💥 Pepper the Reactive Labrador

Last week we were dog training in Gateshead to see Pepper the reactive Labrador.

She’s not got a bad bone in her body, however, she’s way over excited and frustrated by seeing another dog, even if the dog is quite far away.

When she sees dogs, she reacts by barking and lunging.

Pepper has almost mastered the art of loose leash walking and has now stopped pulling on the lead, which means she is calmer and more able to process another dog being there.

She’s getting better with other dogs, but still has some way to go.

This time, we got Chloe out and did some reps of going in and out of sight.

One of the main issues with reactive dogs, whether frustration or fear-based, is that they have a warm-up time - which is often missed.

This is where they react initially, then calm down and are happy around that specific dog, until they go out of sight and come back when it all repeats its self.

This type of dog reactivity can not be fixed with just extended periods of time with the other dog in view.

This is why “socialization” by way of letting dogs play rarely solves anything, usually only making it worse.

Poppy needs to stop rehearsing this behaviour, and space is her best friend for this. Learning the alternative behaviour to the sight of dogs must start in a zone where she is happy and calm, then can get closer.

When Chloe was out, we successfully reduced her reactivity distance by a hundred feet or so.

Poppy will get there, she’s a lovely dog with some great owners!

Well done so far 😁

If this case sounds like your dog and you are having a similar issue, or a different issue entirely, book a FREE assessment call with us by clicking HERE.