You’re a dog trainer and your dog is lunging?!
Oh boy, where do I even start? Yes, my dog is reactive to other dogs. It’s especially even more embarrassing cause I literally train dogs to well…not lunge on leash. I remember Lassie’s first reactive episode and I literally had to say ‘I’M SO SORRY’ and we got out of there as soon as possible.
Think about that flashy display of teeth, growling, lunging and snarling. Lassie reacted to people walking/running by (especially ones that sneak up behind you), bicycles, motorbikes, scooters & other dogs. Sometimes her triggers were fuzzy and I was totally puzzled as to what set her off. This behavior in Lassie was not only challenging but it also left me feeling a bit bewildered and slightly disheartened. After all, I train dogs for a living, so why was my own dog showing these reactive tendencies?
But here's the thing: dog training, like any field, has its complexities and quirks. It doesn't guarantee that a trainer's own canine companion will be free from challenges. In fact, many professional dog trainers, including myself, have experienced the humbling realization that even with our knowledge and expertise, our own dogs can develop unexpected behavior issues.
So, what did I do when faced with Lassie's leash reactivity? Well, I took my own advice, the same advice I give to my clients:
1. Acknowledge the Issue:
The first step in addressing any behavioral problem is acknowledging that it exists. Leash reactivity is common and nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, acknowledging the issue is a sign of responsible dog ownership.
2. Seek Professional Guidance:
Just as I would advise my clients, I reached out to a fellow colleague who specializes in behavior modification. They provided me with a fresh perspective, constructive guidance, and a sense of objectivity.
3. Consistent Training:
Like any training program, consistency is paramount. We worked on counterconditioning exercises every morning for a year, gradually exposing Lassie to her triggers in a controlled manner feeding her lots of yummy stuff when she saw her ‘triggers’. This helped her develop a more positive association with her triggers over time.
4. Patience and Understanding:
I had to constantly remind myself that reactivity is often a result of fear or frustration. It wasn't about my dog trying to be difficult; it was her way of showing her emotions and she was having a difficult time. Understanding this helped me remain patient and empathetic throughout the process.
5. Small Steps, Big Progress:
Progress was gradual, but we celebrated each small step forward. From the first calm encounter with another dog to walking past a bicyclist without reacting, each achievement was a victory, and it kept me motivated.
Here are some of the side effects that Lassie has from consistent force free training:
She’s made 3 friends! The same 3 dogs that she used to go crazy lunging at. Now she actively waits for them every morning to say hello and goes into a play bow!
Lassie turns around to look for people walking behind us. If they’re approaching us, she will sit and wait and refuses to move. I didn’t ask her for a sit, it was never my objective.
She chooses to go up to strangers to say hi.
The journey to helping Lassie overcome her leash reactivity has been a valuable learning experience, both personally and professionally. It's a reminder that being a dog trainer doesn't make us immune to the challenges of canine companionship. What it does provide, though, is the knowledge and tools to address those challenges effectively.
So, to all the dog owners out there facing similar issues with their beloved pets, remember that you're not alone, and you're not a failure. Dogs, like humans, have their unique personalities and quirks. It's all about understanding, patience, and consistent effort, and there's hope for progress and improvement, no matter how challenging the journey may seem.