Don’t judge a reactive dog by it’s barking

Labelling a dog on one observation. Something we may all be guilty of. Even dog trainers and behaviourists.

I can go to a client’s home where a dog is literally barking me out the door. But, through simply giving the dog time and space to get used to me, the dog can be nice and calm playing some sniffer games or simply laying on the floor relaxing by the end of the session.

What fascinates me is that obviously this is the version of the dog that the owner sees 99% of the time. Yet the version of the dog that everybody else sees is the snarling and snapping dog showing aggression or reacting to stimulus in the environment.

This has made me over the years extra sympathetic to reactive dog owners.

I see it as one of my goals to teach owners how to help the dog feel safe, so the owner can show off the best version of the dog that they know and love.

So just remember when you are out and about, and you see a reactive dog. The reason you see that person persevering and going through the struggle is because it's a family member who most of the time is actually a joy to be with.

Therefore don’t judge a reactive dog, by it’s barking. Remember there are a number of reasons why a dog reacts. See previous blog.

Call me for a free and honest chat that will get you and your dog on the right path.