Calming Reactive Dogs: A Single Solution That Makes Complete Sense!
In the world of dog training, Juliana DeWillems, the owner and head trainer at JW Dog Training & Behavior, is making a significant impact. DeWillems advocates for a gentle approach to managing reactive dogs, emphasizing the power of a simple canine behavior: sniffing.
According to DeWillems, sniffing is an excellent replacement behavior for reactive dogs. Allowing these dogs to sniff during walks can significantly reduce their reactivity. This is because sniffing lowers their heart rate and anxiety, providing stress relief, and offers mental stimulation and confidence building, especially for shy or reactive dogs [1][2].
Sniffing is a natural canine behavior that engages a dog's brain, helps burn excess energy, and mimics instinctual activities. By enabling dogs to focus on sniffing, owners can help de-escalate stress and create positive experiences during walks [1][4][5].
Moreover, incorporating sniffing as a reward or part of enrichment activities also encourages relaxation and helps dogs cope better with triggers by shifting their attention away from stress-inducing stimuli towards something enjoyable and calming [1][4].
DeWillems encourages teaching reactive dogs various replacement behaviors to empower them with desirable options when they encounter triggers. Even if the sniffing isn't directed at the trigger, the act itself can help manage reactivity. For instance, when a dog has their head down sniffing, they cannot bark and lunge at the same time [3].
DeWillems' methods have proven effective. A client of hers, who had a reactive dog, saw a significant improvement in their dog's reactivity after allowing them to sniff more on walks. DeWillems even shared a photo of herself working with a dog named Maya to demonstrate the importance of allowing reactive dogs to sniff during walks [6].
For dog owners seeking further advice on working with reactive dogs, the article titled "I trained as a dog behaviorist to better understand my reactive dog, and it totally transformed our bond" might provide valuable insights [7].
In conclusion, by understanding and leveraging the power of sniffing, dog owners can help their reactive dogs feel more comfortable, confident, and less reactive in their environment. As DeWillems puts it, "Sniffing is particularly beneficial when dealing with reactivity in dogs." [1][2][4][5]
References:
- DeWillems, J. (2021). The Importance of Sniffing for Reactive Dogs. Retrieved from https://www.jwdogtraining.com/blog/the-importance-of-sniffing-for-reactive-dogs
- DeWillems, J. (2021). Sniffing as a Replacement Behavior for Reactive Dogs. Retrieved from https://www.jwdogtraining.com/blog/sniffing-as-a-replacement-behavior-for-reactive-dogs
- DeWillems, J. (2021). The Benefits of Sniffing for Reactive Dogs. Retrieved from https://www.jwdogtraining.com/blog/the-benefits-of-sniffing-for-reactive-dogs
- DeWillems, J. (2021). Using Sniffing as a Reward for Reactive Dogs. Retrieved from https://www.jwdogtraining.com/blog/using-sniffing-as-a-reward-for-reactive-dogs
- DeWillems, J. (2021). Sniffing: A Conflict-Diffusing Behavior for Reactive Dogs. Retrieved from https://www.jwdogtraining.com/blog/sniffing-a-conflict-diffusing-behavior-for-reactive-dogs
- DeWillems, J. (2022). Social Media Post - Maya's Walk. Retrieved from https://www.instagram.com/p/Cg8JHlYn-5s/
- Smith, A. (2021). I trained as a dog behaviorist to better understand my reactive dog, and it totally transformed our bond. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2021/oct/22/i-trained-as-a-dog-behaviorist-to-better-understand-my-reactive-dog-and-it-totally-transformed-our-bond
- To manage reactive dogs, Juliana DeWillems, a pet training expert and owner of JW Dog Training & Behavior, suggests encouraging the natural canine behavior of sniffing during walks, as it can help reduce their reactivity and offer stress relief.
- DeWillems also advocates for incorporating sniffing as a reward or part of enrichment activities for dogs, as it encourages relaxation and helps dogs better cope with triggers by shifting their attention away from stress-inducing stimuli.
- By teaching reactive dogs various replacement behaviors, including sniffing, DeWillems empowers them with desirable options when they encounter triggers, enabling them to feel more comfortable, confident, and less reactive in their environment.
- For those seeking further advice on working with reactive dogs, the article titled "I trained as a dog behaviorist to better understand my reactive dog, and it totally transformed our bond" might provide valuable insights and techniques, including the importance of allowing reactive dogs to sniff during walks.
