Overcoming Dog Reactivity: The Path to a Happier Life

| February 17, 2023

Have you encountered difficulties managing your dog’s reactive behaviour? It’s a common issue faced among pet parents and can be frustrating to manage. Dogs bring so much joy and love into our lives, but sometimes they bark, growl, snap, or even lunge at things that scare them, and it can be a frustrating experience for pet parents. 

Many dogs exhibit reactive behaviours that can be tough to handle and leave you feeling embarrassed as a pet parent. However, the good news is that with the right training and behaviour modification techniques, you can manage your dog’s unwanted reactivity behaviours.  

Toronto Humane Society’s new Reactive Dog training group class is designed specifically for dogs who display reactivity on leash but are generally well-behaved when off-leash. This class focuses on practicing foundation behaviours in a small group with visual barriers and distance to keep dogs under threshold. Certified trainers will work with you to practice calm alternatives to lunging, focus exercises, and impulse control exercises, along with management techniques to set your dog up for success.   

At Toronto Humane Society, the safety of all dogs and their pet parents are top priority so this class is limited to dogs who may lunge, growl or bark while on leash but have not bitten another animal or person. To ensure a positive experience for all participants, dogs who exhibit aggression, or who have bitten another animal or person, are strongly encouraged to participate in our Private Behavior Consultation and Training Support package in order to obtain a behaviour assessment and personalized training plan. 

We’re happy to share that the first Dog Reactivity class has already sold out! The next class starts on March 25, 2023 – don’t wait to sign up! Book your spot today and start your journey towards a stronger, happier relationship with your furry best friend! 

Dog reactivity can be a frustrating issue, but with patience, understanding, and the right training and support, you can set your dog up for success and create a more positive relationship with the world around them.