Behavior Modification
Does your dog bark, growl, lunge, or become overly stressed around other dogs or humans?
Are you embarrassed by your dog's behavior?
Do you avoid walks or think of them as a nightmare?
It’s essential that you know you are NOT alone, and we can help.
;)
Recent studies show that reactive dog behavior is on the rise. This is likely due to a combination of the extended COVID-19 quarantine, a lack of prioritizing puppy socialization training, and a greater awareness of the issue.
One thing is clean. People and their dogs need humane solutions to help them learn to navigate these behaviors and to help their dogs better regulate their emotions.
Have you ever had a friend or family member tell you to stop worrying and not to stress about something? Did it help? Probably not. So when your dog is having a big reaction, telling them to stop isn’t helping them self-regulate.
If you want to learn how to help your dog, we can provide humane, fear-free solutions that will put you and your dog back on a better path. With time and connection, things can improve.
Testimonials
When we started working with Mariah at The Joy of Wagging, we couldn't take our sweet Sammy anywhere. He was so reactive, barking and lunging at people and dogs. We have learned so much about meeting Sammy’s needs and how to set him up for successful outings. He keeps making progress, and we can now take neighborhood walks. I can’t thank Mariah enough.
Sammy’s Humans- Medford, OR
Our sweet, very anxious rescue dog would not have been able to stay with our family if it weren't for Mariah. She has been an incredibly consistent and patient support for our pup and our family. His progress is due to her well-organized training plan and her ability to teach us how to work with him. We have been lucky to receive her compassion and expertise. I can't praise The Joy of Wagging enough!
Jupiter’s Humans - Medford, OR
We adopted our pit mix from the local animal shelter. We were provided with Mariah’s information for training. After doing our best to manage his barking at every living thing outside the house (and sometimes not living things like sticks and leaves), we called The Joy of Wagging. We knew we needed help. Mariah helped us put together a management strategy and training plan that immediately helped improve Hank’s non-stop barking. We have a ways to go, but knowing we rescued a shelter dog who we now know how to train is all thanks to Mariah. I can’t recommend her enough.
Hank’s Humans - Medford, OR
My sweet border collie was terrified of people. She would bark and lunge at anyone who came to the house. I felt so much better after talking with Mariah. She explains things in a way that makes them relatable and easy to understand. She is professional, helpful, and kind. Cricket has made great progress. We can now have guests come to the house. Cricket still prefers not to have strangers touch her, but Mariah taught us about how to get her to wave a paw as a way to say hello. People think it’s so cute, but I know it also keeps her feeling comfortable. I’m so grateful.
Cricket’s Humans - Talent, OR
How It Works
Getting Started
We start every training plan with a free 20-minute discovery call, followed by a paid one-hour consultation.
Individualized Solutions
After choosing your training objective, you can select between private coaching sessions and day training sessions.
Let's Train!
Once you receive your customized training program you're ready to schedule your first training sessions!
FAQ
My dog barks and lunges at every dog and person he sees. How do I get him to stop?
Reactive behaviors, such as barking and lunging, can be stressful for you and your dog. These reactions are not signs of a "bad" or "aggressive" dog; they are ways your dog tries to express stress, fear, and discomfort and are meant to keep potential threats at a distance.
To help your dog, it's important to approach these behaviors with empathy and maintain a safe distance from triggers. Being too close reinforces unwanted behaviors. Working with a certified positive reinforcement trainer is crucial in learning the necessary skills, which I refer to as your reactive skill set. We teach you simple and effective strategies to help shift your dog’s focus away from the trigger, helping to build a trusting and understanding partnership. Then, we begin normalizing seeing people or dogs, which in turn continues to lower stress levels.
Why is my dog so reactive? As a puppy, she was fine.
There can be so many reasons for reactive behaviors. Understanding the dog's history and any trauma can help, but often, this isn’t feasible, or no specific moment stands out. Possibilities include genetic predispositions, lack of socialization as a puppy, a dramatic event, neglect, and frustration from unmet needs. Dogs have feelings and needs that must be addressed.
Have you ever felt extreme anxiety, only to have someone say, “just relax?” Did it help? Likely not; it might have even made you feel worse. You are a sentient being with emotions, and so is your dog. But help and progress is possible. As a certified positive reinforcement trainer, I can help you and your dog move forward together.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when you have a reactive dog?
- Ignoring your dog has feelings. Managing your dog's reactivity requires care, empathy, and love. Understand that your dog cannot simply turn off feelings of anger, fear, or stress. It takes time, understanding, and solution-based education.
- Never punish your dog for reactive behaviors, as it can increase anxiety and fear, worsening the behavior. The dog is doing their best with the skills you’ve taught them. Hiring a certified positive reinforcement trainer to develop a customized plan is crucial.
- Avoid forcing socialization; if your dog is uncomfortable around people or dogs, respect their feelings. Consider exposing them without direct contact and maintaining distance until they develop confidence and trust.
- Ignoring the problem is not an option. Rehearsing unwanted behavior deepens the pattern, and reactivity can escalate dangerously. Do not assume the dog will outgrow it; it likely worsens if untreated. Patience and understanding are essential, as improvement takes time.
- Ignoring dog body language can lead to serious issues. Educate yourself on canine signals to ensure your dog feels safe and secure, and learn to advocate for their needs. Remember, behavior has clues in body language; we need to listen with our eyes.