Meeting Other Dogs with My Reactive Dog
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Many of you have been curious about how I introduce Lucky to new dogs.
While there are fantastic contents out there showing slow introductions in empty fields, with minimal interaction, and careful manoeuvres, let's be honest - our dogs can still react. Avoiding reactivity altogether can be impossible. So here's what I've come to believe:
Reactivity happens - your dog can explode, perhaps multiple times, but that does not mean the end of it or signify failure. Instead, it's an opportunity to step back and try again. You can wait for your dog to calm down, increase the distance, or find a calmer environment. Lucky was absolutely nuts during the first 20 minutes of our walk on Saturday. She was overwhelmed, and that is okay. We pushed through it and strolled toward a calmer area without rushing. In real life, you don't just teleport to an empty field.
Beyond the general tips, here are a few more I've picked up:
1️⃣ Ensure that the people you're meeting are well-informed about your dog's reactivity in advance. "My dog will bark" can be a big understatement. Establish ground rules, like maintaining distance and avoiding overly enthusiastic greetings or forced interactions.
2️⃣ Allow the more reactive dog walk at the back. This not only makes them easier to control in case of reactivity but also allows them to observe the other dog better, reducing potential confrontations.
3️⃣ If the dogs finally get to sniff each other, keep it brief, BUT don't pull the dog away if they're just sniffing; avoid any leash tension if possible. Instead, recall them.
4️⃣ Throughout the walk, maintain loose leashes. It's all about giving both dogs the space they need, never forcing interactions, and allowing them time to adjust.
5️⃣ For some - avoid having food or anything that might lead to resource guarding issues.
Last thing: I admit, it can be slightly embarrassing, and your friends might get stressed out, so remember to stop and take a deep breath from time to time!
What are your tips for introducing your pup to a new dog?