How To Calm A Reactive Dog – The Quick & Easy Way

Over the past few years, I’ve lost count of the number of emails I get about dealing with reactive behavior in dogs. So today, I want to touch base on one of the more common questions I had recently, which is… “How exactly do I calm a reactive dog?”

It’s sad to say, but we don’t live in a perfect world. And while we’d all like nothing more to own a well-behaved pooch, the fact is that it’s not always going to be as smooth sailing from the get-go.

Now, nobody wants to deal with an overly reactive dog.

But unfortunately, it happens so often that it can feel like a constant battle to make sure your dog isn’t constantly on the offensive.

Not only that, but it can put a huge strain on the relationship you have with your dog, which can often result in expensive behavior training or in worst cases, even rehoming them.

I speak from personal experience when I say that nobody deserves to go through this frustration. So it’s essential to try and steer your dog away from this behavior before the unthinkable happens.

But here’s the problem…

Hiring a trainer can be very expensive, and to be honest, you don’t really need to.

I’ll explain how in a minute. First, let me talk about WHY your dog seems to be so hard to train…

See, the reason you are having so much difficulty training your dog is that you’ve been training them the outdated way.

It’s not your fault though. The fault really lies with all the bad dog training information that’s out there on the Internet and elsewhere.

Most people start training their dogs using verbal cues or commands like SIT, STAY, etc. Because that’s what they have been taught to do by numerous books on dog training and by all the videos they’ve seen on the Internet.

Here’s the problem – that’s exactly how NOT to train a dog!

Why?

Because the science of animal behavior says that starting your training using verbal cues sets your dog up for failure.

Dogs that are trained only using verbal cues never get trained properly. Or at least, the training doesn’t last long.

So what’s the best way to train a dog?

The science is very clear on this – dogs are best trained by using body language. Now, this doesn’t mean that you should never use verbal cues. What it means is that you should always START your dog’s training using body language. Later on, you can bring in a verbal cue to reinforce your dog’s training.

Let me give you an example of how this works…

One of the biggest mistakes most dog owners make is that they don’t give their dogs work to do.

And this is one of the many reasons that certain dogs (ie. service dogs) are so well-behaved.

Now, by “job” or “work”, I don’t mean that a service dog is always doing something physical in nature.

Instead, what I mean is that when you give a service dog the hand signal for the DOWN cue for instance, here’s how the service dog would have been trained to think:

“My owner has now given me the job of lying down. So I will remain lying down here in this exact spot until my owner tells me to do something else because the job that my owner wants me to do for her now is to lie down.”

So unlike most “normal” dogs who think of DOWN as just a trick that they have to perform for a few seconds after which they can do whatever they feel like, service dogs think of DOWN as a serious job that they have to do with commitment, dedication, and purpose until they get their next job from their owner.

As you can imagine, it’s a dramatically different mindset!

And this mindset is the reason service dogs are so well-behaved, and so many “normal” dogs (even if they know cues like DOWN or SIT) are not.

The good news is that you can train your dog to have the same mindset as a service dog as well.

And the best part is it’s not even that hard to accomplish.

That’s why instead of leaving you with this one quick tip and leaving you to figure out the rest. I want to give you something actionable that you can use RIGHT NOW to transform your dog’s behavior.

So with this in mind, I’d highly recommend taking a few minutes to check out the K9 Training Institute.

The K9 Training Institute runs a free online dog training workshop that goes into extensive detail on the best practices and techniques to stop unwanted behaviors like reactivity.

It’s presented by Dr. Alexa Diaz (one of the top service dog trainers in the U.S.) and Eric Presnall (host of the hit Animal Planet TV show “Who Let the Dogs Out”).

To be honest, the techniques described in the workshop are pretty groundbreaking. And they’ve been a complete game changer for thousands of frustrated owners who implemented the techniques inside this free workshop.

This is because it’s the first time (at least that I know of) that anyone has revealed the secret techniques used by the service dog training industry to train service dogs.

The best part?

These techniques work on ANY dog… regardless of age or breed.

From small breeds like Pomeranians and Chihuahuas to large breeds like English Mastiffs and Great Danes.

Even puppies as young as 6 weeks old, and untrained adult dogs as old as 13 years, have been successfully trained using the techniques inside this free workshop.

It’s not a live workshop – it’s actually pre-recorded, which means that you can watch it as many times as you like.

However, while the workshop is free, I am not sure how long it’s going to stay that way, so I’d recommend checking it out while it’s still available.

