A dog that is reactive can show behaviors of barking and lunging behaviors. I have seen dogs that have attacked a broom or a vacuum cleaner. Dogs like this take patience and training to condition them to be around items.
Behavior Modification begins with short introduction to the stimuli and I have seen success beginning just with the dog looking at the stimuli and then having the dog touch the stimuli.
It is important to keep the dog under threshold and rewarding the dog at the correct moment.
Management is also important to use when working with a dog that is reactive. If you know your dog is not yet ready to be around a vacuum cleaner then use good management by putting the dog in crate or a room while you vacuum.
When you allow a dog to rehearse an undesirable behavior it only reinforces that behavior.
Management is important during these training sessions to keep your dog on a good track.
Always remember keep your dog under threshold.
Mecca Curtice, CCDT, CTDI
Behavior Specialist
Sheboygan, WI.
© 2020 Mecca's All Breed Dog Training, LLC.
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