| Reactive Dog Class |
Is my dog "reactive"?
Does your dog bark, lunge or become aggressive when you take him for walks and he
sees another dog and/or human? Does your dog display inappropriate fear toward
certain objects such as garbage cans or bicycles? Your dog may be a reactive dog - that
is, a dog that responds inappropriately to ordinary stimuli in his environment. It is
essentially a "panic attack" when your dog encounters certain situations. The Reactive
Dog class will provide you with tools to manage this behavior and counter-condition your
dog's responses. This class is not a typical manners or obedience class. It is behavior
modification.
I am still not sure my dog is reactive. I think he may be
aggressive.
Dogs displaying aggressive responses are often doing so as a bluff to cover their own
fear. Once we identify that which makes the dog afraid, build his confidence and
counter-condition the response to the stimulus that previously caused fear we often see
the "aggressive" behavior disappear. That is not to say that a fearful reactive dog will not
bite. On the contrary, fear-based aggression is a very common cause of dog-dog injuries
and dog-human bites. But the root of the "aggression" is often fear, not dominance.
My dog has bitten a dog/person. How serious is this?
Any dog bite is serious and a responsible owner needs to address the problem. If your
dog has had a history of biting, then inform Kim. Additional precautions may be necessary
to prevent any injury to you, the trainers or other dogs in class. Dog trainers rely on a dog
bite scale of severity developed by Ian Dunbar.
Level 1 -- Barking, lunging, air snapping. No teeth touch skin, No puncture wounds.
Level 2 -- Teeth touch skin. Possible slight scratches or abrasions. No puncture
wounds.
Level 3 --1 to 4 holes from single bite. No bite deeper than
1/2 of the length of a canine tooth. Sometimes a tear in one direction.
Level 4 --1 to 4 holes deeper than 1/2 of canine tooth (dog bit and clamped
down) deep black bruising within 24 hours. Rips in both directions
(dog bit and shook head)
Level 5 -- Multiple bite attack with deep punctures or multiple attacks. Rips
in both directions. Vast amounts of flesh involved.
Level 6 -- Killed victim and/or consumed flesh.
99% of bites are level 1 through 3.
Why is my dog reactive?
Many things can contribute to a dog becoming reactive. Stress, pain, genetics, lack of
socialization during critical periods and frightening experiences are the most common.
The good news is that the method for treating the reactivity is the same regardless of the
cause.
What should I do before taking my dog to the Reactive Dog
class?
Fear-based aggression can sometimes be the result of pain or medical conditions. Ear
infections, arthritis, dental problems, thyroid imbalance, hip or elbow dysplasia, luxating
patellas and vision or hearing loss are just some of the medical conditions that can result
in reactive behavior. A thorough medical exam, discussing the issues surrounding the
fear-based aggression problems, will help your veterinarian diagnose any possible
problems that may be causing your dog pain. We cannot teach your dog to ignore pain,
but the vet can certainly help alleviate his discomfort and we can work on behavior
modification from that point forward.
What methods do you use?
I find that the use of positive counter-conditioning training methods are the most effective
for rehabilitating a reactive dog. If that method does not seem to work well for your dog, I
will employ other training techniques.
How long will this take?
It depends on your dog and the frequency with which you are able to train. The class lasts
for 6 sessions and will provide you with tools to carry on the training as long as necessary.
Additionally, you can always take a few refresher classes when needed.
Are all dogs "cured" of this behavior?
There is no way to ensure that your dog will never become fearful again. However, you
will have the tools that you need to work your dog through his fear. I have had a better
than 50% success rate completely rehabilitated dogs and the other 50% was significantly
improved to the point that they could confidently walk their dogs in public without an
outburst, but their dogs still display some discomfort with public situations. Some dogs will
never be social butterflies able to frolic in a dog park situation. Our goal is to help the
dogs respond to their environment with less fear.
What equipment will I need for the Reactive Dog class?