So go ahead and click the link below, implement the techniques inside the free workshop, and get ready to watch your dog transform before your very eyes.

Click Here To Watch The Free Workshop & Discover How To Finally Stop Your Dog’s Dangerous Reactive Behavior… Using The Same Secrets The Pro’s Use To Train Service Dogs!

 

Why Is My Dog So Reactive?

In some ways, reactivity is the most natural thing in the world.

Ultimately, it’s a form of awareness.

While we express our emotions, thoughts, and fears by yelling or getting upset, dogs use other ways. 

They growl they bark, they snap… they react.

The problem is, it’s a style of communication that’s not always appreciated. It’s especially not appreciated when it’s allowed to go unchecked.

And therein lies the problem.

The occasional growl or bark from your dog might be annoying, but depending on the circumstances, it’s not necessarily dangerous.

But a dog that reacts negatively to certain situations could soon flip the script and decide to go on the offensive. And that’s when the real problems start.

The point here is that ALL reactive behaviors (aggressive or not) need to be treated as equal.

Basically, it all needs to be discouraged.

That said, treating your dog as an individual by figuring out the root cause of their behavior is going to be crucial in determining the right modification technique.

A dog who becomes reactive because they’re scared, for example, may need to be treated quite differently from a dog who becomes reactive because they’re protective.

Before jumping to the solution, take a moment to consider what could be motivating your dog’s behavior.

Some of the most common reasons include:

They Haven’t Been Socialized 

Sometimes, reactivity could be a sign that they’ve not been properly socialized.

If dogs aren’t exposed to a wide variety of people, pets, and situations from an early age. They can become anxious or fearful around anything unfamiliar. 

Unfortunately, fear and anxiety can often translate into displays of reactive behavior.

The problem is particularly apparent in pups who’ve experienced abuse or traumas in the past. As well as dogs who’ve spent most of their lives being passed from one temporary home to another.

Once dogs like this find a ‘safe-haven,’ they may feel the need to defend it against threats.

They’re Possessive 

All dogs are possessive to an extent (as are humans, when you think about it) but left unchecked, it can quickly develop into a problem.

While some puppies can get super possessive about high-value items like toys or food. Others can get possessive about people. 

If your dog thinks they ‘own’ you. They may become reactive or display other undesirable behaviors at anyone who gets in between you and them. 

It’s in Their Genes 

Herding breeds like Corgis, Collies, and German Shepherds have a higher risk of reactivity than other breeds.

The reason is simple enough. As working dogs, their function was to herd sheep and cattle. And reacting swiftly to certain stimuli was just part of the job.

That instinct is still there… even though it’s a lot less useful than they think it is.  

It’s a Habit 

It’s not uncommon for some owners to give in and just accept that reactive behavior is part and parcel of being a dog.

Eventually, they come to the conclusion that this type of behavior is just part of the game.

Some owners may even be encouraging the behavior unknowingly.

To make matters worse, an untrained dog often can’t tell the difference between what is and isn’t acceptable.

This is a huge problem, especially with larger, powerful breeds such as Rotties, Dobermans, German Shepherds to name a few.

This is also where the techniques Alexa discusses inside the K9 Training Institute’s free online workshop really come in handy.

Not only will you learn how to stop unwanted reactive behaviors, but you’ll also discover simple, highly effective calming exercises to keep your dog’s emotions in check.

So if you haven’t had a chance to watch the workshop… here’s the link you need…

Click Here To Watch The Free Workshop & Discover How To Finally Stop Your Dog’s Dangerous Reactive Behavior… Using The Same Secrets The Pro’s Use To Train Service Dogs!

 

How to Spot the Signs of Reactivity

Many types of reactive behavior can be passed off as a general warning.

But some types aren’t. 

For instance, if a dog happens to react out of fear and frustration and it isn’t managed appropriately. This can easily escalate into aggression. 

Worse still, recognizing the difference between what’s intended as a ‘warning’ isn’t always easy. 

That said, there are a few telltale signs that give the game away.  

When a dog reacts in an aggressive way, they tend to adopt a stiff, rigid posture. They may tense their muzzle and curl their lips to expose their teeth.

However, dogs who simply want to play will have a loose, relaxed posture.

Both may growl. But whereas a low-pitched, guttural growl is a sign of aggression, a high-pitched, sharp bark is a sign of play. 

How to Stop Your Dog Being Reactive

Before you can dial down your dog’s reactivity, you need to identify the root cause.

