Training a Reactive Dog to ENJOY Walks!

Subtitle: How to train a reactive dog who thinks every leaf, squirrel, or stroller is a personal offense.

Hey friends, it’s Biscuit the Sheltie!
(Okay fine, Daddy’s typing, but I’m supervising. Dramatically. From the couch.)

So. You’ve leashed up your floof for a relaxing walk. Birds are chirping. The air is crisp. And then—BAM. A plastic bag floats by, and your dog transforms into a snarling tornado of fluff and fury.

Sound familiar?

Welcome to the world of leash reactivity—where squirrels are war criminals, bicycles are the devil’s chariot, and your dog’s inner Shakespearean actor bursts forth any time another dog dares to exist.

Today’s newsletter is your (slightly chewed) roadmap to calmer walks, happier dogs, and fewer public meltdowns.

🧨 What is Leash Reactivity, Anyway?

Leash reactivity means your dog overreacts to stimuli while on leash—think barking, lunging, growling, or doing that awkward kangaroo-hop-dance you pretend not to know them for.

It’s usually caused by:

• Frustration (They want to greet but can't)

• Fear (The world is scary!)

• Poor past experiences (A stroller ran over their tail in 2021 and they never forgot)

• Lack of coping skills (Same, honestly)

And unlike off-leash behavior, being tethered can make a dog feel trapped—so they go full “soap opera meltdown” to make the scary thing go away.

🧰 Step 1: Ditch the Shame—Grab the Treat Pouch

You’re not failing your dog. They’re not “bad.”
They're just saying, "I’m not okay!" in the loudest possible way.

Let’s give them tools to feel better.

👀 Step 2: Know the Triggers

Start keeping track:

• Dogs?

• Kids on scooters?

• The dreaded UPS truck of doom?

You need to know what sets them off to start working on desensitization.

Pro tip: Some dogs only react when the trigger is within a certain distance. That’s called their “threshold.” Training has to happen before that point. Think: therapy, not trauma.

🏃‍♀️ Step 3: Distance Is Your Best Friend

If your dog’s threshold for strollers is 20 feet, stay 30 feet away to start.

When your dog sees the trigger and:

• Doesn’t explode

• Looks at you

• Breathes through their nostrils like a calm mammal

🎉 REWARD THAT DOG
Yes, even if it was just a second of chill vibes. Mark that moment with a "Yes!" or click, then treat like you're handing out hot dogs at a BBQ.

🧠 Step 4: Name It & Flip It

Play the “Look at That” game (from Leslie McDevitt's Control Unleashed method):

1. Dog sees the trigger

2. You say “Look at that!” (casual voice—don’t be weird)

3. Dog looks at trigger

4. Dog looks back at you

5. Treat shower commences

This teaches them that the thing they fear = treats from you, and you’re way more interesting than a trash can with wheels.

😎 Bonus Pro Tips:

• Use high-value treats. Save the kibble for tax season.

• Keep sessions short & positive. Stop before your dog loses their cool.

• Don’t punish reactivity. You’ll only make them more stressed (and dramatic).

• Celebrate baby steps. If your dog didn’t scream at a skateboard today, they’re a champion.

🐾 Progress Takes Time

Training a reactive dog is like teaching Shakespeare to whisper—it’s possible, but it takes patience, empathy, and snacks.

And remember, the goal isn’t perfection. It’s progress. If your dog used to explode at 100 feet and now waits until 40 feet?

You’re winning. 🏆

So keep your leash loose and your hot dogs plentiful.
With drama, dignity, and dog hair,
– Biscuit the Sheltie 🐾

Want more tips, tricks, and tail-wagging tales? Visit our blog anytime at cricketchronicles.ca!