A reactive dog - reacts. If you get upset, he gets upset. If you yell, he gets silly or races around or leaps up. If you try to push him off when jumping up, he starts to spin or mouth or jumps up more vigorously. If you calm down, he calms down. Mirroring (and magnifying) your emotions is his specialty. These are the dogs that fill shelters and frustrate their owners, but there is no need for either.
Breeds who might have this Tendency:
Although any individual of breed can be reactive, some of the toy (Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers, Maltese etc.), herding (Border Collie, Collie, Bearded Collies, Australian Shepherd, etc.) and terrier breeds (West Highland White Terriers, Cairn Terrier, Jack Russell Terrier, etc.) have more than a few in their ranks.
What helps?
These three words: Calm, Clear, Consistent.
Staying calm helps. But staying calm can be quite challenging when one of these dogs is leaping, spinning, barking and carrying on. Take a deep breath and chant “When he understands, he’ll do better. When he understands…”
Here are a few hints for being clear with your dog. Say a command once then calmly follow through. Expect the same response each time. Notice and reward good behavior so what you want is clear. The clearer you are about what you want from him, the faster he will respond to his training.
Being consistent makes things easier. He’ll learn faster and respond more consistently if you use the same words in the same order every day. It can’t be “Rover, sit.” Today and “Sit down, Rover” tomorrow. Those two commands sound entirely different.
What does NOT help?
Getting upset and/or angry will make these dogs more crazed. It teaches them only to fear and distrust you.
Giving up is a great disservice because most reactives learn quickly once they are taught using calm, clear and consistent methods. Remember that NO is not instructive. It does not help your dog understand what you want. Instead direct him to an alternative behavior and praise him. That works wonders with these dogs.
While it is easy to want to isolate these dogs when they are frustrating you, long-term isolation will only make matters worse. If you try some training on your own and do not make progress, locate a qualified trainer or behaviorist to assist you.
This dog can excel at:
Almost anything, once you get the hang of doing what works. These are typically extremely sensitive and intelligent animals who just need some help doing the right thing.
Suggested Training Approach
A positive approach is critical. If you work on teaching them what you WANT them to do, rather then trying to stop them from the unwanted behavior, you will be much more successful.
Instead of wrestling with jumping, teach them sit. Instead of chasing after them, teach them come or down. These dogs appear to get overwhelmed by intense human contact, unable to think if they are being yelled at or scolded. However, show them how to please you and look out! These dogs can really excel.
Praise/Rewards
Perhaps more than most dogs, these dogs thrive on positive attention – if – it is given in a way they can handle. As with all things involving reactives, your voice and hands should be calm. If you ruffle their fur or squeal enthusiastically, don’t be surprised to find a dog leaping and spinning uncontrollably. Keep your voice warm but calm, your hands loving but slow. Many reactives are irritated by a light touch, so stroke them firmly.
For some of these dogs, food rewards can be very exciting. Either chose food he is less excited by or use another kind of reward such as a toy or simple stroking.
Corrections
Clear, crisp, quick corrections followed by immediate praise can get you fine results. Since these dogs have a hard time setting boundaries for themselves, having you step in and do so can be helpful to them. Good leash work should get you immediate improvement but be sure to stay calm, non-emotional and model the energy you want. If you get sucked into their little cyclone of energy, you’ll fine yourself tired and frustrated. If you don't see immediate improvement, stop and get help.
Equipment
Anything can work as long as you make sure you are having the dog control himself, not you police the dog. The more he controls himself, the calmer he will be. The more you try to control him, the wilder he will become. You will know which you are doing by the tension on the lead. If it is loose and the dog is working, he is doing the work. If it is tight and you are wrestling with him, then you are doing the work. Strive for slack in the lead most of the time.A head halter can be quite helpful, just be sure you understand how to use it before you put it on your dog.
Command Hints
More so than with any other type of dog, YOU set the tone for the reactive. You may need some help learning the skills necessary to handle one of these dogs. Be sure your trainer feels comfortable with them, as well. Avoid trainers who escalate with these dogs, getting rough in an effort to control them. This is not the road that works.
Parting Advice
Reactive dogs often have all the potential in the world; it is your job to show them how to reach that potential. When you get the hang of this, you’ll have a partner like few others.