Understanding dog reactivity

by | Mar 7, 2024 | Tips & advice

Dog reactivity can be a real issue for both dogs and their owners and is something we at Cheltenham Animal Shelter have seen a rise in, with more dogs needing support in recent years.

According to ‘The National Dog Survey’ of 2023 presented by Dogs Trust, a recorded spike in dog ownership through the pandemic is suggested to have caused a negative impact on the key socialisations our dogs need and ultimately, a rise in negative behaviours they display, including reactivity.

Here, we have seen an increase in the number of sign-over requests where owners feel they can no longer care for their dogs, stating behavioural issues as the main reason. But what is dog reactivity and what does it look like? And how can we as owners help to manage the problem?

Recognising dog reactivity

Reactivity, generally speaking, is when your dog over-reacts to things.

This can be towards other dogs but also targeted at people, cyclists, moving vehicles, noises and so much more. Fear or frustration is typically the driving force.

Your dog can show various behaviours such as excessive barking, lunging, leash-pulling or growling towards the source of their reaction which is not only unsafe, but it can also take the pleasure out of walking time with your four-legged friend.

However, these undesirable behaviours can be managed, and dog walks can become something enjoyable once again with positive training.

Practical tips

Understanding that your dog is not just being naughty but in fact, is finding things hard to cope with can make all the difference in your approach to tackling reactivity in a more positive way.

If you know what triggers your dog’s reactivity, is there a simple way to manage this? Can you walk your dog at a time when others are less likely to be out, or can you opt to walk in a quieter and less busy environment? Whilst this will not solve the issue, it will certainly help to ease the stress on both you and your dog so you can focus on some positive training techniques.

Take time to get to know your dogs’ body language

Dogs give subtle cues that they are feeling stressed or unsure, such as excessive nose-licking, blinking or panting, which can further escalate to more obvious indications like intense eye contact, tense body posture or growling and barking.

By looking out for these stress behaviours in the early stages, you could help to prevent a reactive outburst by giving your dog some space or using distraction techniques.

Giving your dog something different to focus on, especially opportunities to smell and sniff, can really help to relax your dog and maintain a calmer state.

How can CAS help?

It is always a good starting point to get your pet cleared of any health concerns, should their behaviours suddenly change, as a dog in pain or discomfort will react differently to their surroundings. For senior pets, deteriorating eyesight and hearing, as well as the onset of age-related conditions like arthritis, or dental issues are known to cause golden oldies to show more reactive behaviour.

Our on-site veterinary practise CASVet provides a compassionate pet care service and can help ensure your pet is in their best health. Find out more at www.gawa.org.uk/casvet

Get the perfect harness

A well-fitted and secure harness can help to make a walk with a reactive dog more manageable, and we are huge advocates of the Perfect Fit Harness. These comfort harnesses, made of 3 separate pieces, are designed to ‘perfectly’ fit each individual dog, regardless of breed and size whilst ensuring a safe and secure walking method.

Find out more about the benefits or arrange a FREE fitting at www.gawa.org.uk/perfectfit-harness

Try our behaviour workshops

If you need more direct support with your dog’s reactivity, our team of canine behaviourists are keen to share their advice and knowledge through our Dog Reactivity workshops. Here, attendees can gain a good understanding of the reasons reactivity might happen, as well as some practical tips and techniques on how to manage it.

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