As summer brings in beautiful weather, more dog owners will be taking their furry companion out for walks. Before trekking out, know the signs of leash reactivity, learn your dog’s triggers, and discover ways to combat it so everyone can be safe and enjoy time outside.

According to The Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS), a dog is considered leash reactive when they growl, lunge, or bark at specific triggers while leashed. Common triggers are wild animals, passing bicycles and joggers, and of course, other dogs. With time and patience, owners can turn this negative experience for their dog into a positive one and curb leash reactivity.

“It’s super important to understand leash reactivity because it’s just something that stresses out your dog,” said Corey Viars, a Media Specialist at The Wisconsin Humane Society - Green Bay and Door County Campus, “we don’t want our pets getting of the leash, because if they go after something, then it’s hard to get them back.”

Hundreds of animals are reported lost each year and many of them have gotten off their leash. To help keep your pet safe, Viars suggests getting dogs accustomed to their triggers from a closed, safe space like your fenced in yard or alongside you in a vehicle. It is then important to reward your dog, which will work to negate negative behaviors or reactions.

“You want to associate it with a great thing, like a treat for instance or a toy if they’re toy-driven, so that way they associate seeing that trigger that would normally make them anxious or afraid and make them want to run at it, but instead of it being triggered, now it’s a cool thing to them and they think they’ll get a toy or treat instead,” added Viars.

It takes time and consistency, but ultimately, leash reactivity training and knowing how to curb your dog's triggers will mean better control over your animal and also encourage safer interactions between other individuals and their pets as you explore or vacation this summer.