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Bonding on the Trail: Reactive Dog Walks
- Ellie Buckle
- Apr 4, 2024
- 9 min read
Key Highlights in this blog
Reactive dog walks can be stressful, but with the right techniques, they can become enjoyable bonding experiences.
Understanding your pets behaviour and triggers is crucial for successful reactive dog walks.
Preparation, essential gear, and training tips can help create a positive association for your dog on reactive dog walks.
Choosing the right trails for your pooch, like quiet trails, can make a significant difference.
Bonding activities on the trail, such as interactive games and using nature as a training opportunity, can strengthen your relationship with your furry friend.
Managing encounters with other dogs and people requires techniques to keep your dog calm and navigate crowded paths.
Introduction
Walking your doggo should be an enjoyable experience, but if you have a reactive pup, it can often become stressful and overwhelming. You are not alone! That's why Leash and Explore exists, so you can get out and adventure in a positive way.
Reactive dogs are dogs who have big feelings about certain triggers, such as other dogs, people, cars, bikes or unfamiliar environments. These reactions can range from barking, lunging, or even aggressive behaviour. And as a result, walks can become a constant source of anxiety for both you and your furry friend.
However, with the right approach, you can turn these walks into bonding experiences. To be clear - we aren't trainers. We aren't here to tell you how to train your dog, or how to 'fix' them. We are here to show you that building positive experiences and improving your bond can work WONDERS for yours and your pets mental health.
The key is to understand your pets behaviour, identify their triggers, and create positive associations during walks. By following some management techniques and choosing the right trails, you can make your walks more enjoyable for both you and your dog.
In this blog, we will explore the different aspects of reactive dog walks and provide you with valuable tips and information. From understanding your reactive pet's behaviour to choosing the right trails and walks, you will learn how to create a positive and safe environment for your pooch during your adventures. So let's dive in and discover how you can bond with your reactive dog on the trail.
Understanding Your Reactive Dogs Behaviour and How to Make Them Feel Safe
To effectively handle reactive dog walks, it's essential to understand your dog's reactivity and what creates a stressful environment for them. Dogs who react may exhibit behaviours like barking, lunging, or growling when they encounter triggers that make them feel uncomfortable or threatened and making you feel stressed. These triggers can vary from other dogs, unfamiliar people, loud noises, or even specific environments. It's important to remember that this behaviour is a response to fear or anxiety and is not a reflection of your furry friend's personality. When dogs react, they do so because they have feelings on something big - and that feeling needs to be acknowledged.
As owners of reactive dogs, it's crucial to be patient, empathetic, and understanding. Recognising your dog's triggers and learning how to manage their reactivity can help create a more positive and relaxed walking experience for both of you.
The Signs of Reactivity in Dogs
Reactive behaviour in dogs can manifest in various ways. Here are some common signs of reactivity in dogs:
Lunging: When a dog lunges forward, often accompanied by barking or growling, towards a trigger.
Barking or Growling: Reactive dogs may vocalize their discomfort or fear by barking or growling at triggers.
Freezing or Stiffening: A dog may freeze or become tense when faced with a trigger, indicating their unease.
Tail Tucking or Cowering: Some reactive dogs may exhibit submissive behaviors, such as tucking their tails or cowering.
Outbursts: Reactive dogs may have sudden outbursts of aggressive behavior, which can include biting or snapping.
Reactivity can vary in intensity and may be triggered by specific situations or stimuli. By understanding these signs, you can better anticipate what walks and adventures are best for your pup.
What are Common Triggers for Reactive Dogs?
Reactive doggos can be triggered by various stimuli during walks. It's crucial to identify these triggers to plan your walks accordingly and create a positive environment for your pooch. Some common triggers for reactive dogs on walks include:
Leash Reactivity: The presence of other dogs or unfamiliar people while on a leash can trigger reactivity in some dogs.
Distractions: Environmental factors such as loud noises, busy streets, or crowded areas can overwhelm reactive dogs.
Unleashed Dogs: Reactive dogs may feel threatened or anxious when encountering unleashed dogs, especially if they approach too closely.
Strange People: Reactive dogs may react to unfamiliar people, especially if they approach too quickly or invade their personal space.
By being aware of these triggers, you can take proactive measures to avoid or manage them during your walks. This will help create a more relaxed and enjoyable experience for both you and your pooch.