Scaredy Dog: Understanding and Rehabilitating Your Reactive Dog by Ali Brown
(available at the link to the left from Amazon.com)
Crate (preferably wire or plastic)
Blanket (to cover crate if needed)
Chair (for your comfort if needed)
Easy Walk Harness (available at the link to the left or PetSmart)
Ruffwear Roamer Hands Free Leash (available at the link to the left - alternatively any
hands free leash system would work)
Bait bag (available at the link to the left or PetSmart)
Treats (Some "boring" ones like kibble and some REALLY good ones! You are fighting
through emotion and stress, so we need these to be extra special. Maybe something the
dog has never had before like steak, salmon, roasted chicken, cheese, tuna, hot dogs,
etc.)
Water & Bowl (classes can be stressful so have water available)
How will this class operate?
Once enrolled and the class fees are paid, you will consult with Kim via email or phone to
ensure that you are ready to participate in the class. Additionally, you will be invited to join
Kim's Reactive Dog Yahoo! Group. This will help class members keep in touch with one
another and discuss their progress. Classes will be posted on the CALENDAR at least
one week in advance. Because each class will have a maximum of 4 dogs, it is important
that you confirm with Kim that you plan to attend. Once a class fills, it will be closed on the
calendar. Every effort will be made to offer classes on various days, times and in various
locations.
On the day you plan to attend class, have your dog skip the meal before the class. A
slightly hungry dog tends to work and focus better during this sort of training. When you
arrive with your dog at the location, please leave your dog in the car until instructed
to bring him into the training area. This will minimize the chance of incidents.
How much will the Reactive Dog class cost?
The Reactive Dog class will be $240 for 6 sessions. Each class will be small and result in
more personal attention for your dog's issues. All email support is free. Once you have
completed the Reactive Dog class, you may attend additional class sessions at a
discounted rate of $30/class session.
How do I enroll?
Fill out the registration and request the Reactive Dog class. You may pay for the course
by credit card or e-check through PayPal. There is a link at the bottom of the registration
page.
Does your dog bark, lunge or become aggressive when you take him for walks and he
sees another dog and/or human? Does your dog display inappropriate fear toward
certain objects such as garbage cans or bicycles? Your dog may be a reactive dog - that
is, a dog that responds inappropriately to ordinary stimuli in his environment. It is
essentially a "panic attack" when your dog encounters certain situations. The Reactive
Dog class will provide you with tools to manage this behavior and counter-condition your
dog's responses. This class is not a typical manners or obedience class. It is behavior
modification.
I am still not sure my dog is reactive. I think he may be
aggressive.
Dogs displaying aggressive responses are often doing so as a bluff to cover their own
fear. Once we identify that which makes the dog afraid, build his confidence and
counter-condition the response to the stimulus that previously caused fear we often see
the "aggressive" behavior disappear. That is not to say that a fearful reactive dog will not
bite. On the contrary, fear-based aggression is a very common cause of dog-dog injuries
and dog-human bites. But the root of the "aggression" is often fear, not dominance.
My dog has bitten a dog/person. How serious is this?
Any dog bite is serious and a responsible owner needs to address the problem. If your
dog has had a history of biting, then inform Kim. Additional precautions may be necessary
to prevent any injury to you, the trainers or other dogs in class. Dog trainers rely on a dog
bite scale of severity developed by Ian Dunbar.
Level 1 -- Barking, lunging, air snapping. No teeth touch skin, No puncture wounds.
Level 2 -- Teeth touch skin. Possible slight scratches or abrasions. No puncture
wounds.
Level 3 --1 to 4 holes from single bite. No bite deeper than
1/2 of the length of a canine tooth. Sometimes a tear in one direction.
Level 4 --1 to 4 holes deeper than 1/2 of canine tooth (dog bit and clamped
down) deep black bruising within 24 hours. Rips in both directions
(dog bit and shook head)
Level 5 -- Multiple bite attack with deep punctures or multiple attacks. Rips
in both directions. Vast amounts of flesh involved.
