Uncontrollable? Most likely Scared and Nervous

What is reactivity in dogs?

Dogs who respond to “normal stimuli with higher-than-normal intensity.”

You may be asking yourself, why does happen?

There may some different reasons for this. Genetics could be a factor (JRTs are bred for their high energy) or it could be because of a lack of early socialization during puppyhood or something else in between.

Many of us adopt from rescues or shelters and many of those dogs are adolescent or older dogs. The same goes for us in Germany. What’s different for us living here in Germany, Americans are only able to adopt from rescues from other EU countries (German rescues and shelters don’t allow Americans to adopt from them). Many of the dogs coming from places like Hungary or Spain are feral or street dogs.

Feral or street dogs most likely didn’t learn what its like to live with people. They have a bit of a learning curve. Some of things they missed out on until you came around was:

Enjoying human touch and petting

Touches around the neck, legs, paws and eye contact

The comfort of living with you in your home, sitting on couches or sleeping on beds

Knowing sounds like the doorbell, alarm clocks going off, pots and pans dropping are normal everyday sounds and it doesn’t mean danger.

Now, what can you do to help your dog overcome some of these fears?

Observe and learn about dog body language. The key is understanding different body postures as a way of interpreting what your dog is communicating to you.

Since reactivity is the “higher-than-normal intensity to a regular everyday stimuli, observing and helping your dogs when they are showing the body language below will be greatly beneficial to you and your dogs.

You will also want to help your dog learn those once scary situations are actually enjoyable.

How do we do this? You will help connect the dots by pairing the things your dogs love with those scary or unfamiliar things. Always going slow and making sure you are watching your dog’s body language. You will also want to keep in mind, keeping these “triggers” under control so you don’t keep your dog experiencing fear.

Also, patience! Behavior change is never guaranteed. Think about those times you wanted to change a habit and finding yourself going back into old ways. The same is true for your dogs. Just like you, the more you practice and the more you learn to “read your dog”, you’ll see progress.

Keep focused on the small successes you see everyday! They are there and this will be the crown jewel of keeping you motivated and excited in strengthening the relationship with your dog.

The Rule of 3

Remember the Rule of 3 when adopting a new dog.

Adopting a new dog is very exciting. The thrill of your new furry friend coming home and having endless ideas of how you’re going to spend time with him.

There’s a whole world out there! Like hiking, traveling to new cities, meeting all your friends and family, not to discount the daily walkie which is a terrific relationship booster.

All of these plans of hanging out with your dog is definitely the goal and the hope for you both.

Most times, your new furry friend will need some time to adjust.

Adjusting to your routine and schedule. This could be very confusing for a new dog and your dog will need time to figure out you won’t be gone for forever when you leave for work or school.

Adjusting to building a new relationship with you. Some dogs have experienced countless temporary homes with different people, so remember your new dog needs time to trust you.

As you’re bringing in a new dog into your home, consider using the Rule of 3 when you experience something “new” your dog has never done before since he moved in. Allowing your dogs to reveal themselves and their personalities to you is a sign the bond is strengthening.

If you’re unsure of how to manage or help your dog choose something else, contact a positive reinforcement trainer committed to force free and fear free training methods.

Even better, consider hiring a reward based trainer as you bring your new dog home. This way you will be set up for success even before unwanted behaviors crop up!

Fear Less in Your Potential

Change is hard.

Change starts out as a whisper, softly speaking into your ear urging you in subtle ways of what your true heart desires.

Once you start listening and becoming open to what your heart speaks to you, change comes knocking on your mind’s door demanding you to take action.

What is holding you back from unlocking the door to what your heart is telling you to change?

Is it fear?

Yes! Fear of the unknown. Fear of the what if’s. Fear of failure, even fear of being successful.

Fear is all about self-preservation, the status quo. When you allow fear to control you, it tells if you do anything differently, you will be hurt, you will fail, you will have insurmountable losses. Its only the mind keeping you stagnant and holding you back from the pursuit of what you want.

Now, what if you saw change differently?

What if there were many opportunities and possibilities out there for you directly in line with what you dreamed for yourself, your family, your friends?

Making the change to do what you know is right for you is not going to be easy. But where is the reward when you accomplish your goals if it were easy?

Life is about taking healthy risks to get you closer to what you want and how you want your life to look. Those dreams are important and totally within your reach.

Are your goals, more money?

Healthier and happier relationships?

Career or lifestyle change?

Now, is the time in taking the first steps towards your goals and making the change you want in your life.

Start by saying “yes” to you. Yes, you believe in yourself and you want the best out of life.