If you want to learn ‘how to calm a reactive dog’ then I hear you. As do the thousands of other owners facing the exact same problem.
Dogs might become reactive for different reasons, but all those reasons have one thing in common – they’re dangerous. Not to mention embarrassing.
Even if the behavior is infrequent and mild, no one wants to be on the receiving end of an overly reactive dog. And if that behavior isn’t so friendly… well, no one wants to be that person either.
Now for the good news. If your dog’s reactivity has started to become just a little bit unpredictable, it can often be managed effectively before it escalates into anything more serious.
The trick, as is with most things doggy related comes down to:
a) establishing the root cause,
b) early intervention, and
c) consistency
So if you’re ready to put a stop to the behavior once and for all, the first logical step is teaching your dog to be calm and in control of their emotions.
Why?
Because if you can effectively teach your dog to relax, you’ll also find they’ll be a lot less reactive in any type of situation that triggers it.
So before you do anything else, I’d highly recommend taking a few minutes to check out the Dog Calming Code from Dan Abdelnoor over at The Online Dog Trainer. (see video below)
Not only will this program help your dog remain calm and in control. It’ll also teach them to become highly responsive and obedient while reducing their natural reactive tendencies.
While it won’t do all the hard work for you. I guarantee that if you both watch the video and apply the training Dan recommends into your dog’s routine consistently, you’ll be well on your way to changing their behavior for the better.
Anyway, here’s the link to take a look: Click Here To Check Out The Dog Calming Code & Discover How To Finally Stop Your Dog’s Scary, Dangerous Reactivity… Even If You’ve Tried & Failed Before!
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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 Dan discusses inside The Dog Calming Code really come in handy.
Not only will you learn how to stop unwanted 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 video, now would be the time…
Here’s The link to take a look: Click Here To Check Out The Dog Calming Code & Discover How To Quickly Stop Your Dogs Reactivity… Even If You’ve Tried & Failed Before!
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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.
Get Them Checked Out
If your dog has only recently started demonstrating reactive behavior, and if it’s accompanied by any other out-of-character behavior, something might be wrong.
If you’ve any reason to suspect a health issue could be to blame for their behavior, get them checked out by a vet as soon as possible.
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 Dog Calming Code.
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.
Here’s the link you need: Click Here To Check Out The Dog Calming Code & Discover How To Finally Stop Your Dogs Dangerous, Scary Behavior… Without Wasting Hours Training Them Or Spending Thousands Of Dollars
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What Others Are Saying About The Dog Calming Code
I recently purchased the Dog Calming Code and have been practicing implementing the techniques with my 5 month old puppy.
I’m a first-time dog owner so I have a lot to learn!
I love the approach Doggy Dan takes and his instructional videos make it easy to follow.
The calming effect works both ways, the better informed I become, the more calm and confident I can be like my dog’s leader!
Chloe D.
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Following Doggy Dan’s 5 Golden Rules has changed our lives for the better. Our 2 dogs are calmer, happier, and enjoying life — so much more now, they aren’t fighting to be Alpha dogs.
Our youngest was chasing cars, terrified of people when out walking, and generally very stressed. Now, she is a pleasure to walk not reactive at all. She enjoys her time on the lead.
Highly recommend Doggy Dan Training to all!
Lisa C.
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I purchased The Dog Calming Code because I was at wit’s end with my dog’s constant barking, all day and night.
Within 1 week of following The 5 Golden Rules, my dog is barking 90% less and is much calmer.
We still have a long way to go but I now have hope and tools to work with him that actually work.
Thank you, Doggy Dan.
Summer H.
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The key is keeping myself calm. And putting in practice a really new approach: avoid talking much with your dog.
If possible use body language instead of words. This has calmed my nervous German Shepherd in only 2 days.
Elena R.
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I was reticent about purchasing Dan’s Dog Calming Code.
Luna really is a sweetheart and loves loves loves people. And she runs up to greet them and jumps as high as she can to say hello.
And, when they visited and sat down, she jumped for joy right into their laps.
Nothing that I tried seemed to work. So, I finally purchased the Dog Calming Code to be able to work with Luna.
What a difference!
It took Luna and me a while to retrain ourselves, but Luna is now much calmer around people and she literally sits and waits to be invited up on someone’s lap or even up on the sofa.
So much more pleasant than yelling “stop jumping”.
A great choice!
Sunny R.
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
Want To Learn 5 Simple Exercises 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?
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