Reactive Dog Resources

Resources for Reactive Dogs

If your dog is reactive, I highly recommend seeking professional guidance.  If you are looking for a trainer, feel free to ask the group for recommendations.

For Meet-Ups & Group Hikes

Always be respectful of space for both dogs and humans, be open and honest about your dog's needs, be aware and respectful of other dog's needs.

For Group Hikes/Pack Walks:

Our group hikes may include reactive dogs. Approach the group with your dog on lead. If your own dog is showing excitement, (barking, lunging, pulling, whining) take the time and space you need to settle your dog. If another dog is showing excitement, we can all be helpful by giving the team some space and a friendly smile and wave along with time to settle their dog.  You may allow your own dog off lead if/when you feel your dog is ready as long as you accommodate the needs and wishes of others.

For Training Meet-ups.

If you have a dog that is not ready for group work, you may find that working at an appropriate distance from dogs in training is useful to you. You are welcome to work with your dog at a comfortable distance.  Let us know in advance so we can help you out by being predictable and aware of your needs.

Online Resources

Grisha Stewarts Handouts

Engage Disengage Game
Helps your dog learn to look away.

Look At That Game (LAT) by Donna Hill
Turn scary things into fun things, seriously, works.

Outback Dog Training Facebook Help Group  FB group Outback Dog Training has professional moderators and you can ask and receive advice. Looks like a good group, well run, and "safe" for newbies.

Dog Adoption Support Organization
This is hub of information on the web. A wide variety of resources. 

German Shepherds Forum
Active members with a lot of dog knowledge they will willingly share, some professionals (they keep a low profile) and you can ask for local recommendations there. If you don't have a shepherd you can still join and lurk, use the files.

Understanding Hyperawareness, Denise Fenzi
This article might help you see things from your dog's point of view.