Understanding and Managing Reactive Dogs: Anxiety and Over-Excitement
What is Reactivity in Dogs?
Reactivity in dogs refers to an exaggerated response to certain stimuli, such as other dogs, people, or objects. This behaviour can manifest as barking, lunging, growling and many other more subtle behaviours. While it may appear as aggression, it is often rooted in anxiety, over-excitement or frustration. Understanding the underlying causes of this behaviour is crucial for effective management and training.
Causes of Reactivity
Anxiety: Many dogs become reactive due to fear or anxiety. They may perceive certain stimuli as threats, causing them to react defensively. This anxiety can stem from past negative experiences, lack of positive social interactions or genetic predisposition.
Over-Excitement: Some dogs react because they are overly excited and do not know how to channel their energy appropriately. This is often seen in younger/adolescent dogs or high-energy dogs that may need an outlet for their individual needs.
Frustration: When dogs are unable to reach or interact with a stimulus, they may become frustrated. This can happen when they are on a lead and cannot approach another dog or person and it is very common if they have always been allowed to go and greet every person/dog they meet when out on a walk since they were a puppy; there is then a certain expectation.
The Role of Distance in Managing Reactivity
One of the most effective ways to manage reactivity is to increase the distance between your dog and the stimulus. By doing so, you keep your dog below their reactivity threshold, allowing them to remain calm and more responsive to training. This means that you can also expose your dog to the stimulus at a distance that they can cope with. Here’s how adding distance can help:
Reduces Stress: Being too close to the trigger can overwhelm a reactive dog. Increasing distance helps reduce their stress levels, making it easier for them to focus and learn.
Improves Training Success: When a dog is not in a reactive state, they are more likely to respond to cues and training. This sets the stage for successful behaviour modification.
Builds Confidence: Gradually decreasing the distance over time, as the dog becomes more comfortable, helps build their confidence. This gradual exposure is key to desensitisation.
Practical Steps to Manage Reactivity
Identify Triggers: Keep a journal of your dog’s reactive episodes to identify specific triggers. Knowing what sets your dog off is the first step in managing their behaviour.
Increase Distance: When you see a trigger approaching, calmly increase the distance between your dog and the stimulus. Cross the street, turn around, or use a visual barrier like a car or a building.
Reward Calm Behaviour: Use positive reinforcement to reward your dog for calm behaviour. Knowing what motivates your dog in these situations will be important.
Use Desensitisation and Counter-Conditioning: Gradually expose your dog to the trigger at a distance where they do not react, and pair this exposure with positive experiences. Over time, this can change their emotional response to the trigger.
Seek Professional Help: Building a customised training plan will keep you on track and give you a maximum level of support, book a consultation now to talk things through and see how we can help you. It is worth noting that a change in behaviour may be a result of your dog being in discomfort, so it may be worth checking in with your vet and exploring with them.
Conclusion
Reactivity in dogs, often caused by anxiety, over-excitement or frustration, can be challenging to manage. However, by understanding the root causes and using techniques like increasing distance from triggers, you can help your dog remain calm and responsive. Patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement are key to successfully managing and reducing reactive behaviours.
References:
The Kennel Club. (n.d.). Reactive Dogs. Retrieved from The Kennel Club website
RSPCA. (n.d.). Managing Reactive Dogs. Retrieved from RSPCA website
By applying these strategies, you can create a more harmonious environment for you and your dog, fostering better behaviour and a stronger bond.