A dog that barks, lunges, or becomes tense when encountering other dogs is often described as reactive. It\u2019s a common problem\u2014and one that\u2019s entirely possible to address.<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s a clear guide to why this happens and how you can help your dog.<\/p>\n
Reactivity is rarely about \u201cdominance\u201d\u2014it\u2019s usually about emotions.<\/p>\n
Common causes:<\/p>\n
Barking is the dog’s way of dealing with the situation.<\/strong><\/p>\n Keeping your distance is your best friend at first. The farther away you are from other dogs, the easier it is to succeed.<\/p>\n When your dog sees another dog and doesn’t react:<\/p>\n Your dog needs to learn to choose you over its surroundings.<\/p>\n Exercise:<\/strong><\/p>\n Avoid situations where your dog loses its temper. Once your dog starts barking, learning won\u2019t take place.<\/p>\n Routines and clarity reduce stress. Use the same approach in meetings: clear signals and calm body language.<\/p>\n This often increases stress and makes the problem worse.<\/p>\n Reactivity takes time\u2014often weeks or even months. But small steps lead to big gains. And consistent practice will pay off.<\/p>\n Ask for help if:<\/p>\nHow to Train Yourself to Be Less Reactive<\/h2>\n
1. Keep your distance<\/h3>\n
2. Reward calm behavior<\/h3>\n
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3. Put the focus on you<\/h3>\n
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4. Work below the threshold<\/h3>\n
5. Create predictability<\/h3>\n
What not to do:<\/h2>\n
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How long does it take to lose the weight through exercise?<\/h2>\n
When is help needed?<\/h2>\n