Spoiled Rotten: can you spoil your reactive dog too much?

reactivity

Sep 8

A common theme we have noticed over the years of working with reactive dogs is that people either assume that their dog is reactive because they have been spoiled or that they can’t do certain things with their reactive dog due to the fear of spoiling them.

We’re here to help break down why that’s just not true. To an extent.

Let’s first look at what the true meaning of spoiled is (in relation to people, not food.)

The definition of spoiled according to the Cambridge Dictionary:

spoiled (adj): treated very well or too well

So, when we look at that definition my immediate thought is, “heck yeah, you should spoil your reactive dog!”

Dogs that we often label as reactive are not acting out because they have been spoiled or “gotten their way” too many times. There is actually a wide range of possibilities for why your dog is having these reactions.

underlying medical issues
untreated anxiety disorders
phobias developed in early socialization periods
poor genetics
traumatic experiences
fear periods
and more!

And then we have the common fears about what could happen if you spoil your reactive dog…

they won’t have boundaries
they need structure and rules otherwise they can’t cope
they’ll constantly walk all over you if you’re not a strong enough leader
they will be reactive forever and never get better if you don’t put them in their place

These fears are VALID and we know firsthand how hard it can be to realize your dog is reactive! And then trying to figure out how to help them is a whole other stressful experience.

That’s why we do what we do, to help you and your reactive dog live a life that is fun, fulfilling, and rewarding!

Part of that is telling you that “spoiling” your reactive dog will not damage them, it will not damage your relationship with them, and it will not damage all of the progress you’re making with their training.

To us, spoiling a dog is simply meeting their needs.

And guess what the first step to a successful training plan for reactive dogs is?

MEETING THEIR NEEDS!

Treating your reactive dog “too well” will likely result in them…