Where To Start When Your Dog Is Leash Reactive

[@SaraOndrako]

This is one of the most common problems I see dog owners struggling with! A lot of this behavior is from poor impulse control. After you watch this video, try these 3 easy impulse control exercises with your dog to help them make better decisions: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l4C5lnp_h7qkb7s

[@SBOK41]

Discovered you tonight. Subbed. Thank you for these fabulously helpful videos! I practice everything you've shown here with my boy. The problem is off leash large dogs rushing us. He's dog reactive & I'm so afraid he'll fixate & react & there's nothing I can do. After the pandemic it seems there's large off leash dogs round every corner. Any chance you could make a video on this topic? Thank you for making this channel 😊

[@SaraOndrako]

​@@SBOK41 This is such an important point that you bring up! So many off-leash dogs are being allowed to cross everyone else's boundaries. It's a real problem for sure - you're not alone. Couple of things to help: For reactive dogs, I like to condition them to the opening and closing of a large umbrella. The opening of an umbrella can be startling so your pup being very comfortable with that is important before implementing this. Once conditioned, carry an umbrella (I use one with a loop so I can attach it to my belt or loop it around my wrist) and if an off-leash dog is running towards you, Open it quickly in their direction. It will create a visual barrier between the two dogs and likely startle the dog rushing you, giving you time to move away behind a car or simply walk away. I also recommend firmly repeating the sentence "get control of your dog" over and over and over again until an owner picks up the pace and retrieves their dog. I don't add any extra words or change my tone, just the repetition of that request tends to create a sense of urgency that otherwise doesn't happen if you simply call to another dog owner to leash up their dog. They'll often respond with something like "it's okay, he's friendly" but repeating yourself over and over again doesn't give them the opportunity to respond - just act. There's a big awareness factor with this issue so some of it is spreading pet parent education too. I wrote this article after a similar encounter with my own dog. Feel free to share it far and wide 😊 saraondrako.substack.com?

[@jimdefazio2802]

Awesome video Sara. I've watched a lot of great trainers here on YT (and some not great, like the bonking guy...) but you actually articulate everything going through my brain when working with my dog. As an introvert I have a had time explaining each little thing I'm doing, especially to my family members, so it's good to see someone who can verbally clarify all that. Not that I'm an expert, although have competed in agility, I tend to "think" along the same lines as you when partnering with my dogs. Wonderful.

[@gigi2k326]

I'm only a minute in, & that is both of my dogs, they bark & act complete fools whenever they see anything. It's embarrassing and funny at the same time!

[@lanafinley8172]

great video. love the emphasis on starting the walk mentality before leaving home. thanks for posting

[@A_n_n_E]

SO many good advices, thank you! I have so much to work on with my dog :)

[@edwinwienke6593]

I saw a nice guy and a nice dog, but I didn’t see the problem was fixed! I didn’t see that the dog could handle arousal and dogs around him and stay calm and relaxed🤔🧐

[@SaraOndrako]

Edwin - this video shows the initial stage of how to handle a dog with this type of reactivity. So many people skip over the foundational pieces (the equipment, the basic obedience, the relationship between handler and dog, etc.) and this video was intended to highlight those important foundational steps in addressing reactive behavior. The problem wasn't fixed in the 45 minutes it took to film this video. You can't fix reactivity (successfully) in that amount of time. The problem is fixed after weeks of strategic practice, starting with the key foundational steps covered in this video. If you're looking for an entertainment "story" channel - sorry - this one's not it! This channel is about providing behavior foundations that promote health and wellness in canine companions. Problems most certainly get solved along the way and sometimes you get to see that in my videos but that's not our focus here. Best!

[@edwinwienke6593]

@@SaraOndrako Hai Sara, Thanks for your explanation. I like to see your videos about building a relationship with a dog. And caring for the dog. In this video my comment was critical but certainly not cynical. In this video there was a complex situation between handler and dog on the leash (if possible, reliable in every situation off leash is the best for every dog in my opinion). The video suggested that there was a situation of ‘fixing the problem’ and in my view that part was missing. Accordingly, I think your advice in this situation is not enough to fix this big problem between handler and dog. I truly think that handler and dog after months are still struggling with each other. Hopefully I’am wrong here! If not, I hope the handler will read this and search for videos from shieldk9.ca It can help to solve these problems and thereafter train the dog off leash. For clarity, I don’t have any relation with them, it is just that I truly benefit from the free educational videos they posted about complex situations Greetings from 🇳🇱

[@SaraOndrako]

Edwin - you make a great point. The video really is a starting point to tackling this issue and could use some better titling to reflect that. I’ll get with my teammate and discuss a new title and thumbnail. Thanks for the suggestion on videos that you like. I’ll take a look at their channel and if I align with their methodology, I’ll be happy to pass it on!