Preparing for the Walk: A Reactive Dog Walk Checklist
Before embarking on a walk with your reactive dog, it's important to ensure that you have everything you need to create a positive and safe experience. Here's a checklist to help you prepare for reactive dog walks:
Essential Gear: Make sure you have the necessary gear if you need it, such as a properly fitted muzzle, a secure harness, and a sturdy leash, long line - these are important to make sure you can be prepared for any situation.
Treats and Rewards: Bring high-value treats or rewards to reinforce positive behavior and create positive associations during the walk and take a break from the trail if you need too.
By preparing ahead of time, you can set yourself and your pet up for success during the walk. Remember, patience and consistency are key when working with a reactive dog.
Essential Gear for Safe and Enjoyable Walks
When it comes to walking a reactive dog, having the right gear is crucial for both safety and enjoyment. Here are some essential items that you might want to think about bringing with you on your adventure:
Muzzle: A well-fitted muzzle can provide an extra layer of safety, especially if your dog has a history of aggressive behavior. It allows you to have peace of mind and prevents potential incidents. We muzzle trained Mac, and will be doing the same for our foster pup.
Harness: Opt for a secure harness that distributes pressure evenly across your dog's body, reducing the risk of injury. It also gives you better control and minimises the strain on your pet's neck if they are a big reactor. We like the escape proof harnesses that go round your dogs belly too.
Leash: Choose a sturdy leash that allows you to maintain control while providing enough length for your dog to explore comfortably. We use a bungee lead currently, but also use a biothane waterproof longline for adventures where we can give more freedom.
Long lasting chews: This is a big one. Lots of people totally forget that giving your dog something to do if you are stopping along the way of a walk, your dog is probably going to get bored. Giving them a chew will help them regulate their emotions and is calming to dogs. Same applies for things like licky mats too!
Choosing the Right Trails for Your Reactive Dog
Choosing the right trails for your reactive dog is essential for a positive and stress-free walking experience. Look for trails that offer plenty of space, ensuring that there is enough room for your dog to feel comfortable and maintain a safe distance from triggers. Consider trails that are less crowded and frequented by other dog walkers, as this will minimize the chances of triggering reactive behavior. By selecting trails that cater to your dog's needs, you can create a calm and enjoyable environment for both you and your furry companion.
Quiet Trails vs. Busy Parks: Pros and Cons
When choosing trails for your reactive dog, you'll need to consider the pros and cons of quiet trails versus busy parks. Here's a comparison:
Quiet Trails | Busy Parks |
Pros: | Pros: |
- Less crowded, providing more space for your dog and reducing the chance of triggers. | - Opportunities for controlled exposure to various triggers, helping your dog build tolerance and confidence. |
- Peaceful environment, allowing for a calm and stress-free walk. | - Socialisation opportunities with other dogs and people, promoting positive interactions. |
Cons: | Cons: |
- Sometimes can be harder to find, access, or get too particularly in cities or built up areas. | - Potential for overwhelming stimuli and triggers that can escalate reactive behaviour. |
- Higher chance of encountering off-leash dogs, which can trigger reactive behavior. |
Ultimatley, removing triggers from your pups life is going to make walks and adventures much more enjoyable as they will be more relaxed. So if your dog is reactive to dogs - avoid dogs! If they are reactive to people, avoid people! These reactive dog walks can be tailored to your pets needs.
Time of Day Matters: Planning Your Walk
When planning a walk with your reactive dog, the time of day can make a significant difference in their reactivity levels. Consider the following factors:
Peak hours: Avoid walking during peak hours when there is a high volume of foot traffic and other dogs. This can increase the chances of triggering reactive behavior. Things like 8-10am or 4-6pm are busy with people returning from work, school runs and children around.
Quiet periods: Opt for walking during quieter periods, such as early mornings or late evenings. These times often have fewer distractions and are less likely to encounter triggering stimuli.
Temperature: Be mindful of the weather conditions and choose times of the day when the temperature is comfortable for your dog. Extreme heat or cold can affect their behaviour and comfort level (We always found that Mac was more reactive when it was cold, and more chilled when it was warm).
