How to train a reactive dog

[LincolnDuncan]

I have a male rat dog about 3-4 years old that we rescued. He's a sweetheart but is reactive to other dogs, cars, cats and squirrels. I've been using a training method for about a month that has me getting his attention and giving him a treat before he freaks out. It doesn't seem to be working. I can deal with him chasing cars and squirrels but I think my neighbors are getting tired of him barking at their dogs.

Does anyone have any recommendation for books on training reactive dogs?

 

[DappleDoxie]

Victoria Stilwell is amazing with this ... and uses the type method you are describing.
A month is practically nothing.
Be patient with him and with yourself.

 

[KamaKamaSutra]

I have a male rat dog about 3-4 years old that we rescued. He's a sweetheart but is reactive to other dogs, cars, cats and squirrels. I've been using a training method for about a month that has me getting his attention and giving him a treat before he freaks out. It doesn't seem to be working. I can deal with him chasing cars and squirrels but I think my neighbors are getting tired of him barking at their dogs.

Does anyone have any recommendation for books on training reactive dogs?

The easiest way is to train a calm space in my experience. Teach them that a crate or covered area is safe and they will learn to self soothe. You can also try citronella collars that are harmless and make your dog into a mosquito replant war tank. They go off when they bark and the dogs don't like the scent usually so they learn to associate barking with the stink.

 

[LincolnDuncan]

Good advice. Thank you both.

 

[Jada59]

My friend's dog is on Prozac and when he gets really bad she gives him herbal calming tablets. She also has a special jacket for him. Like a Thunder Jacket but a different brand. She has recently learned that saying less words him is helpful. Such as a simple, "no".

 

[Zeb_Carter]

My friend's dog is on Prozac and when he gets really bad she gives him herbal calming tablets. She also has a special jacket for him. Like a Thunder Jacket but a different brand. She has recently learned that saying less words him is helpful. Such as a simple, "no".

Instead of saying 'no' try 'out' that is the closest sound we can make that the mother dog makes when she wants the puppy to not do something. They instinctively understand that sound. Worked with all of my dogs. I first learned about it in the Air Force from the dog handlers. Then in a dog training class for my first big dog - a pittbull mix. She understood the sound immediately. Since then I have used that on all my dogs and even some annoying neighbor dogs.

Say the dogs name followed by OUT!. See what happens.