Why you need an expert

By Rhiannon van Lidth de Jeude Roemer at Raintown Dog Training

In the dog world, we hear the term ‘reactive dog’ thrown around regularly, but what does this term actually mean?

A reactive dog would be defined as one who has an exaggerated emotional reaction to certain triggers, often using aggressive displays to express those feelings. Aggressive behaviors may include snarling, growling, lunging, barking, and even biting, and are generally used to warn a perceived threat to stay away. Some dogs are more prone to showing aggression than others, though any dog has the potential to be an aggressive dog, especially when feeling threatened.

As trainers, we see a variety of cases relating to reactivity and/or aggression, including leash reactivity, resource guarding, and body handling issues.

A common phrase we hear when people bring their dogs to us is ‘we’ve tried everything’. Naturally, many pet parents will try following YouTube tutorials and advice from friends before hiring a professional. Unfortunately, due to the unregulated industry of dog training, there is a lot of questionable and even harmful advice out there. For most pet parents, the vast array of (often contradictory) training methods can be nearly impossible to sift through, and pretty overwhelming.

Reactivity training is very nuanced, and often counterintuitive for us humans. For example, though it seems logical to ‘correct’ your dog when they show aggression, did you know this poses the risk of escalating their reactivity? Contrary to how dog training has been represented in the media, reactivity training should look boring - our goal is actually that the dog does not feel the need to bark, lunge, or even growl during the process! Far too often, we see dogs who have had increased reactive behaviors due to lack of professional support with this complex topic.

At Raintown, we have spent years perfecting our methods for reactive dog training in Vancouver, providing results that are long-lasting. Through Coaching Sessions, we provide support and training for not just the dog, but for you as well, ensuring that you are left with the tools needed to train when we aren’t around to help.

All private training at Raintown begins with a consultation, where we get into the details of your dog’s daily routine, their overall behavior, and what exactly they struggle with. Some simple homework items given at the consultation will help give you some relief in the time before we can meet in-person.

During your time with us, your certified trainer will tailor the plan specifically to the areas you are struggling with, and your overall goals with your dog’s behavior. With a deep dedication to education and understanding dogs, our trainers can take the whole picture of your pup’s behavior into account, finding the most efficient solutions that fit with your lifestyle.

Whether your pup struggles with strangers, other dogs, or chasing squirrels, seeking support from a professional dog trainer is always the best option. It can be stressful and confusing when reactivity issues crop up with your beloved companion. Finding a trainer who will help your dog and provide you with the support needed to feel confident as a dog parent sets everyone up for success in the long run.