Tips for handling reactive dogs
Welcome to City Pooch! I’m Keegan, a dog walker in north Park Slope. Each week, we get into a new aspect of dog parenting in the city. But first, let me introduce Sasha and Newton! I’ve been walking these senior siblings for two and a half years. Sasha (the boxer) loves to cuddle, and Newton (the pug) is quirky and loves belly rubs.
Some incredibly sweet dogs transform into tiny terrors when they encounter a new person or another dog.
Sasha and Newton are two good examples. They love each other and plenty of people, too. But if one of them spots a dog coming down the sidewalk — whether it’s a chihuahua or a great Dane — they go berserk.
Why you gotta be so rude?
Dogs, like people, have complicated personalities, but they are rarely just plain mean. If a dog acts aggressive to another person, dog, or anything at all, it’s generally a fear response. Some dogs will snarl or bark at things as innocent as a doorbell or a leaf in the wind because they detect a threat. The agitated pup might have a past trauma or experience that has made them overly sensitive to threats for survival, or their reaction could be a misplaced protective instinct.
Having a reactive dog can pose a challenge. We can’t reason with a dog to make them understand there is no real threat of danger, but you can show the dog you are calm to suggest safety. Yelling or scolding a dog for barking, lunging, or growling only riles them up more, and does nothing to teach them.
Some dogs can be trained over time to readjust their fear response, but this is not realistic for all dogs, particularly rescues with a trauma history.
Walking an unfriendly dog
If your dog reacts to any triggers, make sure you keep a solid grip on the leash while you walk. It can be helpful to tie knots in the leash, making it easier to hold you pup close.
It can also be helpful to distract your dog if you notice one of their triggers approaching. I’ve walked dogs who get activated by bigger dogs, small children, scooters, skateboards, bicycles, runners, loud music, and flowy fabrics. Sasha and Newton love people and can handle anything in the city except a rival dog. When another pooch comes along, we step out of the way and I stand in front of them. Distracting your dog can include gently speaking to them and repeating their name, offering treats, or practicing simple commands. Really, anything that will refocus your pup’s attention on you is perfect.
Even if your dog is on the friendly side, it’s still worth taking just a second to check in with your dog before inviting a stranger and their dog to say hello. It’s so easy to reflexively say yes, but the truth is that you know your dog’s personality and how they’re feeling that day.
All you need to do is glance at your dog’s body language. If they don’t look quite right, don’t hesitate to decline the offer. (It won’t take 30 seconds for the person to find another dog to greet.)
Tips for approaching unknown dogs
A short stroll in Brooklyn can have you passing dozens of doggos, and you can’t always spot a dog that isn’t friendly with new people or other dogs. When you approach a dog you don’t know, do so slowly and calmly. Even a dog who’s generally even-keeled can react unpredictably when startled. Be especially cautious if the hair on the dog’s neck is sticking up or its ears are pulled back.
If you’re introducing your pooch with another dog, the most important thing is to ask their parent/walker if it’s okay to say hello. Be sure to do this before you make eye contact with the dog and before your dog gets within lunging distance. When I’m walking a pup who wants to meet a new canine friend on the sidewalk, my go-to phrase is, “Are they friendly?”
If you want to pet an unknown dog, start by keeping your palm down and let the dog sniff the back of your hand before you pet or scratch it. Going straight for the top of the head can throw off a lot of dogs, even pups that love their rubs.
About City Pooch
Thanks for reading this issue of City Pooch! Please share with your dog-loving friends — especially if they live in Park Slope. I have openings for a couple of new weekday walking clients to add to my route. If you know anyone who might be interested, please get in touch at citypoochnyc@gmail.com.
In future issues, I’ll be covering common questions I get from my clients and the City Pooch community. I’d love to hear from you! If you have a question, please reply to this email or reach out to me at citypoochnyc@gmail.com.