Start in an area or environment that your pet feels safest in. Below, we will identify a few tips for safe socialization. If your dog is particularly reactive to other pets or humans and lashes out with aggressive behavior, forming positive associations with the stressful stimuli is key. We do not recommend bringing your reactive dog to an environment with lots of stressful stimuli for socialization (dog parks, doggy daycare, etc.) As we mentioned previously, a basket muzzle is a great tool you can use to ensure safety for all active participants. Socialization is the best way to combat reactive dogs’ outbursts. When your dog is comfortable with the feel of the muzzle on their face, you can begin attaching it to them for short periods, still highly rewarding and praising your pet when they wear it.Įventually, your dog will begin to associate treats and praise with the muzzle and will feel more comfortable wearing it for longer periods. When your dog seems to have gotten familiar with the muzzle, we suggest placing a little peanut butter on the inside of the muzzle, then rewarding and praising when they lick the peanut butter off of the muzzle. You can place treats inside the muzzle while laying it on a surface, every time your dog puts their face to the muzzle you will want to praise them as much as possible, and reward them with another treat. Try leaving the muzzle in an area that your dog frequents, so they can get comfortable with the smell and sight. It allows your pet to breathe while eliminating any possibility of your dog biting or injuring themselves and others.ĭon’t begin by forcing your dog to wear a muzzle right off the bat, we want this experience to be as positive as possible so they can form positive associations with wearing the muzzle. Muzzles do not harm your pet if they are properly fitted, allow your dog to pant, and don’t restrict their breathing.īasket muzzles are a great product that fits like a basket over your dog’s muzzle. If your dog is reactive and lashes out with aggressive behaviors, a muzzle is a great tool that keeps you, your dog, and any others safe during their socialization time. Activity: Hiding or staying close to the ground, lunging, and panting.Lips: continuous licking of the muzzle, baring of teeth.Hair/Fur: standing at attention on the back of the neck and down the spine.Posture: extremely stiff, rigid, and seems to be on edge.Below, we will list canine body language that may indicate when your pet will begin overreacting to stimuli. Some dogs may be reactive to men due to repeated trauma as a puppy or may overreact to certain noises like fireworks or storms.īeing able to identify when your pooch is entering a reactive state of mind is crucial to enacting safe socialization for all parties involved. You cannot begin socializing your reactive dog without knowing what triggers their overreactions. The first, and most important, tip on our list is to know your dog’s triggers.
#Muzzle training for reactive dogs how to
A reactive dog is a canine that is known to overreact in certain situations that could be caused by trauma as a puppy, lack of socialization, or the lack of knowing how to handle certain emotions. Socializing a reactive dog is extremely important in desensitizing them to the stimuli that cause them to act out. We hope these tips can assist you and your pooch and wish you the best of luck! 6 Tips on How to Socialize a Reactive Dog In this article, we will list helpful tips about how to socialize a reactive dog. Owning a reactive dog can be stressful and difficult, but that doesn’t mean you can’t successfully own and love a canine with reactivity issues.
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