How to Vacation with a Leash Reactive Dog
Ahh, you’re finally on vacation! :) Time to stretch out and live the good life. When you finally get the chance to relax, the last thing you want is to worry about your dog making a scene. Leash reactivity is stressful, especially when you’re in a new place. Luckily, there are tools that can help, starting with good management. I’ve outlined a few things to keep in mind below.
If you are walking with a leash-reactive dog, try to go earlier in the day when there is less foot traffic. The more triggers your dog sees, the worse their reactivity becomes. Remember that your dog is in a new place, so naturally, they will be on edge. Try shorter walks to give them time to decompress.
It’s not always about treats. If your pup is over-threshold (overstimulated), food won’t matter to them. It’s more about your connection, how you’re walking together, and having a plan in place when triggers appear.
Loose leash walking requires your dog to continue checking in with you. First for treats, praise, or play. Then, it’s about continuing the walk together because you enjoy each other’s company.
See if you can walk a path alone to find the best route. Pinpoint barriers to hide behind (cars, trees, buildings) if something appears. Then, bring your dog’s favorite treats and toys to help distract. Walking in the other direction is helpful as well.
Remember, when it looks like your dog is “losing their mind”, they are actually vocalizing fear, frustration, or anger. Make sure to empathize with them and try your best to remove them. They aren’t doing it on purpose to embarrass you, they are doing what comes naturally to them because they haven’t been trained not to.
Don’t be afraid to set your dog up for success by not bringing them on walks. Or, consider working on the basics such as generalizing obedience skills they already know. Just by being in a new place, you are providing enrichment outside of the normal day-to-day. It’s okay to leave them in your cabin, hotel, or rental, especially, since they are probably in a state of confusion and/or stress anyway. (excitement/fear)
(If your dog has a separation issue, please don’t leave them because of their leash reactivity. It’s better for them to have a reaction than to possibly damage the rental or injure themselves.)
Once you get home, consider working with a trainer to help learn tools and techniques to help your dog feel more comfortable. If you are interested in working with me, you can contact me at 336-497-1053 or via email at mprague@pawsitivefoundations.com.