Troubles with an excitable dog? A trainer shares a startling tactic that may soothe them (and it could revolutionize the way you manage their behavior)
In a recent Instagram post, Carolyn Martell, an expert dog trainer and the founder of Good Dog Training, shed light on the benefits of play for reactive dogs. Play is a powerful tool that can help manage reactivity, transforming anxious and fearful behaviour into positive, structured interactions.
Play-based techniques such as Behavior Adjustment Training (BAT) and Leslie McDevitt’s Pattern Games encourage dogs to focus on their handler and environment in a non-threatening way. These methods help dogs "take a metaphorical deep breath," increase positive associations with triggers, and reinforce calm, engaged behaviour without pressure or fear.
The key benefits of play for reactive dogs include reducing heart rate and stress, building confidence, and enhancing focus. Play allows dogs to divert their attention from triggers through sniffing and movement patterns, providing a healthy outlet for arousal. It also allows dogs to choose to move away rather than reacting aggressively or fearfully, thereby building confidence. Moreover, play fosters a positive bond between dog and handler, supporting training and behaviour modification.
When it comes to choosing the right toys for reactive dogs, toys that stimulate natural behaviours like retrieving soft plush toys or balls can provide fun physical and mental engagement without increasing stress. Interactive games that encourage focus and impulse control, such as puzzle toys or tug toys, often help foster calm yet engaged play. Controlled movement games, using toys like soft fetch toys or scented toys in pattern games, help maintain the dog’s attention and promote relaxation.
Carolyn Martell emphasises the importance of using toys and play sessions thoughtfully and adapting them to the dog's individual comfort and arousal levels. In the early stages, a play session with a dog’s favourite toy can help manage reactivity, and play can be effectively used in reactivity training as a reward for desired behaviour.
In summary, the best dog toys for reactive dogs tend to be those that encourage positive, interactive play, allowing the dog to engage their nose, body, and attention in ways that reduce stress and improve emotional regulation during exposure to stimuli.
For those struggling with a reactive dog, Carolyn Martell recommends the article "Owning a reactive dog is hard. Here's how I navigated the social challenges with my pooch" as a useful resource. Playing with dogs, whether with humans, canine friends, or toys, has numerous benefits, including helping with reactivity.
The Hyper Pet Doggie Tail and the Petdroid Interactive Dog Toy are examples of toys that can help reduce anxiety and boredom in reactive dogs, providing an outlet for arousal and helping redirect attention away from triggers. Play can be a powerful reward for dogs, as many may prefer play over food as a reward.
In conclusion, play is a dynamic, movement-oriented, interactive activity that can be particularly beneficial for reactive dogs. It elevates their heart rate, improves cognitive processes and memory, and releases endorphins. High arousal pushes the body toward movement in reactive dogs, making play a crucial tool in managing reactivity.
- Carolyn Martell's article on reactive dogs suggests the Hyper Pet Doggie Tail and the Petdroid Interactive Dog Toy as options for toys that can help reduce anxiety and boredom in reactive dogs.
- Playing with toys can be a powerful reward for reactive dogs, as many may prefer play over food as a reward.
- Incorporating play into a reactive dog's lifestyle can help elevate their heart rate, improve cognitive processes and memory, and release endorphins.
- When choosing toys for reactive dogs, it's important to select those that encourage positive, interactive play, promoting calm yet engaged behavior, such as puzzles, tug toys, and pattern games.
- For those struggling with a reactive dog, engaging in play sessions with toys or playing with canine friends can help manage reactivity and build a positive bond between dog and handler, supporting training and behavior modification.
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