leash
reactivity
Leash reactivity is most commonly caused by dogs greeting each other while leashed. Leashed interactions inevitably lead to overexcitement / over-socialization or an accidental negative experience with another dog. The first thing for the parent of any reactive dog to do is completely stop allowing leashed greetings. Play time should always be off leash.
Leash reactivity is
our specialty
Common causes of leash reactivity include:
- Overexcitement: Your dog enjoys other dogs but becomes frustrated when restricted by their leash. One sign of overexcitement is lying down as another dog approaches.
- Negative past experiences: A dog who has experienced uncomfortable moments on a leash while meeting another dog may react proactively to keep other dogs from entering their space when leashed.
- Resource guarding: Some dogs start guarding their parents when boundaries and clear communication are lacking in the relationship.
While the best approach to leash reactivity training changes based on the reasoning behind your dog’s reactive behavior, most programs begin by teaching a “heel” command that enables you to walk your dog on a loose leash as they focus on you instead of elements of the environment around them.
We teach your dog “no” by addressing 1-2 bad habits they have around the house. This approach solidifies their understanding of “no” and teaches them to react to it as a clear marker for behaviors they are never allowed to do.
With an understanding of “heel” and “no”, the two concepts are combined to communicate to your dog what behavior around other dogs/people/cars/bikes/etc. is inappropriate and never acceptable. The entire process is cool, calm, and collected. Your attitude throughout the process is important for telling your dog that it’s okay to make mistakes. You are simply helping them learn how to be effective. Because the specifics of this protocol vary dog to dog and timing is critical in order to be fair and effective, the Homeschool program is strongly recommended.
build your training plan
Schedule A ConsultStart your leash reactivity training with a free phone consultation with our Head Trainer, Mara. We’ll evaluate the causes of your dog’s reactivity, and build a training plan that works for you and your dog. Our team discusses your needs after your consultation to ensure we have built the best effective plan possible for you.
After a training consultation, complete enrollment by registering at traction.portal.gingrapp.com. We keep your dog’s profile, report cards, appointments and more in the online portal. We typically schedule your first training session over the phone or via text. Then, you’ll schedule consequent training sessions in person with your trainer.
Get a head start by enrolling at traction.portal.gingrapp.com prior to your phone consultation.
leash reactivity trainers and methods
We have a small team of trainers in Austin, Denver, and Boulder. To view our trainer profiles and specialties, go to About Us – Meet the Trainers. We divide our teams into specialties. This way, you’ll work with a trainer who is expert in working with your dog’s psychology.
Visit our training methods page for a detailed breakdown of our training methods used. We use all four quadrants of Operant Conditioning Theory and Learning Theory, which includes positive reinforcement training, tactile training, and pressure and release training. We customize the exact combination of training methods to suit the dog at hand.
Additionally, we tailor our training approach to fit you as the owner. We account for the learning styles and the comfort zones of everyone involved. Ask us about any specific training methods you want to learn about in your free phone consultation.
