Tuesday Training Byte: Walking the reactive dog

Does your dog lunge and bark at people or other dogs when you are out for a walk? Perhaps he pulls frantically trying to chase a child passing on a bicycle. This behavior is embarrassing at best, and dangerous at worst. Usually this behavior is a result of lack of socialization and the dog is over stimulated. Punishment (shock collar, yelling, hitting, or jerking your dog) only makes matters worse. Dogs can sense your fear, frustration, or lack of confidence. Gather up your six-foot leash to only give your dog about 2 feet of slack. Hold the leash firmly at your waistline. If your dog notices a dog to the side, it is okay to let him look for a brief moment, but then tell him, "Let's go!" and keep marching forward. Once your dog is facing forward again and in heel position, mark the behavior with a "Yes!" followed by a treat. We are not going to try to distract him with treats, toys or commands when he is pulling toward or barking at the distraction, If the trigger (dog or person) is approaching from the front, pause for just a moment, then make a 90 degree turn to your left if possible and continue to hold on as you walk forward. Repeat the mark and praise as soon as your dog settles again into heel position. If you allow your dog to have too much leash, and your arms stretch forward, you will not have control of your dog. Be sure to anchor the collected leash with both hands firmly at your waist so you are not pulled off balance. If you are paying attention, you will notice the dog or person before they get too close. While they are not close, have your dog do a couple of fun and easy commands. If he can't seem to keep his focus on you, the distraction is too close, so turn and walk the opposite direction or perpendicular until your dog has his attention on you. Soon your dog will learn that you are in charge of the direction and speed of the walk, and the dog or person is not going to get in his space.

Is this you? Trying to hold a dog this way gives you no control.

Training a reactive dog- first day at a park where other dogs run by the fence. I gather up the excess leash and hold with both hands firmly at my waist. Once the dog looks at me, I mark and reward the good behavior and then proceed on our walk.

Demonstrating the proper heel position and the right amount of slack in the lead. Once outside, anchor the lead firmly with both hands at your waist.