Leash reactivity: The first few days
Anytime we have dogs come in for our board & train who have been leash-reactive their whole life and we make immediate progress with them, we get the “HOW?!” messages.
Like anything, there is a spectrum of dog reactivity. Some dogs are just reactive and the intent to “go for” dogs once the leash frustration and state of mind is addressed is low, while others offer more dangerous behaviors and some are fearful of other dogs and/or people so they are reacting to create space for themselves.
So, let’s talk about this dog, Leo, specifically. I feel that he is a good example of leash reactive, not dog aggressive. Being in an overly-aroused state, especially on leash was just his norm prior to coming to us.
WHERE DO WE START?
It is rare for us to get in a dog who has beautiful leash manners and a clear understanding of how to respond to pressure. Leo was a massive puller and when I tell you he knew how pressure worked, I mean it. But, it wasn’t in a way his owners would like him to understand it. I.e. he wants to pull mom to sniff something, he is dragging her to do so and the second he gets to where we wants, pressure is released. Many owners do not realize that it is reinforcing the pulling.
What does this have to do with leash reactivity? Well, I’ll tell ya! In the moments that he is seeing other dogs on the walk, his owners know that they can’t allow him to pull up to other dogs so his normal bulldozing behavior isn’t working for him so he is building up frustration in every attempt to make his way towards the other dog. When the normal pulling and lunging doesn’t work, the barking, screeching and theatrics kick in. With him having five years of practicing this, his response to other dogs happens quicker and more intensely, it wasn’t an over-night response. It’s practiced and perfected at this point.
So what do we do? With Leo, I immediately worked on his pulling. He needs to know how to walk on a leash with a human before ever getting around other dogs. Check out this video for eliminating pulling!
Every moment counts
Every moment a dog is here they are learning and getting clarity on what is expected, what won’t be allowed and what we like they are offering us. Typically owners want the reactivity to stop, right? But, they are looking for a solution to address just that. It often doesn’t work that way.
For the first handful of days, when we take the dogs out of their kennels they are on some kind of leash and their e-collar. Every interaction in intentional so we can give clear direction.
Trying to rush out of the kennel to run to the back door? Nope, we slow them down and they have a leash on so they can’t do that.
They get off place to try to go up to another dog? Nope, they are on leash and on a tie back so we can immediately guide them back on.
Thinking it’s okay to pull up to other dogs on the walk? Nope, we revert back to our follow and heel practice and correct for that choice and give direction to what we do want.
Does that sound like micromanaging? Probably! Initially it is because most dogs have spent so long fueling their impulses in an unbalanced way.
Passive interactions
All dogs are immediately spending a lot of their time around other dogs, but that does not mean direct interactions. They kennel next to each other, walk side by side, place in the same room, and have exposure to dogs on outings. They are getting so many great experiences around other dogs, but the focus isn’t about the dogs playing or sniffing or interacting. That goal is to build up their relationship with me so I can lay the foundation for their owners to continue this lifestyle change back home.
I believe that if more owners utilize the leash longer and are extremely intentional about all of their interactions throughout their dog’s day, they will see less reactivity. Your relationship with your dog will be stronger before heading out to tackle the tough things. You will have the opportunity to see the gaps in your dog’s state of mind and your accountability. The dogs don’t get magic from us, they do get major clarity, predictably and an environment that sets them up for success. I have not doubt that owners can do this, but I do know it will require change and intentionality. I do have the skill set and attention to detail that will get me and the dogs results more efficiently, I recognize that. But, you do have access to information and resources that you need to implement changes that will support a healthier and more enjoyable life for you and your dog.
If you need 1:1 coaching, make sure you check out my virtual owner coaching sessions: HERE!