Although any kind of reactive behavior should be discouraged, different motivations need different treatment.

Consider factors like your dog’s age, whether the behavior is generalized or happens only around guests, and whether your dog displays any other fearful or aggressive behaviors.

When it comes to training, you need to think about the big picture. It might be frustrating when your dog starts demonstrating undesirable behaviors. But the problem is still the reactivity, not the person or thing that’s causing it.

If you want to address the problem, you need to address the problem, period. 

For instance, trying to stop your dog from being reactive on walks isn’t going to work if you let them get away with it at home.

Remember, dogs respond to consistency. So be mindful to keep working on discouraging negative behaviors (whether they’re aggressive or not) and encouraging positive ones.   

Avoid Provocative Games

Dogs can often become reactive when they’re bored or stressed, so finding a new outlet for their energy is crucial.  

Avoid playing games that encourage aggressive behaviors (roughhousing, etc). And stick to games that allow your dog to let off some steam without engaging in any undesirable behaviors. 

Dial Back Aggressive Play

If your dog has a habit of becoming reactive during play, you need to set boundaries of what is and isn’t acceptable.

To make things easier, avoid doing things that initiate aggression. Patting the sides of their face, playful nudges, or again, ‘roughhousing’ will just perpetuate the idea that aggression is part of the game.  

If they do end up getting riled you while you’re playing, avoid escalating the situation. End the game and take a few minutes to let your dog calm down and relax.

It may seem obvious, but it’s a sure-fire way to dial down the emotion.

Win Your Dogs Mind

Here’s one of the most important lessons that can be summed up in a few simple words…

…” It’s about winning your dog’s mind first”

See, dogs come in all shapes and sizes.

Some are naturally mild-mannered and calm…

…Some can be a little overbearing at times.

…And some are just downright Crazy with a capital “C”

But the one thing they all have in common is they respect the pack leader.

Now, if you’re one of the lucky few, your dog may already see you as the pack leader.

Other times, it may a little time and effort to steer them in the right direction.

And if you’re one of the very unlucky ones (as many are), getting your dog to calm down is about as easy as getting a toddler to take a nap after 6 cans of Redbull.

But no matter what your situation, getting your dog on the path to success will always come down to the same thing…

…Winning their mind.

Flashback to when I was a young inexperienced puppy parent.

It was one of the most stressful times of my life.

And here’s the thing…

It wasn’t that I was applying the wrong training techniques to my pup’s routine.

Far from it…

It was because I was missing the critical step of winning his mind first.

Once I got my head around this, everything instantly fell into place.

This is also why it’s a HUGE MISTAKE to train your dog without first getting to grips with this one core principle.

And it’s effortless once your know how to do it.

Anyway, if you want to hit the ground running and discover how to quickly win your dog’s mind and stop all those frustrating problems that have been driving you insane, check out the K9 Training Institute’s free online workshop.

Not only will you discover how to win your dog’s mind. But you’ll also how to teach your dog to control the natural impulses that trigger unwanted behavior.

Click Here To Watch The Free Workshop & Discover How To Finally Stop Your Dog’s Dangerous Reactive Behavior… Using The Same Secrets The Pro’s Use To Train Service Dogs!

 

What Others Are Saying About The K9 Training Institute

Click Here To Watch The Free Workshop & Discover How To Finally Stop Your Dog’s Dangerous Reactive Behavior… Using The Same Secrets The Pro’s Use To Train Service Dogs!

 

Final Thoughts 

At the end of the day, a dog that demonstrates the odd bout of aggression isn’t uncommon. But that doesn’t mean it’s ok to let it continue. 

The sooner your dog learns that aggression isn’t acceptable, the better it will be for everyone.

Not only does it decrease the risk of those mild aggressive traits turning into something more serious down the line. But it also makes it way less embarrassing around others.

Find the root cause and apply the solution. That might be easier said than done, but with a hefty dose of consistency and patience, you’ll get there

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Want To Learn 3 Simple Techniques You Can Use RIGHT NOW To Stop Your Dogs Frustrating, Unwanted Reactivity Problem?

Let me ask you this…

• Is your dog’s reactive behavior becoming just a little bit unpredictable?
• Do they constantly go on the offensive at every opportunity?
• Are they always fighting, growling, or becoming aggressive towards other people or dogs?
• Are you scared they’ll cause serious injury to an unsuspecting victim?

If you’ve answered YES to any of the above then you need to check out the free online workshop from the K9 Training Institute…