Adopting a dog is a joyful, exciting experience but can instill uncertainty and fear in a pup coming into a new environment. Some canines develop behavioral issues like overreacting in everyday situations. Whether a car horn, a visitor coming by, or another animal, it triggers an exaggerated response.
When reactivity becomes problematic, searching for a dog trainer in Pittsburgh specializing in modifying the behavior is critical. At Sit Means Sit, professional trainers emphasize working positively with a reward system when managing reactivity.
A negative approach or using punishment will cause the dog to view you in the same light as the trigger, garnering greater insecurity and fear. The objective is to cultivate a safe and happy space where the pup can feel confident and free from threats. Let’s explore tips on finding a qualified dog trainer.
Steps For Finding a Dog Trainer Specializing in Reactivity
Reactivity is a complex issue that can be exacerbated before pet parents reach out for a trainer’s assistance. When first noticing the behavior, the initial step is to schedule an exam with the vet to rule out underlying medical concerns.
When no health issues are found, trying to determine the foundation for the behavior in order to communicate with trainers to find those with the best skills is essential. Visit https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/behavior/causes-of-reactive-dog-behavior-and-how-to-train-accordingly/ to learn the causes of reactive dog behavior and how trainers manage these.
Commonly, reactivity is fear-based. Dogs will perceive their trigger as a threat and feel the need to either escape or protect themselves by overreacting.
Frustrated dogs can also react when they can’t express their feelings. Often, this is due to being confined, unsatisfied, or discouraged in their training program. Pups in this situation need to release pent-up energy to help manage the reactivity.
A professional Pittsburgh dog trainer will personalize the program based on the cause of the dog’s behavior and his individual triggers. Here are steps to follow when searching for a training professional to modify the unwanted reactive behavior.
Recommendations and referrals
Spread a broad message among your social circle to get recommendations and referrals for qualified trainers with skills in reactivity. These can be loved ones, close friends, neighbors, or coworkers who can offer valuable details for professionals they might have experience with.
The trainer should have skills in addressing behavioral issues, if not reactivity, and show effective results for the people you speak with. With more nuanced feedback, you’ll have a better idea of whether the trainer’s approach aligns with your objectives.
You can base an informed decision on the diverse perspectives from the recommendations. You can further enhance the input by joining pet parent forums or other related platforms online and asking direct questions about reactivity.
Veterinarian
A pup’s vet is a primary figure in establishing his overall wellness. The professional has a wealth of resources and extensive connections in the pet communities. When consulting on your dog’s reactivity, it’s an ideal opportunity to get a recommendation on dog training programs.
With your pup’s medical history and considering his behavioral issues, the vet can more directly refer a trainer with skills directed toward your specific dog. You can establish a collaborative approach to addressing your dog’s habits when opening a line of communication between the vet and trainer.
In that same vein, reaching out to the vet for details on upcoming workshops or seminars the professional is hosting will be a valuable resource for information on behavioral habits with dogs, including reactivity.
Online platforms
Professional directories and search engines can be used to search for skilled dog trainers, but they involve more than merely inputting an inquiry. The volume of information available can be overwhelming.
You want to narrow the results to reactive trainers who provide details on their training philosophy, the focus of their expertise, and testimonials. Those qualified to work with dogs challenged by reactivity will be pulled up for your review. When checking ratings and reviews, pay close attention to what the reviewers have to say.
Each person’s experience will guide you toward an informed final decision. When researching online, go to social networks to connect with other pet parents managing reactive pups. Specific groups or communities focused on these behaviors can be valuable resources.
Training classes
Many training programs allow pet parents to sit in on sessions to see the techniques in action and learn if the style is a good fit. You get a first-hand look at how the trainers interact with pet parents and the pups.
While watching, try to get a feel for the atmosphere. Are the dogs engaged in the program, and does the approach seem effective? Trainers who practice positive reinforcement and patience are highly sought over other training methods. View here for guidance on training for leash reactivity.
Trust your instincts
Trusting your instincts is critical in selecting the right training professional for your pup. The trainer’s expertise is essential to your dog’s ultimate success, but it’s not the only important quality. It would help if you also had open, effective communication in order to collaborate as a pet parent and trainer team.
The individual needs to instill confidence that reactivity is a behavior issue they’ve had success with. They also must understand and address any concerns you have. When the trainer interacts with your pup, you should be able to sense and see a positive connection between the two.
In addition to the information you’ve gathered and your interactions, your instincts will lead you to the most effective trainer to modify your dog’s reactive behavior.
Before fully committing to a Pittsburgh dog trainer, requesting a consultation or setting up a trial to witness professional interactions between your dog and the trainer is wise. The program should be adapted to your pup’s specific needs, making it necessary to gauge the approach.
A priority is to ensure the trainer’s style meshes with your canine’s personality. When there’s a genuine connection, training can be successful for both of you.
