- Location
- Canada
I have always been confused as to why a long line is so often recommend for reactive dogs. It seems counterproductive to me, giving too much space, and therefore time for the reactive dog to without guidance make a decision of their own and react.
But I had a reactive dog who needed to be told.
I was walking Trixie today, and she's more of a low confidence and excitement reactive. Once out of busy streets, I gave her all 6 feet, and stopped telling her things. Except when we saw a dog, I gave the leash a nudge and said "walk by" or praising her.
And the difference is huge
She saw a trash bag and went to investigate it (her first big girl bark was at a trash bag that spooked her and she has never liked them, or tarps)
She checked out two suspicious posts
She hopped up to look over the division between pedestrian Bridge and car bridge, and watch the cars go by.
Tried to stuff her head down a storm drain(I wasn't thrilled at the time, as it was in the gutter of a main road but she's normally scared of those too.
Of course our Mr scaredy pants was at home enjoying some peace and quiet so he couldn't tell her things were scary
But I had a reactive dog who needed to be told.
I was walking Trixie today, and she's more of a low confidence and excitement reactive. Once out of busy streets, I gave her all 6 feet, and stopped telling her things. Except when we saw a dog, I gave the leash a nudge and said "walk by" or praising her.
And the difference is huge
She saw a trash bag and went to investigate it (her first big girl bark was at a trash bag that spooked her and she has never liked them, or tarps)
She checked out two suspicious posts
She hopped up to look over the division between pedestrian Bridge and car bridge, and watch the cars go by.
Tried to stuff her head down a storm drain(I wasn't thrilled at the time, as it was in the gutter of a main road but she's normally scared of those too.
Of course our Mr scaredy pants was at home enjoying some peace and quiet so he couldn't tell her things were scary