As a dog trainer who specializes in both behavior modification and puppy socialization, I see many adult dogs presenting behavioral issues that could have been prevented by teaching them certain skills, exercises, or games at a young age. Reactivity towards general stimuli in the environment is very common and something I help dogs overcome every single day.
What is reactivity? Reactivity can be described as a dog barking, pulling, vocalizing, lunging, and/or growling towards a specific stimulus dogs see on walks, out a window, through a fence, etc. Some dogs will display this behavior in many contexts towards various types of stimuli, while some dogs will only display this behavior in one context or towards one specific type of stimuli. There are many emotions dogs could be feeling about the stimuli they react towards, however most commonly, I see dogs who are frustrated that they cannot access the stimulus and that is what causes the reactivity response.
The Engage Disengage game by Alice Tong is popularly used to help dogs overcome reactivity. This game has become a staple in my puppy socialization programs and is often applied as a reactivity prevention game. It teaches a dog to associate certain stimuli in the environment with high value reinforcement. Once the association is made, the dog learns to see the stimulus then checks in with the handler because it knows reinforcement is coming.
While this skill has the power to change negative associations into positive ones—aiding dogs through behavior modification—it also has the power to teach auto check-in behaviors on the sight of a certain stimulus.
From here we can chain additional behaviors onto this, creating a dog who automatically recalls, heels, lies down, or whatever behavior we would like on the sight of a certain stimulus. Pretty cool, right?
Additionally, this skill creates a positive association with the stimulus. This game can be so incredibly beneficial for young puppies learning the world around them is safe. It works to prevent negative feelings about certain stimuli, which is huge in preventing a behavioral issue like reactivity from developing as a puppy ages.
In the early stages of teaching this game, I start with easy and neutral stimuli in a low distraction environment. The stimulus can be something like a dishcloth, shoe, familiar person, or low value dog toy. Once the dog understands the sight of the stimulus is an indicator they will gain reinforcement, I will work up to more moderate or harder stimuli, such as another dog, high value toys, or friendly people walking in close proximity. Additionally, the game is always taught by reinforcing the dog when it engages with the stimulus, then eventually moving on to reinforcing when they disengage from the stimulus and engage back with their handler.
Want to learn more? Check out this instagram reel on my page @thefutureisforcefree.
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