My Full-time Job

It seems to be my full-time job to deal with reactive dogs. First of all, I live with one. And, then, of course, my mom is a trainer, so I see them quite a bit. Since I am (obviously) the best dog in the house, I am often called on to help with training. Because of this, I meet a lot of my mom's clients or rescue dogs needing evaluations, and I can say that right now, she has got a really great group of dogs who are trying so hard to make their owners happy.

I am most often called in to deal with dogs who are reactive to other dogs. I have had that responsibility often in the last few weeks as this is a common problem among dog owners. At first, I'm just on the other side of the street sitting or lying down politely. I have to look at my mom because most dogs don't like it when you stare at them. I do it because I think it's funny, but my mom doesn't like it, so I'm not allowed to do it during training. It's important to start training at a level your dog can handle. Don't walk him up to the biggest, scariest dog "to see if he can handle it." He's expecting you to protect him. Instead, start exposing him to dogs a long way away and reward him for looking at you instead of the scary dog. Once he is good at far away, I can finally start moving closer.

My mom teaches reactive dogs to heel next to their owner and look up at him or her, but when a dog is getting too close that isn't always possible. Even if your dog doesn't respond, you can still reward them for not reacting. That's the ultimate goal anyway, so feel free to reward your dog just for silence. Don't expect a long look either. If your dog gives you even a glance, reward like crazy (and I'm not just saying that because I love the rewards!)

It takes a lot of practice to get your dog to ignore dogs on walks. Maybe they never can completely. But they will learn to be calm if you show them that's what you want. Don't be afraid to get really happy and silly when they do it right. That's how they know what you want -- you act happy! And if they offer you the nice behaviors without you saying them, that's a huge reward and lots of praise. Don't be stingy while your dog is learning.

One more thing (and this may be the most important), don't forget to offer the demo dog a treat. He's not fat, just fluffy, and he really likes food.

Love, Chubbs