Expert's Guide: Calming Reactive Dogs on Walks
Pet parents often struggle with reactive dogs, making walks challenging. A qualified trainer's advice can greatly help manage these situations. One expert, Adam Spivey, shares a solution to keep reactive dogs calm during walks.
Reactive dogs often respond to common stimuli with unwanted behaviors like barking, lunging, or growling. To prevent this, Spivey suggests walking behind the dog. This position shows the dog that you're in control and have the situation handled, reducing anxiety.
Spivey also advises asking the dog to sit and stepping in front of them to calm them down. If the dog starts reacting, a firm 'enough' command can help stop the behavior and encourage them to lie down and relax. Walking with the dog in front can exacerbate reactivity issues, so it's crucial to learn how to manage these situations for stress-free walks.
Reactivity in dogs can make walks stressful for both pets and owners. Following Adam Spivey's advice, such as walking behind the dog and using firm commands, can help keep reactive dogs calm and make walks more enjoyable. Seeking help from qualified trainers can provide additional beneficial strategies.