Bonding Activities on the Trail
Walking with your reactive pooch can be an excellent opportunity for bonding and strengthening your relationship. Engaging in bonding activities on the trail can help create positive associations and build trust between you and your dog. Consider incorporating interactive games such as hide-and-seek, fetch, or scent games. These activities not only provide mental stimulation but also reinforce positive behavior and focus. Additionally, use the trail as a training opportunity to practice obedience commands and reward your dog for calm and attentive behaviour.
We loved doing doggy parkour with our previous doggo, Mac. He was great at it and loved exploring and jumping on tree stumps and park gym equipment. Our current foster is the opposite, she's more interested in scent games.
Interactive Games to Play with Your Dog
Interactive games can be a fun way to bond with your pup and redirect their attention during walks. Here are some games to try:
Hide-and-seek: Hide behind a tree or a bush and call your dog's name. Reward them with praise and treats when they find you.
Fetch: Bring a favorite toy or ball and play a game of fetch. This not only provides physical exercise but also engages their mind.
Scent games: Hide treats or toys along the trail for your pup to find using their nose. This taps into their natural instincts and provides mental stimulation.
Training games and Tricks: Incorporate obedience commands such as "sit," "stay," or "leave it" into your walk. Reward your dog for successfully following the commands, reinforcing positive behaviour and focus - plus you both learn something!
Using Nature as a Training Opportunity
Nature provides a unique training environment for your reactive pup. Take advantage of the natural surroundings to create positive associations and work on reactive behavior. Here are some ways to use nature as a training opportunity:
Desensitization: Gradually expose your dog to triggering stimuli in nature, such as other animals or unfamiliar sounds. Start at a distance and reward calm behavior, gradually reducing the distance over time.
Positive association: Use natural elements, such as trees or rocks, as markers for rewarding your dog for calm behavior. This helps them associate these triggers with positive experiences.
Distractions: Utilize natural distractions, such as squirrels or birds, to redirect your dog's attention and reinforce focus on you. Reward their attention and provide treats for good behaviour.
Managing Encounters with Other Dogs and People
Managing encounters with other dogs and people is crucial when walking a reactive dog. Let's be honest - you can never 100% avoid it. But, by picking your walks wisely, selecting quiet times to walk and making them fun, you can create a safe and controlled environment for you and your pooch. Be prepared with strategies to keep your pup calm and minimize reactive behaviour.
Techniques for Keeping Your Dog Calm
When encountering other dogs and people on your walk, it's important to keep your reactive pup calm. Here are some techniques to help you achieve this:
Create distance: Maintain a safe distance from triggers to prevent your pup from becoming overwhelmed. This may involve crossing the street or changing your route.
Redirect attention: Use positive reinforcement training to redirect your dog's attention away from triggers and towards you. Reward calm behavior and provide treats for good focus.
Practice relaxation exercises: Teach your dog relaxation exercises, such as "down-stay" or "settle," to help them remain calm in challenging situations.
Use positive association: Pair encounters with other dogs and people with positive experiences, such as treats or praise. This helps your dog associate these situations with positive outcomes.
How to Politely Navigate Crowded Paths
Navigating crowded paths with a reactive dog requires extra care and consideration. Here are some tips to navigate crowded paths politely:
Choose less crowded routes: Opt for less busy walks, paths or trails to minimize the chances of encountering triggers. Reactive dog walks are going to need you to find quiet spots where you can.
Maintain distance: Keep a safe distance from other dogs and people to prevent your dog from reacting. This may involve stepping aside or creating space by crossing the street. The reactive dog walks we review have this top of mind and we try to review reactive dog walks based on if you can create space as a key factor.
Communicate with others: Let other dog owners or walkers know that your pup is reactive and may need extra space. Most dog owners understand and will be accommodating.
Be vigilant and proactive: Stay aware of your surroundings and anticipate potential triggers. Be ready to employ management techniques and redirect your dog's attention when necessary.
Wear Yellow: you can purchase yellow signs for your pup to wear which range from lead slips to coats and t shirts that alert people to stay away.
Conclusion
Remember, walking your pup should be a bonding experience. but reactive dog walks aren't going to get easier if you keep walking your pooch in busy parks. Remove all triggers where you can and take some time to understand their triggers and prepare the right gear. That was you will make reactive dog walks enjoyable for you and your pooch.
Choose trails wisely, opt for quiet paths if needed, and plan for less crowded times. Engage in interactive games and use nature for positive reinforcement and building trust. Manage encounters calmly and remember - you got this!
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