A reactive dog
One of the most common behavioral problems reported by dog owners is their dogs' reactivity.While disorders such as separation anxiety or anxiety-related aggression can be easily identified, reactive behaviors are not so straightforward to diagnose.How, then, can you diagnose these issues and work with the dog??What might contribute to the development of such a problem?
Reactive behaviors—what they are and where they come from?
We often use the term "reactivity" to describe an excessive reaction to various types of stimuli; such a reaction may include barking or growling.The behaviors a dog exhibits are often driven by extreme emotions, ranging from excessive excitement to fearfulness and even aggression.As you can see, there is a wide range of possibilities, so when working with such a pet, we must begin by thoroughly analyzing every aspect of its life.
When looking for the reasons behind such behavior, we should consider various events, whether we had any influence over them or not.An important factor is our behavior, which can trigger a reactive response in our pet.Only a detailed analysis can identify the source of the problem, allowing you to develop a plan that will help improve the quality of life for both the dog and its owners.
Causes of reactive behavior
The range of behaviors exhibited by a reactive dog is just as wide as the reasons behind them.
One possible cause may be the prenatal period.During pregnancy, a female dog is exposed to various stimuli, and her emotional state and temperament can influence the behavior of her offspring.Therefore, if a behaviorist asks questions about the parents, it is not a pointless question; on the contrary, it is very important.
Chronic illnesses, poor health, or hormonal imbalances can also affect a dog’s behavior.When looking for the cause, we need to keep this in mind, and it’s a good idea to have him undergo a comprehensive examination.Even the best behavioral therapy won't work if your pet isn't in good health.
When discussing health issues, we should also keep allergies in mind.If your dog is healthy but, aside from being overly reactive, you’re also concerned about excessive scratching—or if it’s one of the symptoms of a condition—it’s worth checking whether the dog might be eating something that’s causing an allergic reaction.
As caregivers, we often don’t pay attention to our surroundings.And this is an important part of our pet's life.Dogs love predictability and space, but in cities, these are increasingly in short supply.That is why it is a good idea to discuss your living situation with a specialist and plan your treatment so that limited space becomes an opportunity rather than an obstacle.
Both a lack of and an excess of behavioral stimulation are undesirable for a pet.An animal's constant readiness to work can be a source of problems.When it comes to a dog’s needs, we must remember to maintain a healthy balance and tailor how well those needs are met to the type and breed of the pet.
Working with a reactive dog
Starting work always begins with educating and sensitizing the caregiver to a variety of issues.Unless we realize the seriousness of the problem and the importance of the secondary factors that influence this particular behavior, we will remain stuck in the same place.
A treatment plan for a reactive dog takes many factors into account.The work is long and complex, and requires the caregiver to change their approach.Put your phone and your neighbors out of your mind, and focus all your attention on the walk and your surroundings so that you can react appropriately in the moment.
However, there are aspects of reactivity that will be consistent across treatment.
Daily life.Working with a dog therapist to establish ideal, consistent routines for our four-legged friend will be the starting point.They will include guidelines for going for walks and staying at home.Adapted play and other daily activities.
A behaviorist will teach us how to manage our active time and walking time.It will also show us how to manage our environment so that the triggers don’t have such a strong effect on our dog.
Often, the way food is served and the type of food can be changed.Diet has a huge impact on the behavior of every living organism, and when it comes to predators like dogs, we must remember that they, too, love to hunt for food.
Summary
Every body is different, so the underlying cause of reactivity may vary.That’s why you shouldn’t wait to make an appointment with a specialist—the sooner we start the diagnosis, the better.
We just need to be patient and not expect the dog’s behavior to change immediately after the visit.This is a process, and how long it takes depends on the caregiver's commitment to resolving the issue.