[@shetiffany1]

Awesome video ❤

[@sashamoldenhauer763]

Is there a progress video on this dog ? He strikes me as the type of dog to do well in dog to dog interaction.

[@A_n_n_E]

While walking my dog tends to pull and lead the walk, she also bark and wants to chase the heron in the park. She also is barking at humans and kids especially. But more than ever she wants badly to meet and play with other dogs and cats. I know now the importance of setting the tone right away from home and to not walk linearly and keep moving when she is barking. I'm eager to try this!

[@deepysur9743]

So wonderfully helpful. Thank you

[@sabrina.claudio3184]

I love your energy!!! Your videos are super informative your a great trainer and teacher

[@SaraOndrako]

Thanks so much! I'm glad you are enjoying them!

[@nicciellett5008]

Thank you Sara, excellent video! My 12 year old blonde GSD is super reactive to other dogs. She was rehomed at 10yrs and came with this ‘baggage’. She makes being with her in public very stressful for me as my partner leaves me to do it alone. Do you think it’s possible to change an elderly dog? Thank you Nicci

[@theresafeight5045]

Wonder if you have a recommendation for a slip lead?

[@tmdc3776]

This looks like my walks with my boxer Rocky. Rocky isn't as much prey driven but he has a strong fear of strangers. I wrap his leash around his waist to stop his lunging and to prevent him from getting loose from me but would love to know how to alleviate that fear all together so he can be a lot more relaxed, calm and enjoy social situations more

[@chaelynn6209]

so glad i found your channel! youre so knowledgable! my female pitbull has an issue with humping. i have a feeling it may be due to anxiety but i don't know how to break her from it. she has recently been to the vet so we know she doesn't have a UTI and she is fixed. Could she constantly just be aroused (?) if thats the word or do you think its behavioral and if so what can be done to stop the behavior? Maybe one day you can make a video on that? Thanks so much again for all the great content! #newsub

[@SaraOndrako]

Hi Chae! Yes - chances are it is due to high arousal (energy level). Sometimes it can be part of play as energy goes up if this is occurring with other dogs. If the other dogs aren't bothered by it, then I wouldn't be too worried. If the other dogs are avoiding her or repetitively disengage then I would interrupt her and redirect her. If not with other dogs, she may need some additional enrichment, physical activity, and one-on-one time throughout the day. Check out my video on making feeding fun for enrichment ideas during mealtimes and try to incorporate tug play, fetch, or other physical activities that you can do in 10 minute spurts throughout the day. Hope that helps! Keep me posted!

[@chaelynn6209]

@@SaraOndrako thank you so much! i will try these and let you know how she does

[@neilurquhart8622]

Hi Sara, just come across your channel for the first time. I’d love to hear your thoughts on my 12 month Golden Retriever:- I re-homed him 4 months ago and had never walked on a leash previously. Now he’s pretty good on a loose leash until he sees other dogs when he becomes very reactive jumping/lunging and barking. I manage to get him under control fairly quickly by a loud “hey” and “leave” but walking continues to be stressful for him and me. He’s great when leaving the house with a “stay/sit” until I open the door and say”OK”. I’ve spoken with a trainer and she thinks I may have inadvertently caused the problem as I’ve let him play off leash with another dog with no problems; I’ve stopped letting him play off leash for now! But it seems that he now thinks all dogs are ready to play….there is no aggression. I’m hoping to be able to have him socialise with a few other quiet/older dogs very soon. I’ve subscribed to your channel so I’m hoping you get to read this and are able to respond. Many thanks from Cambridge UK🇬🇧 [As an aside I’ve just responded to one of your other subscribers who was asking you about carrying his German Shepherd on the back of his sports bike…..ABSOLUTE STUPIDITY! Maybe you can take a look at my comments?]

