🐾 Techniques to Manage Reactivity in Dogs

🧠 1. Create Distance

• Move away from triggers before your dog reacts
• Cross the road, change direction, or pause at a distance
• Distance = calmer thinking

👉 Set your dog up to succeed

🍗 2. Use High-Value Rewards

• Reward calm behaviour immediately
• Use extra tasty treats (chicken, cheese, etc.)
• Reinforce focus on you, not the trigger

👉 Make YOU more rewarding than the environment

👀 3. Teach “Look at Me” / Focus

• Train your dog to check in with you
• Use a cue word or name
• Reward eye contact and calm attention

👉 Build engagement and trust

🐌 4. Gradual Exposure (Desensitisation)

• Start far from the trigger
• Slowly decrease distance over time
• Keep sessions short and positive

👉 Go at your dog’s pace

🔁 5. Counter-Conditioning

• Pair triggers with something positive (treats/play)
• Dog sees trigger → good things happen
• Changes emotional response over time

👉 From fear ➝ positive association

🐕‍🦺 6. Loose Lead & Calm Walking

• Reduce tension on the lead
• Stop/start or change direction when pulling
• Calm walking = calmer mindset

👉 Less tension = less reaction

🎯 7. Manage the Environment

• Avoid known triggers when possible
• Walk at quieter times/locations
• Use barriers (cars, hedges) for space

👉 Management is not failure—it’s smart

🧩 8. Mental & Physical Enrichment

• Sniff walks, puzzle toys, training games
• A fulfilled dog is less reactive
• Burn energy in healthy ways

👉 Tired brain = calmer dog

❤️ Dog Lovers Wigan Tip

Progress isn’t about perfection—it’s about small, consistent wins.