![]() This distance should be significantly farther than the distance at which the owner begins to lose control of the dog. The orienting threshold distance is the distance at which the dog barely recognizes and begins to focus toward the trigger stimulus ( e.g. Training takes place between the two threshold distances. There are two threshold distances of concern: orienting threshold distance and reactive threshold distance. Owners may also consider a basket muzzle if there is any chance an aggressive dog might inadvertently have contact with another person or dog. If more control is needed, the dog should be trained to wear a head halter. Leash corrections or leash pops are not appropriate. Devices that cause discomfort-such as pinch collars, shock collars, and choke collars-should be avoided because owners want their dogs to develop positive associations with people or other dogs they react toward and avoid unpleasant associations. Retractable leashes are unreliable and unwieldy and should not be used. Owners should have one hand in the loop, and the other hand should be holding the leash a few feet from the collar. ![]() To maintain physical control of dogs during training, owners should keep their dogs on 4- to 6-ft leashes. By frequently associating specific words with food, the words can be used as relatively strong reinforcers even when food is not present. It is helpful to always say a specific word or phrase, such as “good dog,” as the food is given. very tasty dog treats, freeze-dried liver, cooked chicken or turkey, cheese, fat-free turkey hot dogs) and give that food only during the dogs' social and obedience conditioning training. Owners must determine their dogs' most desirable food ( e.g. In addition to having a social conditioning plan ( see “Phase 1: Counterconditioning at a distance” below to begin the training plan), other tools that owners will need when training their dogs against reactive behaviors are positive reinforcers and instruments for maintaining physical control ( e.g. During training, all commands should be given in an upbeat and relaxed tone of voice. This can be accomplished by initiating a social structure or a nothing-in-life-is-free program.Īs part of this program, the owner should request that the dog sit before getting anything it wants or needs, the dog should be ignored when it demands attention, and the dog should frequently be asked to stay before being allowed to follow owners around the home or yard or before going in or out of the home. By setting boundaries, the owner will obtain better compliance and dependability from obedience cues. Next, owners need to teach their dogs that they are in control. It should be noted that throughout the entire training process, only positive reinforcement types of training techniques should be used. This training may require the help of a private trainer since these dogs usually do poorly in a class situation. If aggression is part of a dog's reactive behavior, the person walking the dog is responsible for others' safety and must ensure that leashes and halters are secure and that there is no opportunity for physical contact with other dogs or people.īefore the social conditioning process begins, the dog must be taught to dependably come, sit, stay, and heel on a leash. Owners need to stay as relaxed as possible and think of these exercises as games to play with their dogs. Dogs are less manageable and have difficulty learning when they are highly aroused. Training at a distance beyond the response threshold ( see “Response threshold distances” below) is absolutely necessary. The purpose of these exercises is to give owners more control over their dogs on walks and to replace lunging, barking, or aggressive or fearful behaviors with calm, quiet, and relaxed behaviors. Outlined below is a typical plan that I use to address this problem. The problem can usually be successfully treated if the owners have the commitment, tools, and correct information to get the job done. It can be caused by a variety of underlying problems, including aggression, fear, unruliness, play-soliciting behavior, or inadequate training. Reactivity on a leash is a common canine behavior problem and is often stressful for owners. He constantly barks and lunges at everything he sees. But he's a big boy and I just can't control him when I walk him on a leash. “I know he needs more exercise,” she said, “and I want to get him out more. G appeared distressed as well as concerned. “Tommy needs to pass on the midnight snacks,” I told her, “but just as important, he needs to be getting more exercise.” He weighed 10 lb more than the last time I saw him and at least 20 lb more than he should weigh. G's dog, Tommy, was slowly becoming grossly overweight.
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