4 Danger Zones for Dog-Reactive Dogs
One of the most difficult things about on-leash dog reactivity is our lack of control over the trigger(s).
As soon as we step off our own property, we are confronted with the reality that there’s an entire world of potential outcomes we cannot foresee. And because we cannot foresee them, we are often caught in surprising scenarios where our dogs cannot win.
Even though you cannot predict everything you might encounter, you can predict potential danger zones.
Much like defensive driving, identifying danger zones and making proactive choices about them reduces the chances of a negative outcome.
Here are four dangers zones I watch for anytime I handle a reactive dog:
#1 Open Garages
Have you ever been rushed by a dog who escaped his house through an open garage door? It’s a common problem.
If you see an open garage door, cross the street, if possible. It’ll buy you a few more seconds to appropriately respond if a dog should escape and rush you.
#2 Blind Corners
While walking a client’s dog-reactive dog last year, we very nearly ran into another dog-and-handler team thanks to a big bush: instead of seeing the other team approaching the intersection at nearly the same moment we did, all I saw was the bush.
Minimize these surprises by crossing the street before the corner, if possible.
If that’s not possible, at least make sure you and your dog reach the corner at the same time. If there is something hiding there, far better for you to discover it together, than for your dog to discover it 8 or 10 feet away from you.
For an even better solution, work on your dog’s Sit-Stay or Down-Stay so you can ask him to Stay several feet away from the corner while you go forward to check if the coast is clear!
#3 Curves
I maintain a sightline while walking the dog by staying on the outside of this curve.
This is another danger zone. You’ve stopped to clean up after your dog, or let him sniff a bit when another dog comes around the curve and is practically on top of you.
Avoid these unpleasant surprises by frequently looking ahead to see where curves and bends in the sidewalk obstruct your view of what’s coming. Cross the street ahead of those curves to maintain a better sight line.
#4 Narrow Trails
I enjoy walking in nature. A walk on neighborhood concrete, while pleasant, isn’t the same as a gentle hike on dirt.
Unfortunately, narrow hiking trails are a nightmare for dog-reactive dogs. You can’t see what’s coming and when something does come (because it will), you have nowhere to go unless you want to tromp through the bushes.
Instead, hike with your dog in field-type parks with the space and sightlines you need to keep your dog-reactive dog calm.
Did you notice a theme?
The element of surprise is a big part of what makes a danger zone, a danger zone.
And successfully navigating them is all about finding ways to give yourself a little bit more warning and space to set your dog up for success if a trigger should appear.
What other danger zones do you encounter with your dog-reactive dog?
Meet the Dog Trainer and Blog Author
Leighann founded Koinonia Dogs in 2014 and has been a Certified Professional Dog Trainer in the Austin, TX area since 2019.
She's a problem-solver by nature and loves creating cooperation through conflict-free communication so both ends of the leash enjoy life together.
