Canadian City Unveils New Initiative To Help Reactive Dogs Avoid Unwanted Attention

Dealing with a reactive dog is quite challenging. I never encountered this until I adopted my latest rescue. Although he is well-behaved and tries to be polite, he struggles to control his emotions when he feels threatened.

Unfortunately, because of our efforts in training him and his friendly appearance, some people allow their dogs to approach too closely when we are walking. Despite my attempts to stay calm and politely request that they keep their dogs away, my warnings are not always heeded. That's where this proactive approach comes into play.

See how the city of Vancouver is trying to help pet parents in these situations in this video shared on August 2:

Reactive dogs are misunderstood, not misbehaved. For my reactive dog, we continue to work hard on his training daily, but unfortunately, he is set back whenever he encounters a dog not under their parent's control. Dogs like him have had a traumatic experience they are working to move past. As pet parents, it's our job to help prevent them from having another, which is why I love this idea.

Related: Pet Store’s Special ‘Reactive Dog’ Shopping Hours Really Go Above and Beyond

The City of Vancouver Offers Yellow Bandanas For Reactive Dogs

Urba Vancouver (@urbavancouver) reports that the initiative aims to identify reactive dogs that become anxious or agitated around other animals or people. The bright yellow bandanas are meant to signal to others to keep a respectful distance. Parents with dogs registered in the city can get them free from animal services while supplies last. Those outside the city are encouraged to buy yellow bandanas or similar accessories to raise awareness and help reduce stress for these dogs and their parents.

Training Strategies to Help Reactive Dogs

• Desensitize. Gradually try to introduce your dog to their trigger from a distance where they do not react.

• Counter-Condition. Try pairing the trigger with something positive, like treats or praise, changing the negative emotional response to a positive one.

• Reward calm behavior. Reinforce your dog's calm behavior with treats and affection to encourage them.

• Use engagement exercises and shift the focus. Teach your dog to make eye contact with you on command. This can help redirect their focus away from the trigger and onto you.

Pet parents were on board with this idea. One person shared, "I have a well-trained reactive dog. She was unreactive and behaved around other dogs until two unleashed larger dogs attacked her on a walk. A couple of years and over a thousand dollars worth of training haven't eased her PTSD. Please stop blaming owners of reactive dogs." I've been here; it only takes one time. Another person revealed, "I love this idea! I have a rescue who has major anxiety around other dogs when walking on a leash. If you've ever had a rescue, you know. Just be a decent human, keep your dog on a leash, and respect boundaries." Yellow scarf or not, that's the way it should be.

It can sometimes be hard to resist wanting to get to know any dog we see. However, we should ask permission for us and our dogs before we do. This universal courtesy could go a long way toward helping anxious pups feel more comfortable in public.