Barking

If Your Dog Is Reactive… This Changes Everything

This Sunday, April 19th — something important is happening. And if you’ve ever felt: Then this is for you. Let’s Be Honest About Threatening Barking & Reactivity Reactivity is not random. It’s not disobedience. And it’s rarely “just training.” It’s communication, between dogs. When that communication is misunderstood…sadly, our dogs become less curiousand we begin […]

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Reactivity and Aggression in the car

The only way to control car aggression 100% is to never take your dog in the car. For many, that is unthinkable as we enjoy having our dogs with us. So if your dog reacts in the car, first, teach your dog to relax in your home and other environments including your car with no distractions. Again, this is hugely helpful for the dog with poor impulse control.

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Dog Aggression Towards Humans

In my last blog, I mentioned that changing your dogs behavior begins with good management which prevents him from practicing the unwanted behavior.

I will now explain how to change your dog’s response when meeting a stranger, using the processes of counter-conditioning and desensitization. Counter-conditioning means changing the negative association the dog has formed about people, and replacing it with a positive, happy association using something the dog loves. Desensitization means exposing the dog to the “stimulus” (in this case, a person) at a distance, far enough away that it does not provoke a fear response from your dog, and gradually reducing the distance to the person until the dog is relaxed with the person nearby. Subsequent training can continue as your dog remains calm, and is able to accept treats or play with toys.

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