Trainer Jean Donaldson demonstrates tools and techniques for safely and effectively handling dog-reactive shelter dogs during behavior modification sessions. Commentary by veterinarian and animal behaviorist, Ian Dunbar describes how use of this technique impacts body language between dogs.

The first scene shows the baseline behavior of the dog Donaldson is working with. The dog pulls strongly toward the other dog, and eventually manages to provoke reactive behavior from the other dog. The point of control is behind the dog's neck, which allows the dog to maintain direct eye contact with the other dog. As long as the dogs are staring and barking at each other, they stay in a state of reactive high arousal.

Dunbar describes how the tense interaction between the dogs at this point poses a problem for how to effectively intervene. Pulling or jerking the dog back does not diminish the dog's nervousness in the situation. Dunbar states that this is a situation in which using a Gentle Leader is very helpful.

Using a head collar when working with a reactive dog gives the handler the opportunity to gently move the head away from the other dog. Dunbar says that in altercations between dogs, a "top dog" will "blow them off by casually turning away and presenting them with his butt."

Donaldson stresses the importance of being able to physically manage a dog while he is reactive on leash, especially because many are young and powerful. She also explains that use of punishment by jerking on a pinch collar or shocking the dog is inappropriate when working with dogs in this highly aroused state. She says that when you're starting with a dog that is frustrated and hyper-motivated in the presence of other dogs, the last thing you want is build a Pavlovian association between the presence of that other dog and pain. That essentially is going from the frying pan into the flames.

Donaldson explains that you really need to have a way to physically manage the dog so you can effectively work with it. In most cases of leash reactivity, what appears to be "aggression" is actually a hyper-motivated, super-friendly, rude dog that is most likely frustrated and being sequestered from other dogs. Dogs like these, while not truly "aggressive" can be turned into an aggressive dog by continuing to keep him away from other dogs. Using a head collar gives the handler the ability to control and manage the dog, allowing her to quickly move the dog away for safety.

With the dog safely under control, Donaldson can work on walking by the other dog. Rather than physical corrections, she rewards paying attention to her with tasty treats and may use a verbal interrupter to focus on the dog back to her. Rather than using the leash and Gentle Leader for a collar correction, Donaldson uses it to prevent the lunging and to turn the head back toward her. She can use the head collar to physically prompt a Sit, which can be rewarded. Focusing the dog on earning rewards helps calm the dog.

Notice the changes in both dogs' body language as the session continues. The lighter dog is visibly relaxing, and her lunges decrease in frequency and intensity. The stimulus dog's behavior changes in response to the decrease in the threatening body postures, and both dogs are calming down.

Donaldson says that using a head collar can effect an instant improvement in manageability, by allowing the handler to turn the dog away, interrupting the reactive behavior sequence. The maneuver she demonstrates is fluidly and without jerking, turning the dog's head and quickly backing up several feet. This cannot effectively be done with a neck collar, because the dog's head will still be facing the other dog while you are attempting to drag the dog backwards. Donaldson says, "The head maneuverability is everything."

Dunbar explains that this breaks the "vicious circle" of building arousal by turning the reactive dog away, breaking eye contract and showing his rear to the other dog. The other dog responds by calming down quickly. With the reactive behavior interrupted, both dogs will calm down. That, in turn, has a positive effect on the owners because they now can calm down as well!

Donaldson stresses that when doing this work, it is essential to be safe and not let your guard down and be surprised by unexpected lunges.