired dogs are much easier to handle.

5️⃣ Redirect & Decrease Threshold Distance

Set up a controlled environment with your helper's neutral dog below your dog's threshold distance. Stay calm since energy travels down the leash.

Proactively redirect your dog's focus onto you using their favorite reward after they notice the other dog but before any escalation in threat displays.

🔑 How To Fix Reactivity

Guide TL;DR: Say their name and redirect with their favorite reward before any escalation. Use light leash pops if they don't respond. Gradually direct your helper to move closer. If they react, you're too close. Go back and rebuild.

Cheat Sheet

All 5 steps work towards one goal. Neutrality.

TL;DR: Give your dog positive experiences near other dogs without direct interaction. Over time, they'll learn to ignore them on their own or focus on you after you give the cue.

Tail End

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Until next Thursday, ✌️

Sam