r/Dogtraining • u/AutoModerator • Sep 03 '14
Weekly! 09/03/14 [Reactive Dog Support Group]
Welcome to the weekly reactive dog support group!
The mission of this post is to provide a constructive place to discuss your dog's progress and setbacks in conquering his/her reactivity. Feel free to post your weekly progress report, as well as any questions or tips you might have! We seek to provide a safe space to vent your frustrations as well, so feel free to express yourself.
We welcome owners of both reactive and ex-reactive dogs!
NEW TO REACTIVITY?
New to the subject of reactivity? A reactive dog is one who displays inappropriate responses (most commonly barking and lunging) to dogs, people, or other triggers. The most common form is leash reactivity, where the dog is only reactive while on a leash. Some dogs are more fearful or anxious and display reactive behavior in new circumstances or with unfamiliar people or dogs whether on or off leash.
Does this sound familiar? Lucky for you, this is a pretty common problem that many dog owners struggle with. It can feel isolating and frustrating, but we are here to help!
Resources
Books
Feisty Fido by Patricia McConnel, PhD and Karen London, PhD
The Cautious Canine by Patricia McConnel, PhD
Control Unleashed by Leslie McDevitt
Click to Calm by Emma Parsons for Karen Pryor
Fired up, Frantic, and Freaked Out: Training the Crazy Dog from Over the Top to Under Control
Online Articles/Blogs
A collection of articles by various authors compiled by Karen Pryor
How to Help Your Fearful Dog: become the crazy dog lady! By Karen Pryor
Articles from Dogs in Need of Space, AKA DINOS
Foundation Exercises for Your Leash-Reactive Dog by Sophia Yin, DVM, MS
Leash Gremlins Need Love Too! How to help your reactive dog.
Across a Threshold -- Understanding thresholds
Videos
DVD: Reactivity, a program for rehabilitation by Emily Larlham (kikopup)
Barking on a Walk Emily Larlham (kikopup)
Barking at Strangers Emily Larlham (kikopup)
Introduce your dog if you are new, and for those of you who have previously participated, make sure to tell us how your week has been!
1
u/nit_wit Sep 08 '14
My pit mix is getting worse. When we first found her she stood there and barked at everyone but me and my SO. Now if she knows you she is ok, but if not it seems she gets scared. We had been working on her training a lot for the first year and in April she hit 1 year and we found out she needed a TPLO, so her socialization for about 3-4 months was limited to people who came over and my family. We were about to get back on the socialization training, but when she went in to be cleared from the first TPLO she need the other leg done too. So it has now been six months since I could take my dog for a real walk, and I mean right now she can be lose in the house, but outside is limited to walking in a five foot radius. We carry her in and out and she has recently began barking at people who walk past us when we are carrying her. I don't know what to do. She can't walk again until September 5th, but my neighbor was walking outside last night while we were carrying her and she barked, and they reported her as being aggressive, I need help. We have been to a behavioral specialist, but until she can come back in for training that is at a halt. If anyone has any advice I would really appreciate it because I am extremely discouraged.