Does walking your dog fill you with dread? Perhaps your furry friend finds walks scary or becomes overly excited? Do you struggle to manage your dog’s behaviour in public? If you’re nodding along, you’re not alone—and there’s hope for making walks enjoyable again with a reactive dog.
Understanding Reactive Dogs
A reactive dog might show anxiety, aggression, fear, or over-excitement towards other dogs or people when out and about. This can turn what should be a pleasant activity into a source of stress for both you and your pet. However, there are several ways to make walks more manageable and even enjoyable again.
Alternative Walking Solutions
Private Walking Fields
One excellent solution is to hire private walking fields. These secure, private spaces allow your dog to exercise safely without the stress of encountering other dogs or people. You can find your nearest private field at Dog Walking Fields UK.
Other Options
- Ask friends with large gardens if you could use their space for 30-60 minutes
- Explore ‘on-lead only’ walking areas
- Try quiet road walking routes—you’d be surprised at the lovely areas you can discover
- Remember: you can tire your dog out safely and create calmness in any size environment
Support Networks
You’re not alone in this journey. There are numerous resources available:
Online Communities
- Join Facebook groups like “Reactive Dogs (UK)”
- Connect with other owners facing similar challenges
Professional Help
When seeking professional assistance, it’s crucial to choose the right support. Always verify credentials and qualifications before hiring anyone to help with your dog.
Questions to Ask Your Trainer/Behaviourist:
- What happens if my dog gets it wrong?
- What happens if my dog gets it right?
- What equipment do you use and recommend?
- Which professional dog training associations are you a member of?
- How do you address growling or snapping behaviour?
- How often do you attend continuing education courses?
Important Self-Reflection Questions
Always ask yourself:
- What is my dog learning?
- How is my dog feeling?
Training Methods: A Critical Note
IMPORTANT: Never use fear, intimidation, aversive techniques, pain, physical punishment, or bullying tactics when training your dog. Some of these approaches are actually illegal in the UK and can be detrimental to your dog’s well-being, potentially increasing aggressive behaviour.
A Note to Owners of Non-Reactive Dogs
If you have a friendly dog who enjoys public walks, please be mindful of others:
- Recall your dog when passing dogs on leads
- Respect park rules about lead requirements
- Remember that on-lead areas may be the only safe walking spaces for some dogs
- If you must walk in an ‘on-lead only’ area, please follow the rules
Additional Resources
Recommended Reading
- “The Midnight Dog Walkers” – A practical guide for living with reactive and aggressive dogs
Helpful Organisations
- Yellow Dog UK: Learn about the Yellow Dog Project and how it helps identify dogs needing space
Online Articles for a Reactive Dog
- Victoria Stilwell’s guide: “My Dog Doesn’t Like Other Dogs: 5 Steps to Stop the Barking and Lunging”
Getting Started
Remember, every journey begins with a single step. Start with these basics:
- Identify quiet walking times and routes
- Set realistic goals for you and your dog
- Celebrate small victories
- Be patient with your progress
Written by Emma Goulding-Bosworth – Emma is a well-qualified and experienced Canine Behaviour specialist, get in touch to see how she can help you and your dog.