ADVICE: The Common-Sense Dog

By STEPHANIE VICHINSKY

For Coeur Voice

I feel like the most common issue dog owners struggle with is reactivity. People seem to tolerate the jumping and barking because they understand the behaviors aren’t dangerous, but when it comes to reactivity, they get nervous about the vicious-looking behavior. So, let’s dissect it together so we can better understand the viewpoint of the dog.

What is reactivity? Reactivity is an aggressive-looking reaction typically brought on by some type of barrier. The kennel or crate can be a barrier. Dogs may become reactive toward people or dogs walking by, maybe even the broom or vacuum. The house can be a barrier. A dog may become reactive toward people, dogs, kids, skateboards, squirrels, etc. that might be passing by the house. The car can be a barrier. The dog may become reactive to passing cars, motorcycles, people, or other dogs. Fences can be a barrier. Dogs may become reactive to anything on the other side. And believe it or not, the most common barrier is the leash.

Is reactivity different from aggression? Most of the time, yes. Reactivity is usually brought on by the stress of a barrier. An example would be a dog that acts ferocious toward other dogs when on leash but loves to play in the dog park. Can a reactive dog also be aggressive? Yes. It is important to consult a professional before attempting to diagnose your dog.

Why do dogs become reactive? Especially if they weren’t that way before? There are a few different reasons that dogs develop reactivity. The first is typically fear. When dogs undergo stress, they usually toe the line between fight or flight. A fearful, anxious, or insecure dog would ideally like to choose flight because that is in their nature, but when barriers are involved, flight isn’t always an option. A nervous dog on leash might develop reactivity because they cannot escape. Since they can’t flee and their requests for space aren’t being heard, they puff up as big as they can in an attempt to make the stressor go away. They might also do the same thing in the home, the crate or the car. Teaching our dogs that they have other options usually relieves this behavior.

Dogs can also become reactive out of frustration. If your dog is very impulsive and loves greeting people or playing with dogs, a barrier of the house, car, or leash becomes an obstacle, and that obstacle irritates the dog. Over time their frustration starts to look very yucky. Teaching the dog impulse control and calmness relieves this behavior.

Dogs can also become reactive behind a barrier because the barrier empowers them. It gives them anonymity. It is easy to bark loud and proud from behind a window but not so much when they are face to face with the stressor. Interrupting the reactive dog, with consistency, should relieve this behavior.

Sometimes it is easy to say that our dogs are barking or acting reactive for no reason, but there is always a reason. Our dogs are talking. We just need to learn how to listen.

Always consult a professional when dealing with reactivity or aggression.

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Stephanie Vichinsky is the owner/head trainer of United K9, LLC in Post Falls. 208-964-4806

unitedk9training.com