The Secret to Helping Your Dog After a Reactive Outburst

[@MaryEllenHenderson-b8z]

Your timing is incredible! My reactive acd/aussie has been doing so well - virtually no reactions in weeks, but this morning on a walk with friends we had 3 bikes come right up behind us and ring their bells (oddly none of us heard them coming). He had a mild reaction, I think mostly to mine, then passing an aggressive looking dog he lost it (the woman said ”it’s my dog”), then a person leading a horse followed us (he’s terrified of horses but didn’t react), then he had a full-on reaction when a cute labradoodle came toward us. The last reaction was out of character and I know it was stacking. And this is usually a quiet area but today it was a mine field 😬 I was feeling completely demoralized until I saw your video. I’m not over it yet but we’ve had a scatter in the yard and a play with his favourite toy and am starting to feel better. Thank you so much for reminding us training doesn’t always go in a straight line, and we’re all doing the best we can ❤️

[@spiritdogtraining]

Hi There- Thanks for reaching out! I'm glad the video found you at the right time, though I'm sorry to hear of the day you had. I know that must have been very difficult to navigate but it sounds like you did the best you possibly could given the circumstances. You're doing great- keep it up ❤

[@marylegan1679]

Your encouragement is just what I need to hear. Thanks for your consistent messaging and training content.

[@spiritdogtraining]

Aw I'm so glad!

[@faithwilkins1482]

Shredding is so great!! My Corgi loves to shred egg cartons. Thank you for your wonderful videos and training tips. We love our dogs!

[@spiritdogtraining]

Yes! Shredding is awesome! Glad you've been enjoying ❤

[@DaniellePlante-k3m]

Agree 100%! Our (highly) reactive Mexi-mutt super Nova 1yr. old, has improved 50% since we adopted her when she was 4-5 months old. Aside from managing our environment, the scatter feeding in the yard & indoor sniffle mats has worked wonders to achieve these results so far!

[@spiritdogtraining]

That's amazing to hear ❤

[@beverlydeardurff5366]

My Pembroke Welsh Corgi has a lot of triggers, especially to moving vehicles. In fact, she doesn't eat from a bowl. I do everything that you've mentioned. I've scattered her kibble on the ground, I use a snuffle mat, I allow her to chew a coffee wood bone because I know that chewing is calming, she has a lick mat, but I haven't tried it yet. I supervise her when she chews because she's an aggressive chewer. She can chew up the toughest toys. Everything you mentioned I know about. I'm training her with a clicker and using positive reinforcement. I know that it's going to take a lot of time. She's very intelligent and I'm very patient with training her. I know that it'll take a lot of time to eliminate her reactivity.

[@spiritdogtraining]

It sounds like you are already putting in a ton of time and effort! Your dog is very lucky to have such a committed human 💛 I'm sure she will love the lick mat!! While I am a big fan of clicker training, we actually do not recommend it for reactivity especially for dogs who are very handler-focused and easily go into "thinking mode" (like many herding dogs)! Imo it can make them too eager/focused on the task and actually slow down the classical conditioning we are trying to achieve a bit.

[@metaldog88]

I have 2 reactive dogs, rescue sisters that are Aussie Shepherd / GSD crosses (4 years old). They have 2 types of reaction - people who come to the door (you'd think it was a home invasion every time!) and other large dogs (not small ones) when we are on walks, especially using the leash. I do all the things you say at the moment but I live alone and work so I have to take them both with me when on walks, I can't leave one behind so I can concentrate on training the other one :( I just want to find an effective way of pre-empting the reactive barking when they see another dog. We already have walking to heel (so I'm in front), the favourite squeaky toy and turning around and walking away tactic, but they're always watching out of the corner of their eye. I know we'll get there eventually but it really is a labour of love! Ps. Great video!

[@spiritdogtraining]

Hi There- Thanks for reaching out! When you say you can't leave one behind, is it because the one left behind gets distressed about being left alone?

[@LaughingVenus]

Appreciate this video so much! I have a reactive Aussie Rottie girl, and I feel very encouraged that we are on the right track. Thank you!

[@spiritdogtraining]

So glad you found it to be helpful! 💕 🐾

[@marciamotter7906]

You are so encouraging!

[@spiritdogtraining]

Aww thank you!! I know it’s not easy living with a reactive dog ❤

[@AndreaThomas-b8x]

Great video as always!!

[@spiritdogtraining]

Thank you! 🐾

[@RosemaryReedman]

I am in the early stages of training a rescue border collie with lead reactivity using similar methods to those you describe. We cannot always avoid situations which trigger outbursts but I have noticed that if our dog is allowef to carry a ball he redirects onto the ball. I have also used ball chasing as a distraction and reward if he does not react. However he can become over excited and ball obsessed. Could this be making the reactivity worse? Thanks. (He was kept in a house and garden for 2 years without going for walks)

[@spiritdogtraining]

Hi There! So the ball can be a great management solution for some dogs that are really ball crazy, so they can be a great tool for getting our reactive dogs out of tight situations. However, as you mentioned, it can get some of our dogs almost more worked up. So really we would want to look at if they are getting too excited in these situations, in which case the ball may not be best until further along in training.

[@rowan2222]

Is one of those chews a frozen bell pepper stuffed with dog food? I love that, way more affordable than buying a million kongs/toppls

[@spiritdogtraining]

Yes it is!

[@julilederhaus1559]

My friend has a very reactive dog. She has tried so much and right now has him in a special training class. He is not food motivated at all. So using a snuffle mat or a lick mat or even a chew toy doesn’t work with him. He just wants to stay by her which would be fine, except for his outburst of barking, which seemed to have no cause. Any other thoughts?

[@spiritdogtraining]

Hi There- is the dog food motivated at home and just not when out and about/around triggers? Or does the dog struggle with eating and food motivation in general?

[@darialois1]

Looks like you live in a very cold area. So much snow

[@spiritdogtraining]

Yes, love the snow!