Level 6 -- Killed victim and/or consumed flesh.
99% of bites are level 1 through 3.
Why is my dog reactive?
Many things can contribute to a dog becoming reactive. Stress, pain, genetics, lack of
socialization during critical periods and frightening experiences are the most common.
The good news is that the method for treating the reactivity is the same regardless of the
cause.
What should I do before taking my dog to the Reactive Dog
class?
Fear-based aggression can sometimes be the result of pain or medical conditions. Ear
infections, arthritis, dental problems, thyroid imbalance, hip or elbow dysplasia, luxating
patellas and vision or hearing loss are just some of the medical conditions that can result
in reactive behavior. A thorough medical exam, discussing the issues surrounding the
fear-based aggression problems, will help your veterinarian diagnose any possible
problems that may be causing your dog pain. We cannot teach your dog to ignore pain,
but the vet can certainly help alleviate his discomfort and we can work on behavior
modification from that point forward.
What methods do you use?
I find that the use of positive counter-conditioning training methods are the most effective
for rehabilitating a reactive dog. If that method does not seem to work well for your dog, I
will employ other training techniques.
How long will this take?
It depends on your dog and the frequency with which you are able to train. The class lasts
for 6 sessions and will provide you with tools to carry on the training as long as necessary.
Additionally, you can always take a few refresher classes when needed.
Are all dogs "cured" of this behavior?
There is no way to ensure that your dog will never become fearful again. However, you
will have the tools that you need to work your dog through his fear. I have had a better
than 50% success rate completely rehabilitated dogs and the other 50% was significantly
improved to the point that they could confidently walk their dogs in public without an
outburst, but their dogs still display some discomfort with public situations. Some dogs will
never be social butterflies able to frolic in a dog park situation. Our goal is to help the
dogs respond to their environment with less fear.
What equipment will I need for the Reactive Dog class?
Scaredy Dog: Understanding and Rehabilitating Your Reactive Dog by Ali Brown
(available at the link to the left from Amazon.com)
Crate (preferably wire or plastic)
Blanket (to cover crate if needed)
Chair (for your comfort if needed)
Easy Walk Harness (available at the link to the left or PetSmart)
Ruffwear Roamer Hands Free Leash (available at the link to the left - alternatively any
hands free leash system would work)
Bait bag (available at the link to the left or PetSmart)
Treats (Some "boring" ones like kibble and some REALLY good ones! You are fighting
through emotion and stress, so we need these to be extra special. Maybe something the
dog has never had before like steak, salmon, roasted chicken, cheese, tuna, hot dogs,
etc.)
Water & Bowl (classes can be stressful so have water available)
How will this class operate?
Once enrolled and the class fees are paid, you will consult with Kim via email or phone to
ensure that you are ready to participate in the class. Additionally, you will be invited to join
Kim's Reactive Dog Yahoo! Group. This will help class members keep in touch with one
another and discuss their progress. Classes will be posted on the CALENDAR at least
one week in advance. Because each class will have a maximum of 4 dogs, it is important
that you confirm with Kim that you plan to attend. Once a class fills, it will be closed on the
calendar. Every effort will be made to offer classes on various days, times and in various
locations.
On the day you plan to attend class, have your dog skip the meal before the class. A
slightly hungry dog tends to work and focus better during this sort of training. When you
arrive with your dog at the location, please leave your dog in the car until instructed
to bring him into the training area. This will minimize the chance of incidents.
How much will the Reactive Dog class cost?
The Reactive Dog class will be $240 for 6 sessions. Each class will be small and result in
more personal attention for your dog's issues. All email support is free. Once you have
completed the Reactive Dog class, you may attend additional class sessions at a
discounted rate of $30/class session.
How do I enroll?
Fill out the registration and request the Reactive Dog class. You may pay for the course
by credit card or e-check through PayPal. There is a link at the bottom of the registration
page.
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