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Reactive Rover Relief Success at Zoomies Dog Social Club & Training Guide

Writer's picture: Nichole Myers-YoungquistNichole Myers-Youngquist
by Nichole Myers-Youngquist, CPDT-KA, Owner of Zoomies Dog Social Club & Training

reactive Classes Tailored for Success


As another National Train Your Dog Month fades into the past, I've been thinking a lot about my experiences with reactivity training, especially the Reactive Rover Relief courses at Zoomies Dog Social Club & Training at my facility here in Albany, Oregon. This past month has been a real game-changer, not just for the reactive dogs I worked with, but also for my own growth as a trainer.


I've come away with a renewed appreciation for the power of positive reinforcement and a much stronger connection with my own dog. I'm excited to share some of the things I've learned and guide through what I've taught to others. If you're struggling with a reactive dog, or just looking to improve your training skills, here are some key takeaways from my journey.



A guide to Understanding Reactivity and Its Challenges



As a trainer, I see dog reactivity all the time and I lived with it through my own dog, Bayou, for almost 10 years. It usually showed up in his case as a lot of barking, lunging, and other disruptive behaviors when he saw something that triggered him, like other dogs or strangers. It made just going for a walk a really stressful experience for both him and me. Sound familiar?


He'd bark and pull like crazy whenever he saw another dog or a new person. Walking in my even my rural neighbor became a source of embarrassment and frustration. But learning to understand what was driving his reactions was the first step in helping him, and that's where the positive reinforcement methods I've taught in these reactivity courses really came into play.



American Eskimo mix dog happy jpg
Bayou, my American Eskimos mix. Photo by Nichole Myers-Youngquist


Structured stress Relief with Choices


The Reactive Rover Relief series of courses at Zoomies are structured and limited to two students . Reactive Rover Relief 1 starts with a human-only orientation class. It gives pet parents a chance to really focus on understanding their dogs' needs and learning to read their body language. So often, our own reactions can make a reactive dog's anxiety worse, so this focus on pet parents' education is absolutely essential.


Over the five weeks, we gradually work through different exercises designed to boost the dogs' confidence and teach them coping strategies for stressful situations. Each class is thoughtfully designed to create a safe and supportive learning environment where the dogs and humans can progress at their own speed. All of this makes a huge difference in reducing the dogs' anxiety, and it helps the humans feel a lot less stressed too.


Effective reactive Training Techniques


In my experience as a dog trainer, I've found that the foundation of any successful reactivity training program is twofold: understanding the dog's triggers and using positive reinforcement. With Bayou, I focused on being hyper-aware of what set him off and then using reward-based strategies to encourage calm behavior. Desensitization was a big part of that. I'd gradually expose him to his triggers at a low level, rewarding him with treats whenever he remained relaxed. Since Bayou was highly food motivated, this approach worked really well, and it was rewarding to see him making progress.



Bayou also engaged in parkour exercises, which allowed him to burn off excess energy while reinforcing positive behaviors. The joy that lit up his face as he balanced on boulders and logs, and launching himself off the back of park benches into half gainer spins was pure motivation, showcasing the adage that fun is a key element of effective training.


Community Support and Interaction for your rover and you


From my perspective as a dog trainer, I understand how isolating it can be to live with a reactive dog. That's why I developed a valuable community aspect into the Reactive Rover Relief courses. Connecting pet parents who share similar experiences provides an additional layer of support, which is crucial for both their and their dogs' well-being. We share tips, celebrate even the smallest successes, and form connections that extend beyond the training sessions. It's a powerful reminder that you're not alone in this.


It's also shifted my thinking about how we integrate dog training into our lives. Just like scheduling playdates for the kids, I now consider these classes a family activity, an adventure we embark on together. Even with the challenges that come with reactivity, it's a rewarding experience that ultimately strengthens the bond we share with our dogs and each other.


Celebrating Progress and success


I was thrilled with the progress Bayou made. While he still had his moments, his ability to handle his triggers had improved. We learned to understand each other better, and I felt a real shift in his trust towards me during most of his life. Sadly, he crossed over the rainbow last year at 14-years-old.




As a dog trainer, I always tell my clients: celebrate the small victories! Don't get discouraged by setbacks – they're a normal part of the process. Building a solid relationship with your dog takes time and patience, especially when you're working through reactivity. My advice? Every step forward, no matter how tiny, is still progress. Keep moving forward.



Conclusion: Reactive Rover Relief success at Zoomies Dog Social Club & Training


Looking back on this past month of reactivity training at Zoomies Dog Social Club & Training, I'm so grateful for everything I've learned and the connections I've made. Training isn't just about the dog; it's about empowering me and the pet parents with the knowledge and confidence to handle whatever comes our way.


If you're thinking about starting training with your own dog, my biggest piece of advice is to look for programs that prioritize safety, community support, and, most importantly, force-free methods. It's an investment in your dog's well-being, your family's safety, and a more harmonious home. If you're interested in more information about Reactive Rover Relief successes at Zoomies Dog Social Club & Training, sign up for a free consultation with me.



I believe we, as dog parents, can all work together to promote responsible ownership and build positive relationships with our dogs. Here's to many more adventures and learning experiences, long after National Train Your Dog Month is gone and done!


Practice Patience.

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Zoomies Dog Social Club & Training, LLC

3615 Knox Butte Road E

Albany, OR 97322

 

E: info@zoomiesdogsocialclub.com

P: (541) 497-1220

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