{"id":1725,"date":"2025-02-05T13:15:38","date_gmt":"2025-02-05T18:15:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gradyvet.com\/blog\/?p=1725"},"modified":"2025-02-05T13:15:38","modified_gmt":"2025-02-05T18:15:38","slug":"national-dog-training-education-month-in-february","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gradyvet.com\/blog\/national-dog-training-education-month-in-february\/","title":{"rendered":"National Dog Training Education Month in February"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"National<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Tips to Help Reactive Dogs on Walks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019ve had some nice days for walks so far in February, and we\u2019ve also seen a heightened level of reactive dogs out for walks lately. It\u2019s a good time to think about National Dog Training Education Month. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Positive K9 training<\/a> offers this definition of reactive dogs:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cA reactive dog is one that over-reacts to stimuli in its environment. It can include other dogs, animals, people, cars, and more. Some of the most common signs of reactivity are barking<\/strong>, lunging<\/strong>, growling<\/strong>, and snapping<\/strong>.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

And here\u2019s a helpful chart:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"National<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

As you can see, reactivity starts before a dog shows signs of wanting to bite. In the early stages of reactivity, a dog will still listen to its owner. In the \u201cred zone,\u201d the dog has stopped listening and is completely focused on the perceived \u201cthreat.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

By paying attention to the early cues, over time and with patient training, a dog owner may be able to stop potentially dangerous behavior in its tracks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tips for Walking Reactive Dogs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Addressing a dog\u2019s reactivity problem will make life better for you, your dog and everyone around you. Here are some tips for increasing safety during walks with a reactive dog:<\/p>\n\n\n\n