[@SaraOndrako]

Hi! I definitely think you would benefit from working with a behavior professional through this with your Golden! You can enlist one through the IAABC Directory at iaabc.org. In the meantime, a couple things to roll into your training: Practice observation and exploration outings with your pup. These are intended to simply observe, explore, and learn by watching, smelling, and listening to other dogs (and people) in the environment at a distance tolerable enough that no reaction is present. You're looking for curiosity just not the need to be involved directly. If you shoot me an email at [e-mail], I'll send you a handout PDF that goes over some of this information in more detail. Don't worry - I won't add your email to any lists! 🤣I would also work a lot on your loose leash walking at home coming in and out of all of the doors in your home (front door back door, room to room, etc.) so that you are working and walking together as a team and your pup doesn't see the threshold of the doors as the signal that the cue is over and it's a free for all. Once you have your pup's focus coming in and out of doorways and can keep that focus (doesn't have to be direct eye contact, just having him respond if you ask something of him like eye contact or use his name) then begin adding in sounds of other dogs by playing them low volume on your phone and continuing your practice coming in and out of the door together. This can help gradually introduce the idea of other dogs in the environment (or any distractions) without the visual distraction, which is easier to tolerate. I would hold off on introducing you dog to other dogs for now while on leash, just until you can get him to a point that he will look to you for that direction before going towards another dog. Hope this helps!! 😊

[@neilurquhart8622]

@@SaraOndrako Thanks Sara, a year on from my original post and Dave (my Golden) has progressed well….loose leash is near perfect, he checks back with me regularly, reactivity almost gone (apart from when meeting some very small ‘yappy’ dogs which triggers him for a few seconds…easily manageable though). He’s got several doggie friends which he gets on well with, most are Goldens and a couple of cockapoos. The ‘doorway method’ is perfect. When leaving the house he sits at the door without a reminder and we walk calmly straight away. In short all good after a somewhat challenging year initially. Thanks for your thoughts 🇬🇧

[@jhersheymusic]

My dog doesn't give two shakes about a Martingale Collar. Is there anything that is more communicative between owner and dog? Also, is there a follow up with this dog around other dogs and cats so we can see how well your methods work?

[@bkucz]

Check out Zac George, he’s a very loving thoughtful trainer and shows training from start to finish

[@swn69]

That dog does NOT recognize that the guy is the leader. Also... good recommendation on the slip lead. Change directions often. As he walks away from you, not paying attention, stop and gently yank on the leash as he reaches the end. He will quickly realize he needs to pay attention to you.

[@trippykr1769]

Hi sara my name is Karthik from india are you a verternarian I have sports bike and a German shepherd OK I'm planning to take my dog in back of my bike for a long trip but I don't know how to carry him in my bike pillion seat I even searched for dog carry bags but I couldn't get it so can you help me to make a strap for any other for my dog to be carried in my bike pls even my future aim is to be an veterinary doctor

[@SaraOndrako]

Hi Karthik! I am not a veterinarian, I am a veterinary nurse and a canine behavior consultant 😃 Unfortunately I am not really skilled in designing equipment to safely transport dogs on bikes but I would recommend looking into pet trailers that are made specifically for bikes such as the Schwinn Rascal Pet Trailer (if a non-motor bike). They also make pet trailers for motorbikes as well if that is what you are referring to. All the best to you in reaching your goal of becoming a veterinarian! Safe travels!

[@neilurquhart8622]

YOU CAN’T BE SERIOUS! Riding a sports bike needs your 100% attention if you want to stay alive and avoid killing others. German Shepherds are intelligent dogs but trying to get them to ride on the back is, at best irresponsible and at worst just plain stupid! (would your dog be happy wearing a crash helmet?….I doubt it).I don’t believe your dog would learn to lean into corners as you do. I’m guessing you would invalidate your insurance too! …….JUST GIVE UP ON SUCH AN IRRESPONSIBLE AND DANGEROUS IDEA). I REALLY HOPE SARA READS MY RESPONSE AND PUBLISHES HER FURTHER ADVICE🇬🇧

[@aggunia57]

Have a 1 year old Spring Spaniel and he is lunging at people (wants to play) and found this video which will be a big help. I will be purchasing the leash you list below, but have a question on the collar. What do you think of the Martingale collar that has a chain on the top? Some say that the clicking of the chain is useful in training the dog, but wanted to ask you first. Here's the collar I'm looking at: tinyurl.com/esf6tb4j Thanks!

[@SaraOndrako]

Hi Anthony! I do like using martingale collars and yes - for some dogs, simply hearing the clicking of the chain can cue them into tension about to happen on the collar, but this does take some conditioning to build the association. You'll want to work on teaching your dog to walk by your side under no distractions and then slowly increase distractions to advance what you teach. Don't follow the pull if he's pulling to greet (that will reinforce his behavior to continue pulling to get what he wants) and work on your engagement and relationship with your pup before reintroducing meeting new people out on walks. Often while training on leash, I'll reset to zero introductions of new people for a solid two weeks and then I will use meeting new people as a motivator for the dog - remain on a loose leash with me and as long as you are doing so, we will continue advancing towards the new friend you want to make. Hope that helps!