How to Build Trust With a Fearful, Anxious, Reactive, or Aggressive Dog

Dogs lunge, bark, and growl at new people, dogs, or external stimuli for a lot of different reasons. One of those reasons is fear (or insecurity). In this video, Steph discusses the roots of reactivity and aggression when fear-based, how they progress, and how we can advocate for our dogs to stop the cycle.

[LoneLupine]

The dog sniffing the ground when they're uncomfortable is relatable to me pretending to look at my phone when i have social anxiety lol. Great vid

[franliu]

Tried this method with my reactive GSD in elevator, she didn’t bark, thank you 🙏 this is so helpful ❤

[Unknownhope]

Thank you! I adopted an abused dog and he did those signs but i didn't notice. Thx! God answered my prayers 🙏

[loriciafaloni]

This is the best video I’ve seen regarding dealing with a reactive dog. Advocating physically makes so much sense. When in a stressful situation with my reactive dog, I move to the other side of the street and/or treat him to try to get him to focus on me. I’ve been missing the physical part, that is, getting in front of him so he feels protected. Thank you!!

[lallred]

I just train my dogs to heel on both the right and the left. If we are doing an obedience competition, the dog is on the left. If we are walking the trails, the dog is on the right so I can be between the dog and whoever is coming down the trail toward us or whoever is passing us from behind.

[packatak]

Yes!!!! So wonderful to see someone explain the real importance of not only understanding your dog’s body language, but the importance of how you use your body language!
Putting the two together can create an excellent relationship and training/learning environment.

[bellabowwow]

Exactly, step up to show your dog you can help prevent the stress from triggers. My pup has been such a magnet for loose dogs to come out of neighbor's yards to try to challenge her on dog walks. But using a small retractable umbrella to keep the challengers back at a reasonably safe distance has helped her reactivity so much

[yaninanabieva]

As a novice in a dog world I found this video very helpful. Thank you!

[angel.heart]

My 1 yr old Frenchie literally screams at the sight of other dogs. He doesn’t growl but he screams. We sent him to a puppy school but it was embarrassing that he’d scream. We try to get his attention by smelling his snacks as soon as he starts screaming. I don’t know why … so I’m not really sure where to begin. But this video has great info!

[TOTG]

I had amazing success using these techniques on my very fearful small dog this morning. Thank you!

[catherinet]

Thank you so much for this one! Thank you for breaking it down so simply on how to communicate with dogs vs people. And helping us understand what they need from us. I really feel I can be more of an advocate for my reactive pup.

[tarab]

I think this is the missing link we needed! Thank you!

[batucave]

Probably the best way of presentation of training i have come across. Utmost thanks.

[sueshrodes]

Extremely helpful video....thank you! Especially the way you explained the first signs dog is uncomfortable, trying to communicate with us. I am definitely going to work on the trust issue.

[jenniferwilkerson]

Thank you this is exactly what I need to see for the missing piece in our training.

[reyhernandez]

Steph, your so good. Thanks for this video 🙂 thanks Method team.

[analogR]

This is really well explained, thank you!!

[katiejohnson]

This was such a useful video! Thank you so much.

[rtjv]

Thank you for this! Very clearly explained and I shall do this with my pup who’s been uncomfortable around other dogs

[attheranch]

This was excellent! You have no idea how helpful this is. I’m adopting a nervous older Chihuahua in a couple of days. You’ve helped him a lot!!!