Is Your Dog Showing Reactions From Fear Or Excitement

[@helenmcpherson6581]

Hi Mark Excellent video! What you say makes perfect sense. I have been down that path of trying to correct my dog out of his reactivity and it doesn't work, it makes going out miserable for both of us. When I changed my attitude and way of thinking and relaxed, the situation improved dramatically. And no, he is nowhere near perfect, but is getting a little better each time, and we both enjoy our time out together. I found that when I relaxed and became more of a calm confident leader everything changed for the better. And yes it takes time! I think another year or two and he will be as good as he's going to be. Thank you for your advice and keep up the good work. You are very much appreciated!

[@kathleenwheeler6346]

Thanks for another great video. With your help I have accepted that my fearful heeler should not be subjected to being too close to strangers nor should they pet her. I was very proud today when my new neighbor ignored my dog and my dog sat quietly by my side while we women talked in the neighborhood. Going forward I think sitting quietly and calmly by my side is good enough

[@markdubose1986]

I like to keep people away from my dogs at first. Until they are comfortable and then I give them the option to meet if they want. Most cases my dog doesn’t want to go up to them and then i move on. I tell the other person my dog more than likely won’t come to you and they are like I bet he does and he will walk right past. Let’s people know not all dogs like them and that’s ok

[@tamasitarod3176]

Your channel is educational, and relaxing❤🙏❤

[@wendyrussell4191]

It's got to be their sensitivity to their environment. Wifi vibes in one thing for sure

[@markdubose1986]

The world is much different for dogs today. Everything is much faster and more natural species are going away. Dogs are being born in homes and not exposed to the environment and dogs being forced to stay inside for months as puppies because of the fear of disease.

[@TheKrisKing]

Something you talked about in this one really rang true to me, I’ve come a long way with a fearful Sheltie since we got her as a puppy, never having a dog and learning how to handle and communicate with her wasn’t easy, she’s still not perfect after all this time but has come so far where in most situations she’s great, it really makes handling any less fearful “normal”dog so much more easier. Just walked a friend’s dog today, 1 year old poodle puppy that has some decent energy but isn’t nearly as fearful as my fearful Sheltie and I can just have this poodle walking along like nothing with ease where the same dog is just yanking my small female friend around her downtown neighborhood acting a fool. It’s really a skill that my Sheltie gave me. Anyways, thanks for the video, Mark. I thoroughly enjoy them.

[@gailhunter2179]

Great video Mark. I have been working with my Bulgarian rescue for about a couple of years. He is fearful, barking lunging etc. I do not correct, give treats etc., but he still continues to do what he did a couple of years back. It is better but maybe I am only going to get so far with him, and he is as he is.

[@dmichalak007]

That is a lazy owner's approach. My rescue was so Fearful Reactive that other people wouldn't adopt her. Today, after consistent correction and reward she is a joy to take on walks and can be around other dogs without going into trauma. First step is to stop escalation; don't let your reactive dog look at what they react to; get in-between your dog and the stimulus. Dogs explore the world with with their nose first, eyes, and then ears. There are plenty of videos that can help you on KZbin! Don't look for excuses and be a quitter on your dog. Your dog's behavior is "YOUR" responsibility!

[@gailhunter2179]

I follow the Trust Technique and follow Mark and Robert Hynes. I have been down the correction and reward route and watched hundreds of videos. I have found that it only makes the situation worse unfortunately. I have 7 rescues and work hard with all of them.

[@markdubose1986]

One thing I’ll say to this is the information this person gave is correct. You can correct a fearful dog and make them look good for some time. But with more time the dog will get to the point that no matter the corrections it’s going to have to let that energy out. It may not be on leash at other dogs, but it sure will come out. Best case that energy comes out in home with guarding and protecting silly objects. I hope this comment this person put doesn’t distract you from doing what you need and thinking of going back to correcting your dogs. Shelters are full of dogs because people think they know it all and then when it gets too much they drop the dog off in a field or take it to the shelter. Foolishness is being pushed now and days. Let me correct a scared dog to get it to listen to me. That just doesn’t have any logic behind it.

[@gailhunter2179]

@@markdubose1986 Thank you Mark for your reassurance. Felt a bit upset last night. I take everything personally, so I did feel a little deflated. Like you say corrections and treats are a short term fix but do not solve anything long term. Thank you for taking the time to reply to me.

[@erlineandrews]

Where are you? It's beautiful.

[@markdubose1986]

I’m in Texas. North of Austin

[@clairebourassa5943]

About 2 months ago I went and got a 7year old rotsky/lab female rescue. The most I learned about her background was that she likes humans, kids and cats, but is reactive to dogs, also a strong leash puller. Got her a halti collar which she hates, so do I as she is quite the sniffer and part of the halti gets in the way. Otherwise, she is super affectionate with me and others once she gets to know them, intelligent and happy go lucky! My goal is that eventually, she’ll be able to relax with other dogs and perhaps make some canine friends. Is there hope for a 7 year old ?

[@markdubose1986]

Yes dogs are able to bounce back, we just have to listen to them so they treat us differently than what they used to have. Let her sniff and don’t worry about going for long walks at first. Just get out and let her smell until she doesn’t want to smell so much anymore.

[@clairebourassa5943]

Thank you Mark

[@sincerelytiffany1]

Hi Mark. Thanks for the content, I'm really enjoying the vids and education! Question, how would you advise to handle a naturally(by dna) anxious and fearful dog that is reactive to both people and dogs, specifically barking? I have a mini schnauzer, and I noticed in one of your previous videos you have one too and you mentioned you were able to get it to calm down considerably on the barking?.How did you accomplish that, as I feel I have tried a lot to no avail, and it's a behavior I really want reduce dramatically? My mini doesn't bark inside, but outside he goes nuts and I expose him to a lot scenarios but the barking is still the number one issue. I will say he has made strides and has come a ways from where he used to be. Any tips would be great. Thank you.

[@markdubose1986]

Check out a video I made called keeping your dog safe and trust in you. That may get you thinking some

[@sincerelytiffany1]

@@markdubose1986 Will do. Thank you!