Owning a dog comes with its own set of joys and challenges. Reactivity in dogs can manifest in various ways, from barking and lunging at other dogs to displaying fear or aggression. We want to share our journey of overcoming reactivity with Kilo, and how a dog training community became instrumental in our success.
Understanding Reactivity:
Reactivity in dogs is often rooted in fear, anxiety, or frustration. It can be triggered by various stimuli, including other dogs, unfamiliar people, or loud noises. For Kilo, his reactivity was primarily directed towards other dogs and new people (specifically people who try to talk to him). Whenever we encountered another dog during walks, he would pull on the leash to drag us to the dog or new human, jump and howl (although the howling may never stop, I mean, he is a husky). We struggled with assuming our reactive dog was going to turn aggressive but one very important thing to note is, reactivity doesn’t equal aggression.
Seeking Help:
Kilo is our first dog of our own, so we knew we needed professional guidance to address his reactivity effectively. We worked with a positive only trainer in our house that helped us overcome food aggression and work on basic commands but we were still struggling. There was a local account we followed on Instagram (shoutout to Kristin and her Sheps @realhousewolves_stpete) who would post videos on a training community and I knew I had to check this community out. We tried Everyday K9 Training (@everydayk9training) , a balanced trainer, in December of 2021. This decision marked a turning point in Kilo’s training journey. Everyday K9 Training provided a supportive environment where dog owners facing similar challenges could come together and learn from each other’s experiences.
We fully understand that the cost of training is not always something everyone can financially afford but the power of social media is grand and we have found numerous accounts on Instagram that we have learned so much from as well. Here are some of our favorites:
- Pete’s Adventure Pack (@petesadventurepack) : Molly is a Utah based trainer but now has an online platform. She reminds us that husky’s are just a misunderstood breed and they can be amazing adventure companions!
- Dog’s Eye View Training (@devdogtraining) : Corey & Kate are a Michigan based duo that have online courses and offer local in person training that focuses on building a relationship with your dog and solid communication.
- Say It Once Dog Training (@sayitoncedogtraining) : Vinnie started in Pittsburgh (which is an hour from our hometown in Ohio) and had now expanded to three other States. His philosophy is very similar to our local trainer who believes in properly trained humans, not just dogs!
- Walking Dog Training (@walkingdogtraining) : Bethany is a Floridian like us! She is a balanced trainer with a library of e-books and resources online. We utilized her ecollar guide (along with our own trainer) to get started with ecollar training.
- Kane 9 Dog Training (@kane9dogtraining) : Kait is a Wisconsin trainer who focuses on mindset over obedience. She also has some online ebooks but her Instagram is filled with helpful training nuggets.
- The Everyday Trainer (@theeverydaytrainer) : Meghan is another balanced Florida trainer who provides resources for everyday people in everyday situations. And, she has a podcast you should definitely listen to!
Patience and Consistency:
Overcoming reactivity is not a quick fix; it requires patience, consistency, and dedication. With the guidance of Everyday K9 Training, we implemented a structured training routine with Kilo. Being a work from home dog mom, creating boundaries and structure for Kilo was key and has played a big role into his behavior. On walks, we practiced obedience commands, or games like “find it” to redirect his attention away from triggers. Additionally, we exposed Kilo to controlled environments with other dogs, allowing him to practice his neutrality, calmness and build positive associations through counter-conditioning.
Progress and Setbacks:
As we mentioned in our opening, our journey wasn’t without its joys and challenges. There were days when Kilo’s reactivity seemed overwhelming, walks were not enjoyable, we didn’t want to take him anywhere outside of our house and it tested both our patience and resolve. However, with perseverance and the unwavering support of our training community, we celebrated small victories along the way. Each successful encounter with another dog bolstered our confidence and reinforced Kilo’s progress. As weeks turned into months, Kilo’s reactivity gradually decreased. He became more relaxed and confident in the presence of other dogs, responding to commands with greater reliability. Our walks transformed from stressful encounters to enjoyable outings, filled with curiosity and exploration.
Continued Growth:
While Kilo’s reactivity has significantly improved, our journey is far from over. We’ve come to understand that training is an ongoing process, requiring continuous reinforcement and adaptation. By remaining vigilant and proactive, we are committed to ensuring Kilo’s continued growth and well-being. Navigating reactivity challenges with a husky like Kilo has been a rewarding yet challenging experience. Through the support of a community and a commitment to training, we’ve made significant strides in overcoming Kilo’s reactivity. Our journey serves as a testament to the transformative power of patience, consistency, and a supportive network of fellow dog lovers. Together, we’ve embarked on a path of growth, learning, and mutual understanding—one pawprint at a time.
Our Howling Adventures 
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