Leash reactivity is a common experience for many dogs at some stage. It’s crucial for people to recognize that reactivity is an emotional response, not a behavior. Consequently, we must assist our dogs with empathy, understanding, and patience.
Reactivity is an Emotion
Leash reactivity is a common experience for many dogs at some stage. It’s crucial for people to recognize that reactivity is an emotional response, not a behavior. Consequently, we must assist our dogs with empathy, understanding, and patience.
Many dogs experience leash reactivity, at some point. It is critical for humans to understand that reactivity is an EMOTION, not a behavior. Therefore, we need to help our dogs with understanding, compassion, and patience.
Reason for Reactivity
Leash reactivity is usually the result of a few factors that affect our dogs; 1. Fear 2. Anxiety/panic , and 3) the inability to flee. IT IS NOT AGGRESSION!
Ways to Help Your Dog
It’s important that we do NOT ‘correct’, this behavior, because they are communicating their feelings to us that they need our help. Think of a frightened child. So, we continually reassure them that they are safe, and we will protect them.
Remember, we are dealing with an emotion, and not a behavior issue that needs to be ‘trained out of them’. Dogs can overcome leash reactivity with a leash, a harness, and distance. The more they are exposed to things that frighten them, and that do not hurt them, the more comfortable they will be.
As you can see from the video, the process is simple;
Keep moving.
Keep reassuring.
Let’s take the time to truly help our dogs, rather than ‘train’ them for our benefit. They will be more confident and much more comfortable as living beings.
Thommy Harley
Founder; From Kennels To Homes
www.fromkennelstohomes.org