Living With A Reactive Dog

Winston is a reactive dog.

Having dogs can be a mixed blessing varying with the day and the dog's mood. When I travel with Winston and Maisie it means waking up earlier than I want, to medicate them and take them for their morning constitutional. Living with a reactive dog like Winston adds an extra layer of challenge to travel.

Winston is terrified of other dogs but loves people while Maisie is very bossy.  On vacation, going for walks with them is neither lazy nor relaxing. If you have a dog, you might be able to relate with this.

Sniffing is something dogs like to do.

Every walk involves a careful scan of the route for potential hazards like broken glass or metal grates. And at nine, Maisie still likes to eat whatever she can find on the ground. 

Trash it - don't toss it!

Please throw your half eaten hotdogs in the trash!  And don’t get me started on discarded gum that may contain xylitol that can kill a dog when ingested.

Photo of a small terrier.

While I am scanning the ground, I also must search for nearby dogs. Retractible leashes are my biggest nemesis. Many owners think the extended leash gives them control over their dogs while also giving their dogs freedom. That freedom is Winston's biggest fear.

A retractible leash courtesy of Shutterstock.

A puppy or other excitable dog on a retractible leash is a nightmare for me. More than once I'll be picking up a poop and a bouncy dog on a long leash will come out of nowhere from behind me. Poop be damned, I scoop up Winston or loudly state 'Reactive dog!’ whichever works best.

Sleeve for dog leash.

Recently I bought a sleeve from Amazon that attaches to his leash, warning others about is reactivity. Black lettering, set on a bright yellow sleeve, states he is reactive to other dogs.  Even if people can’t read the words, they know that yellow means caution. There are many different statements to choose from, so if you have a dog that isn't always Mr. or Mrs. Friendly, consider purchasing one.

A young happy Winston.

Winston came from a litter of two puppies and the other pup had the markings of a show dog. Young Winston didn't have a chance to meet and socialize with other dogs when he was a puppy and as a result, he missed out on a key development period in a young dog's life. Because of this missed socialization, Winston is fearful of many things, including loud noises, and other dogs.

For years I have worked tirelessly with Winston to help him overcome his anxiety around other dogs. When he was about two, there was an Airedale puppy that lived near us and, while a sweet dog, he was a big puppy and had not learned to read signs and signals from other dogs.

Airedale and Welsh size comparison.

The dog bopped him repeatedly on the head in an attempt to play, while Winston growled, and barked, and even wagged his tail furiously in warning.  Winston then bit the dog’s ear and would have done so again, if I had not responded quickly as the dog came at him again with a paw.

We began working with a behavioral therapist not long after this episode and also hired trainers to help him.  He is now on anti-anxiety medication and Ellevet CBD chews which help.  The best help came from the second trainer.  It was Cathy who explained that Winston needed to recognize his fears and learn to not respond.

Learning to ignore other dogs.

With positive encouragement, and countless walks where I reassure him that approaching dogs mean no harm, Winston has made significant progress. As I acknowledge the other dog I tell him that he can just walk on by without barking.   Winston now is more likely to hold his head up and walk by without looking at other dogs.  I always move to the other side of the street as well.

I have gained a lot of respect both for Winston, who struggles but is so much better, and for other owners with reactive dogs.  The woman who told our neighbors that Winston was a bad dog was wrong. 

Winston cooling off in the pool.

Winston is a good dog who knows he needs his space.   It is my responsibility as his human to provide that space.  And if I can’t safely navigate a situation, I pick him up if necessary.

A Happy Story

While in Chicago this past week visiting Sofie, I took the dogs to a large dog friendly park on Delaware Street.  We went there twice without any problems, sniffing and leaving pee-mails.

Dogs having fun at the park.

On the third and final visit it was a Saturday, and the park was full of leashed and unleashed dogs running and playing.  None approached us, but after both dogs relieved themselves, Winston chose to exit the park instead of continuing on our path.

I am incredibly proud of Winston for expressing his desire to leave through his actions.  Like a human, I believe he knew he felt threatened and wanted out.  I couldn’t ask for a better trained dog than my Winston.

Tips to Remember for Reactive Dogs

• Not all wagging tails are happy tails.  With terriers and other curly coated dogs, it is impossible to see the hair on their backs standing up.  A swiftly wagging tail can mean stress and fear.  Pay close attention to your dog’s behaviors.

  
  

• Don’t force your dog to greet other dogs.  They are not on a job interview, and are quite capable of making their own friends.

  
  

• Always give other dogs walking on leashes space.  Dogs do not communicate like humans, and a dog’s  eye contact can speak volumes.  When Maisie locks eyes with another dog I know it’s trouble and redirect her attention.

  
  

• Praise your scared or fearful dog for not reacting.  Dogs love to please humans and will work hard for our praise.  My husband thinks I am crazy, but when Winston does well around other dogs, I use a high pitched voice and praise him repeatedly. Treats are also invovled at times.

  
  

• Be your dog’s advocate.  Watch them closely to see what triggers them and then address it.  A dog that’s behavior changes from usually happy to usually aggressive or reactive might mean there is an underlying health issue (Addisons, Thyroid issues, and, dental issues to name a few).  Take your dog to a vet as soon as possible if there are significant mood changes.