According to the expert, there are three main causes of reactivity in dogs (stock image) (Image: Getty)
A dog trainer has shared the top three reasons your pet may bite or become reactive.
have the reputation of “man’s best friend,” and it’s easy to see why – their loyalty and unconditional love is a rewarding, joyful experience which encourages many people to welcome them into their lives and .
Despite a litany of positive qualities, they can sometimes bring unwanted issues into the home like excessive barking, chewing, and more. One problem that can become very serious is biting, or reactive behaviour.
Will Atherton has garnered a loyal following on after sharing his years of expertise and insight as to why dogs may be acting a certain way, as well as tips and advice on how to rectify any unwanted issues.
In one recent video, the expert offered his thoughts on the reasons behind reactivity. In the caption accompanying the footage, Will penned: “Reactivity is my bread and butter as a clinical canine behaviourist, if I only ever worked on reactivity cases I could still fill my books 10 times over on reactivity alone as it’s by far one of the most common behaviour problems.
:
“So if you’re struggling with it yourself, first of all [breathe] and try and find some peace in that you’re not alone, but then let’s get to work on it as I truly believe reactivity is absolutely something that no owner has to deal with.”
The expert said the issue can be “addressed pretty easily” and advised people to follow the steps laid out in his video. In the clip, Will shared the three reasons he believes dogs may be or reacting in an otherwise negatively-perceived manner.
He explained: “[The] number one [reason] is you not being a high level leader for your dog. You need to make sure that your dog is looking up to you for guidance and direction.
“If they aren’t looking up to you for guidance and direction, they might see another dog and think that they have to make that decision for themselves. That decision of what to do in this situation is rarely the right one.”
He said the second reason a dog may be reactive is due to not having been taught how to walk “nicely” on a loose lead. Though this may seem “obvious”, the expert said it’s integral to helping fix reactivity, while also helping ensure the dog understands what’s expected of them.
Finally, Will said dog owners “have to be able to interrupt that behaviour”, so when a dog is behaving in an undesirable way, it’s important to use “calm, consistent canine leadership” to interrupt and “communicate effectively” with the dog to stop what they’re doing, then reward the positive behaviour.
The video racked up thousands of views, with multiple people thanking the expert for his guidance in the comments section.
Before getting a dog, it’s important to do your research. It’s also worth bearing in mind that training is essential, and not all dogs are suitable for first time owners.
If you’re looking to welcome a dog into your home, consider the benefits of adopting a puppy or dog from a charity or local shelter instead of shopping from a breeder.