1. So, what is a Reactive Dog? My Definition: Any dog that reacts in a fearfully defensive or “aggressive” manner when faced with certain triggers Looks like: barking, lunging, growling, snarling, snapping, wants trigger to go away generally Trigger examples other dogs, strangers, situations, prey

2. What does a Reactive Dog look like? Fearfully defensive or aggressive manner: whining, barking, growling, lunging/ retreating Most are based in fear or frustration however not always obvious fear can have many faces, somewhat breed typical

3. What does a Reactive Dog look like? Breed typical examples Terriers often look confidently aggressive to some when actually fearful GSD’s often start with big conflict behavior of forward and back, then some lose the back and are more forward with learning Herding dogs chase instinct can turn into prey drive which turns into reactivity

5. What does a Reactive Dog look like? Each dog is an individual however and there is no set pattern from dog to dog Learn each dog’s triggers and first precursor behavior to reactivity Observe to see 1 st clue, subtle movement, alertness, stillness, facial expression

6. Other Factors Genetics: predisposition towards fear in breed or lines Bad experience: Fear is often permanent Developmental fear periods increase response Lack of experience: Can never get back what is lost during the socialization stage of 7 to 16 weeks and then beyond

7. A place of their own - Reactive dog classes All the handlers “get it” keep dogs to themselves All in same boat Support is wonderful A very small percentage can compete Most can at least have a place to do agility safely for fun and improve their dog’s life

8. What to do for a Reactive Dog The general procedures I follow A consult with a behavior consultant Implement a plan often working in a group class with other reactive dogs Implement a plan at home & in public

9. What to do for a Reactive Dog The Program in detail Management: prevent the dog from practicing unwanted behaviors Confinement: crate, pen, yard, leash Equipment: head collars, harness’s Prevent barking at windows, doors, fence Possible drugs such as Prozac Never put others in perceived danger Some temporary and some permanent

10. What to do for a Reactive Dog Counter – condition to reduce emotions Classical / Pavlovian Conditioning Pair a pleasant unconditioned stimulus (US) such as high quality food with the already unpleasant conditioned stimulus (CS), the trigger, ex: a dog This is CCC Classical Counter Conditioning

11. What to do for a Reactive Dog Using CCC Begin at a distance that will create a mild reaction or just a notice Dog must perceive the trigger first Food follows immediately associate food to trigger Drop food on ground, say nothing (food on ground seems to start up Seeking System) Dog generally begins to focus on the food source (handler) when emotion is reduced

12. What to do for a Reactive Dog Eventually the trigger will begin to predict food instead of fear, changes the emotional response You are not rewarding the barking or other reactive behaviors, you are reducing the emotion via CC Sometimes there will be a residual bark No emotion – just a bark to bark This can be easily removed by next step

13. What to do for a Reactive Dog The next step: Switch to an operant mode Reinforce incompatible behaviors once the emotion decreases Incompatible behaviors Anything that will keep the dog busy without increasing stress Teach before a counter-conditioning session with +R

14. What to do for a Reactive Dog Basic Incompatible Behaviors: Attention on handler, sit, down, stay, tricks, walk on leash use any behavior the dog knows and ideally likes to engage in Next: Move closer to trigger, repeat process begin w/CCC

15. What to do for a Reactive Dog General tips Suggest exercise more at home if walks have multiple triggers Too much constant arousal will increase hormonal levels which will increase reactivity Dogs need down time be sure home is as quiet a place as possible

16. What to do for a Reactive Dog General tips Balanced diet HIGH value treats Manage carefully No practice of unwanted behavior Liability? Does the dog avoid or attack? Be considerate of others Train to use brain energy - shaping Reactive class for controlled exposure

17. What to do for a Reactive Dog General tips Controlled exposures: vet offices, fenced or tied dogs that are not bothered by your presence, special classes, private lessons Loose dog issues: Teach a turn and escape cue so dog is accustomed to quick about turns Toss cookies over shoulder to loose dog Carry direct stop citronella spray for emergency’s Remain calm or increase dog’s anxiety

18. Classes for Reactive Dogs Small classes High student / staff ratio 2 or 3 to 1 for a 1 st or 2 nd level 4 to 6 to 1 for an upper level of known dogs I require consult first Evaluate dog and owners Set up overall individualized plan

19. Classes for Reactive Dogs Set up Gates & sheets to create visual barriers Create stations for each team

20. Classes for Reactive Dogs Set up Solid tethers for each dog

21. Classes for Reactive Dogs Basic class set up Enough space for each dog’s comfort Bring in one at a time no crowding at doors Have leave one at a time Vary each dogs station weekly Each dog on 2 types of collars Head collar, harness, martingale Extremely high value rewards

22. Classes for Reactive dogs Reactive Agility Class set up