Training Talk with Eileen: Leash Reactivity and Alternative Outdoor Enrichment
It's not uncommon for a dog trainer to hear, "My dog goes crazy when we see another dog on our walks." Leash reactivity in dogs is common and often frustrating for dog owners. The display of barking, lunging and growling on leash can feel out of character.
If you live in a more crowded area and your dog isn't loving their walks, there are other ways to connect and enjoy outside playtime and exercise.
Connect with your dog beyond walks
Backyard games and quality-time activities are a great way to bond with your dog while working through leash reactivity — all without exposing your dog to potential triggers that make walks more stressful for both you and your furry friend.
Hide-and-seek
Scent games
Tug
Fetch
Trick training
Obstacle courses
Play in your backyard or another secure, dog-free space to acheive the mental and physical benefits of a walk without the stress.
Taking a break from walks isn't giving up on your dog's training. It's a thoughtful management strategy that prevents repeated exposure to situations your dog isn't ready to handle. Training makes a deposit into your dog's emotional resilience bank, but every encounter that results in a negative reaction is a withdrawal from that same bank. By replacing stressful walks with enjoyable backyard games, you help build your dog's confidence, reduce overall stress, and create opportunities for meaningful connection while you work toward lasting changes in behavior.
No yard to play in?
There are other ways to minimize triggers and avoid stressful situations on your walks.
Find times and places with lighter dog walking traffic.
Consider driving into a quieter neighborhood or park to work on leash manners.
Avoid routes with blind corners — this gives you the chance to create distance and use visual barriers before your dog reacts.
Ask a friend if you can visit their yard on occasion to enjoy enriching outdoor playtime with your dog.
Training and support are available
The Richmond SPCA can recommend classes or refer you to a trainer who can help. Contact behaviorhelpline@richmondspca.org for more information.
Our friends at Dog Kind Training have put together helpful playlists on reactivity and enrichment:
