Changing Reactivity
 Teach
your dog to be quiet, rewarding calmness. Sheri Standen, owner of
“Paws for Success” dog obedience training, runs a special class called
"Feisty Fido" for "reactive dogs."
She stresses the importance of rewarding your dog for calm behavior, and
not just tricks. Dogs under her direction learn the command “C-A-L-M.”
Her methods stress that owners need to take care of their dog by getting
it out of potentially dangerous situations. Be aware of what stresses your
dog, and of cumulative stresses.
Dog owners can also use Calming Signals,
Massage, and the techniques
covered under Fear Aggression. Learn all you can about Dog Stress!
 |
This Dog is under Extreme Stress.
She is looking to her handler for reassurance, with
ears back and down, pinned flat against neck. Wide open mouth, lips
drawn back, rapid respiration.
Her center of gravity is forward, shoulders are lowered and hunched
forward. Her tail is tucked, she has tension in the haunches, and she
is probably trembling.
How to greet this dog: Stand sideways, using calming signals. If you
yawn, sigh, pick at the floor (imitates sniffing) it will help her
relax and feel safer.
Avoid stroking and cooing "it's ok, it's alright." There is
probably no point in throwing this dog a treat. Excess adrenalin
results in suppressed appetite; the dog will be able to take food when
her stress level comes down.
CAROL A. BYRNES "DIAMONDS IN THE RUFF"
Training for Dogs & Their People
|
 |
 |
