With more locations becoming pet-friendly, service dog handlers are having more encounters with reactive dogs. Moreover, some service dogs themselves are selected inappropriately, and display reactive or aggressive behavior, posing a risk to other service dogs. These encounters are stressful for the dog and the handler, and they may even lead to behavior issues in the service dog. While completely avoiding encounters with reactive dogs is impossible, trainers can help handlers by teaching strategies that can maximize the safety of a service dog team.
- Reward checking-in behavior.
From an early age, service dogs in training can learn to associate the sight of another dog with receiving treats from their handler. This reinforcement over time serves multiple purposes: the service dog learns to check in with the handler when they spot another dog, and they develop a positive emotional response to other dogs. By pairing every encounter with another dog with treats, even if the other dog is neutral or friendly, handlers can help strengthen the association and the reliability of the check-in behavior.
- Practice movement patterns to increases distance.
Encountering another dog is a powerful distraction, even for well-trained service dogs. Trainers can help by practicing movement patterns that can be used to quickly create distance between the team and another dog. Depending on the specific environment and situation, different strategies like making a U-turn, moving off to the side and waiting or passing by quickly may be appropriate. Select the patterns and decide how to practice them with consideration to the handler’s disability needs. Handlers who have mobility disabilities may not be able to move quickly, and in some tight environments, clients who use adaptive equipment will not have space to make a U-turn. For clients using larger power wheelchairs or scooters, it may be beneficial to have the team practice moving at a faster speed in a straight line. Trainers often teach pet owners to toss food or move quickly when they see a reactive dog, but these techniques will not always be appropriate in public access or doable for a disabled handler. A sustained nose touch to hand or to a location on an arm rest may be helpful in keeping the dog’s attention on the handler. Trainers can help handlers perfect the movements that work best for the team, while rewarding the service dog for maintaining focus on the handler. Instead of learning many different strategies, it often works best to teach teams two or three versatile techniques and then take the time to generalize them fully.
- Use visual barriers when possible.
Many handlers with disabilities move more slowly and may find that they need to step to the side to allow a reactive dog to pass. Training the dog to maintain attention on the handler is important, but a visual barrier can make things easier for the dogs, as well as safer, when it is not possible to add more distance. Objects in the environment like benches, trees and corners can serve as helpful barriers. Sometimes, even the handler’s adaptive equipment can serve as a makeshift barrier, depending on the handler’s needs, the equipment they use and the specific circumstances.
- Set up many rehearsal opportunities.
When handlers are stressed, they may not remember what to do or have the presence of mind to react promptly. Creating a variety of rehearsal opportunities at home or in a training facility can help service dog handlers gain skills in reacting quickly and appropriately. Trainers can use battery-operated toys as stand-ins for reactive dogs or have volunteers with well-trained pets simulate encounters from a distance. The advantage of rehearsal is the ability to set the dog up for a successful experience. Practice communicating with the reactive dog’s person is important as well. For some handlers challenged by multitasking due to their disabilities, rehearsing concise phrases like “My dog is working and needs space” or “Please keep your distance” can be helpful.
Encountering reactive dogs remains an inevitable part of navigating public spaces with service animals. By planning ahead for these encounters and practicing training strategies, handlers can not only enhance their service dogs’ safety but also go into these encounters with a sense of preparedness and confidence.
