Nutts About Mutts Dog Training

Every reactive dog owner hates the sentence, "it's ok, he's friendly".

If you see a dog on lead in an off lead area like the beach, pop yours on lead even if you have total control like an "off leash heel". It gives the other dog and their owner peace of mind that your dog won't approach.

You can also help by walking the other way or by going up someone's driveway or using a car to block the reactive dog's view of your dog. It will all help the other owner regain their dog's focus and diffuse the situation.

Always be an advocate for your dog's well being.

Heck, I sometimes am an advocate for other people's dog's when they can't read how their dog is feeling!

If they are uncomfortable or scared, remove them or remove their trigger where possible.

Sometimes it might be beneficial to desensitise and counter condition them to the trigger. But always go at your dog's pace. Set them up to succeed.

Remember if your dog is struggling to get something right..... what can YOU change to help your dog succeed?

I often see people moving puppies closer to people/dogs using their leash, despite the puppy showing clear signs of discomfort. This makes me sad.

Allow dogs to come at things in their own time. Dogs can tell you how they are feeling through body language and calming signals.

A dog being social around people and dogs does NOT mean they have to interact with them.

They can be social just by being in the presence of other people and dogs and being calm and happy.

Some of you know I was a Ranger for 11 years. As a Ranger I unfortunately had to interview traumatised Children with their parents who had been out walking their dog and it was attacked.

In some states, you need to be 16 years of age to be in the control and care of a dog.

Happy visits with no treatment and high value treats can change your dog's association with the Vets. Read below for great tips.

"Let's Go" or "This Way."

Being able to teach your dog to change direction and to move with you with urgency is one of the most valuable lessons I teach dogs and owners.

For this to be 100% effective and reliable it should be practiced on your walk daily. It should become a muscle memory response for your dog to respond immediately, every time, no matter the "trigger or drama" you want them to come away from.

This works as a fantastic emergency u turn for example, if an aggressive dog is coming.

This also teaches your dog to yield to any leash pressure. Dogs will often react towards another dog when on lead and leash pressure is applied. With this exercise practiced, your dog will turn and go without leash pressure needed. A great little cue to get you out of a pickle.

What are you waiting for? Give it a crack. 😊

How to stop your dog lunging and barking- Train 'Let's Go!'- shy reactive dogs Don't forget to thumbs up my videos if you found the information helpful! This exercise is a MUST for shy, reactive, or aggressive dogs! For more free video...