5 Tips for Making Your Dog Less Reactive from Paws & Claws Doggy Daycare in Battle Creek

Like humans, dogs have wide-ranging personalities and behaviors. Some dogs are considered “overreactive” because they tend to overact to things by barking, growling, jumping, and more. This can cause problems. However, there are some things that you can do to help calm your dog and make them less reactive. In this post, Paws & Claws doggy daycare in Battle Creek shares some of those tips.

Make sure they have a routine.

Like many children, dogs tend to thrive in an environment where there is a routine. A routine provides comfort and predictability for your dog. Having a routine helps to make your dog less anxious and more calm overall causing less overaction in stimulating situations.

Use comforting equipment.

If you have problems on your walk with your dog, a Gentle Leader can help. If your dog pulls, the Gentle Leader gently moves them towards you so that they are not focused on any distractions. You can also get an Easy Walk Harness that clips on the front of your dog so that they are less likely to pull. You may also want to try crate training to see if it provides comfort and lessens their anxiety.

Keep them away from the windows.

One of the biggest issues with dogs that are overreactive is looking out the window and barking, growling, and/or lunging at people and things passing by. This behavior is reinforced, as the object of their “attack” leaves. When you are not home, you may want to find a way to keep your dog away from the windows.

Reward good behavior.

Have treats or toys on you when you are with your dog where environmental stimulus is present. If they obey and stop overreaction, reward them! This will make it easier to calm them if the need arises.

If you’re in need of doggy daycare in Battle Creek, do not hesitate to contact Paws & Claws today. Thanks for reading!