Initial Challenges
When Spike arrived, it was clear that his reactive behaviour stemmed from overexcitement and possibly some anxiety in unfamiliar environments. His size and strength added to the challenge, as his pulling and lunging made him difficult to control, particularly when faced with fast-moving objects that caught his attention.
Key issues we identified included:
- Leash Pulling: Spike would pull constantly on the lead, making it hard for his owners to enjoy walks.
- Reactivity to Moving Objects: Cars, bikes, and even lawnmowers would trigger a strong reaction from Spike, causing him to bark and lunge, posing a safety risk for his owners and others around him.
Training Approach
Our goal for Spike was to teach him self-control and to redirect his focus when faced with distractions. To address these behaviours, we implemented a structured training plan based on positive reinforcement, consistency, and gradual exposure to triggers.
Step 1: Building Focus and Engagement
Before tackling his reactivity, we worked on getting Spike to focus on his handler. This included:
- Basic Obedience Commands: We reinforced Spike’s understanding of foundational commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “heel,” ensuring that he could perform them reliably in a calm environment.
- Eye Contact Exercises: Teaching Spike to look to his handler for direction was essential. Using treats and praise, we encouraged him to check in with us regularly during walks, which helped redirect his attention from distractions.
Step 2: Addressing Leash Pulling
To curb Spike’s habit of pulling on the lead, we introduced loose-lead walking techniques. These involved:
- Reward-Based Walking: Spike was rewarded for walking calmly beside the handler without pulling. Each time he pulled, we stopped and waited for him to relax before continuing.
- Changing Directions: If Spike surged ahead, we would turn and walk in the opposite direction, teaching him that pulling does not get him where he wants to go.
Step 3: Desensitising to Triggers
Spike’s reactivity to cars, bikes, and lawnmowers was addressed through desensitisation and counter-conditioning techniques:
- Gradual Exposure: We began by exposing Spike to these triggers from a distance, rewarding him for calm behaviour. Over time, as Spike learned to remain relaxed, we gradually reduced the distance to the moving objects.
- Focus Redirecting: When a car or bike approached, we used the a command to shift Spike’s attention away from the object and toward the handler. When Spike responded calmly, he was rewarded with treats and praise, reinforcing the idea that staying calm in these situations brings positive outcomes.
Outcome
After several weeks of dedicated reactivity training, Spike made remarkable progress. He now walks calmly on the lead, with much more focus on his handler rather than external distractions. His reactivity to cars, bikes, and other moving objects has significantly decreased, allowing his owners to enjoy peaceful walks again. Spike has become more composed in public spaces, and his new-found self-control has greatly improved the bond between him and his family.
