Editor’s Note: Renowned local dog trainer and walker Kim Moeller has been improving the behavior of Bay Area dogs for over 10 years. Her Growly Dog class at The San Francisco SPCA is one of its most popular offerings. Kim’s new book, Reactive Rover, which comes with an instructional DVD, is an invaluable resource for dog owners faced with the challenge of on-leash aggression. We asked Kim to give Bay Woof readers a taste of the book’s expert advice
One of the most common behavior problems in dogs is barking and even lunging at other dogs or at people when on leash.
If your dog has this problem, it is important to remember that he is not “bad” or “naughty” because he is reactive in this way. This behavior is born out of frustration or fear and occurs because your dog needs your help to change his association with other dogs from a negative to a positive one.
It is also helpful to not set your expectations too high. Leash frustration can be managed and improved, but rarely disappears 100%. Some dogs can learn to pass by other dogs with such perfect attention on their owners that an outsider would never imagine all the hard work that has resulted in this calm focus. Others will continue to need management or training every day, and they may still be somewhat reactive to some dogs.
This may sound daunting, but there are a variety of easy techniques you can use that are dog- and owner-friendly, which can also be applied to dogs that bark at new people while on leash.
Here are a few tips from my new book to get you started on re-conditioning your reactive dog.
#1 Every Walk Is a “Training Moment”
This means you always get to wear your “dog trainer hat” when out with your dog. Be prepared with tasty treats and happy talk. Drink your coffee before the walk, not during, and put your cell phone on silent. This time belongs to you and your dog. All of this will prepare you to be proactive rather than reactive, and things will go much better because you have gotten your dog’s attention and focus before he starts to bark and pull.
#2 Walking Equipment: Power Steering For Your Reactive Dog
You may already be using one of the helpful new harnesses or head collars on the market. If not, look into the best option for your dog. If you have been using a prong or choke collar because you think it puts you in control, investing in alternate equipment is a must. Here are some suggestions:
SENSE-ible Harnesses are similar to traditional body harnesses with one small, important twist: their design discourages pulling instead of encouraging it! These harnesses go on like traditional ones, but the leash clips on at the chest area, which will help you direct your dog.
Gentle Leaders and Haltis are head collars. These work like halters for horses: where the head goes, the body follows. Using this type of collar will help you gently move your dog where you want him to go.
#3 Training Ammunition and Where to Carry It
You’ll need to carry secret stashes of your dog’s favorite training treats in order to keep him focused on you. Especially in the beginning stages of training, these should be extra yummy, super smelly, and new or different from what he is used to. Tiny pieces of chopped steak, chicken, turkey, and cheese are great. Baby food right from the jar works well too. Make a week’s worth of treats, pop them into plastic bags, and freeze them. Then you’ll be ready for walks and training sessions with no more work involved. (Of course, if giving lots of treats during training, reduce the size of your dog’s regular meals accordingly.)
If you have a dog with reactivity or on-leash aggression issues, consider hiring a private trainer or take a group class specific to leash aggression. Always consult with trainers who use positive reward-based training methods – this is imperative for dog aggression, because you’re main goal is building positive associations, not instilling more fear. (I teach a Growly Dog class at The SF SPCA, designed specifically for dogs who bark and lunge at other dogs on leash.)
With the right techniques and the best possible tools put into practice, you’ll feel well prepared to take your barky best friend on walks where he will put his best paw forward.
Kim Moeller is a certified professional dog trainer who specializes in dog-dog aggression and is in demand for her expertise in this area. She recently branched off from San Francisco SPCA to focus on her own dog-training and dog-walking business. Contact her at kim@moellerdog.com if you are interested in purchasing her book, for private training, or for group classes. Visit www.moellerdog.com to learn more.
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