So, what is a Reactive Dog?

My Definition: Any dog that reacts in a fearfully defensive or “aggressive” manner when faced with certain triggers

Looks like: barking, lunging, growling, snarling, snapping, wants trigger to go away generally

Trigger examples

other dogs, strangers, situations, prey

What does a Reactive Dog look like?

Fearfully defensive or aggressive manner:

whining, barking, growling, lunging/ retreating

Most are based in fear or frustration

however not always obvious

fear can have many faces, somewhat breed typical

What does a Reactive Dog look like?

Breed typical examples

Terriers often look confidently aggressive to some when actually fearful

GSD’s often start with big conflict behavior of forward and back, then some lose the back and are more forward with learning

Herding dogs chase instinct can turn into prey drive which turns into reactivity

What does a Reactive Dog look like?Each dog is an individual however and there is no set pattern from dog to dog

Learn each dog’s triggers and first precursor behavior to reactivity

Observe to see 1st clue, subtle movement, alertness, stillness, facial expression

Other Factors

Genetics: predisposition towards fear in breed or lines

Bad experience: Fear is often permanent

Developmental fear periods increase response

Lack of experience: Can never get back what is lost during the socialization stage of 7 to 16 weeks and then beyond

A place of their own - Reactive dog classes

All the handlers “get it” keep dogs to themselves

All in same boat

Support is wonderful

A very small percentage can compete

Most can at least have a place to do agility safely for fun and improve their dog’s life

What to do for a Reactive Dog

The general procedures I follow

A consult with a behavior consultant

Implement a plan often working in a group class with other reactive dogs

Implement a plan at home & in public

What to do for a Reactive Dog

The Program in detail

Management: prevent the dog from practicing unwanted behaviors

Confinement: crate, pen, yard, leash

Equipment: head collars, harness’s

Prevent barking at windows, doors, fence

Possible drugs such as Prozac

Never put others in perceived danger

Some temporary and some permanent

What to do for a Reactive Dog

Counter – condition to reduce emotions

Classical / Pavlovian Conditioning

Pair a pleasant unconditioned stimulus (US) such as high quality food with the already unpleasant conditioned stimulus (CS), the trigger, ex: a dog

This is CCC Classical Counter Conditioning

What to do for a Reactive Dog

Using CCC

Begin at a distance that will create a mild reaction or just a notice

Dog must perceive the trigger first

Food follows immediately

associate food to trigger

Drop food on ground, say nothing (food on ground seems to start up Seeking System)

Dog generally begins to focus on the food source (handler) when emotion is reduced

What to do for a Reactive Dog

Eventually the trigger will begin to predict food instead of fear, changes the emotional

response

You are not rewarding the barking or other reactive behaviors, you are reducing the

emotion via CC

Sometimes there will be a residual bark

No emotion – just a bark to bark

This can be easily removed by next step

What to do for a Reactive Dog

The next step:

Switch to an operant mode

Reinforce incompatible behaviors once the emotion decreases

Incompatible behaviors

Anything that will keep the dog busy

without increasing stress

Teach before a counter-conditioning session with +R

What to do for a Reactive Dog

Basic Incompatible Behaviors: Attention on handler, sit, down, stay, tricks, walk on leash use any behavior the dog knows and ideally likes to engage in

Next: Move closer to trigger, repeat process begin w/CCC

What to do for a Reactive Dog

General tips

Suggest exercise more at home if walks have multiple triggers

Too much constant arousal will increase hormonal levels which will increase reactivity

Dogs need down time be sure home is as quiet a place as possible

What to do for a Reactive DogGeneral tips

Balanced dietHIGH value treatsManage carefully

No practice of unwanted behaviorLiability?

Does the dog avoid or attack?Be considerate of others

Train to use brain energy - shaping

Reactive class for controlled exposure

What to do for a Reactive Dog

General tips

Controlled exposures: vet offices, fenced or tied dogs that are not bothered by your presence, special classes, private lessons

Loose dog issues:

Teach a turn and escape cue so dog is accustomed to quick about turns

Toss cookies over shoulder to loose dog Carry direct stop citronella spray for

emergency’s

Remain calm or increase dog’s anxiety

Classes for Reactive Dogs

Small classes

High student / staff ratio

2 or 3 to 1 for a 1st or 2nd level

4 to 6 to 1 for an upper level of known dogs

I require consult first

Evaluate dog and owners

Set up overall individualized plan

Classes for Reactive Dogs

Set up

Gates & sheets to create visual barriers

Create stations for each team

Classes for Reactive Dogs

Set up

Solid tethers for each dog

Classes for Reactive Dogs Basic class set up

Enough space for each dog’s comfort

Bring in one at a time no crowding at doors

Have leave one at a time

Vary each dogs station weekly

Each dog on 2 types of collarsHead collar, harness, martingale

Extremely high value rewards

Classes for Reactive dogs

Reactive Agility Class set up