Training a reactive dog comes with its own unique challenges. If a trigger is too close, your dog might start a barking and lunging fest, and if this is occurring, your dog will not be in the right frame of mind to properly process information. Does this mean that you forgo training outdoors? By no means! We just need to find the right locations that keep our reactive dogs in mind!
In this article, I discuss the best dog training spots in London, Ontario for dogs who are leash reactive towards people or domesticated animals, like dogs and cats. So, let's get started!
#1: Indoors!
No, this isn't a joke! Please don't hate me! Stay with me just for a few more seconds! This isn't because we humane trainers are afraid to train outdoors. We do this as training in a low distraction environment during the early stages of training sets our dog up for success. Think about it. When you first learned to write, you didn't start by writing complete sentences. Instead, you learned how to print each individual letter first and once you mastered that, you learned how to write dog or cat. Slow and steady wins the race!
Aim to train indoors for at least 10 days before taking training outside. Practice in different rooms as well and at different times of day. This way, you have given your dog enough time to properly, and at a basic level, learn how to do the behaviour. Once they are reliably performing the behaviour indoors and in different rooms, you can take training outside.
If you have a backyard with lower levels of distraction, you can use that. If not, check out number two on the list: Country Canines Play Park.
#2: Country Canines Play Park
Country Canines Play Park is a secure, fully fenced private dog park in London, Ontario, as well as other select locations throughout the province. The outdoor facility is clean and well-maintained, and from inside the park, you will have full visibility of the parking lot. The high fence is locked, and you must enter and exit the facility at the same access point (i.e., a wooden hut). Inside this access point, you will see neatly stored poop bags, a first aid kit as well as toys for play.
To access this park, you must schedule a date and time beforehand and agree to abide by their terms and conditions. By following their rules, you are helping to ensure that everyone’s experience will be a safe and happy one. They even have rules for when you are allowed to drive into their parking lot and when you must leave, which means that you and your reactive dog will not come across other reactive dogs in the parking lot. And they do not double book time spots! It will just be you, your dog and anyone else that you personally invited inside the park! Before you leave your house, you can even check the play park conditions online to see if your area’s park is muddy or if there are large pools of water. Really and truly, the owners of this private dog park have thought through everything!
While I was there to celebrate my Millie's 1-Year adoption day, I also evaluated the play park specifically in terms of its usefulness for behaviour modification set ups. Because of its location and layout, managing and controlling who can enter the dog park will be stress free. And since there are no tall trees within the training space, you are less likely to come across squirrels, but I bet it could still happen. This means it is an ideal location to build your dog's recall!
In my opinion, the fee is more than reasonable. At the time of my booking, it cost $17 for 30 minutes or $22 for 45 minutes. But if you are looking for a more affordable option, check out number three on the list: Sniffspot.
#3: Sniffspot
Sniffspot markets itself as a place to “rent safe and private dog parks hosted by locals.” Like Country Canines Play Park, you must select a date and time to book your spot ahead of time. Only your dog and the people you invite are allowed into the spot. Keep in mind, some of these spots are the backyards of homeowners, which is not necessarily a bad thing, but this means that you will need to do a bit more research to ensure that the spot you choose is safe for sensitive or reactive dogs. Many of them are, so don’t worry! Just be sure to pay attention to the profile of the specific spot that you want to book and also read reviews!
While reading a spot’s profile, see if you can locate information on the following:
1. Fencing. Is the spot fully fenced? How high is the fence? Is it a chain link fence, or is the fence made out of solid wood? Ideally, look for a spot that has at least a six-foot fence that is made out of wood, especially if the spot is beside another house. A chain link fence means that your dog can see triggers on the other side, while wood would at least block their view of, but not the sound of, triggers.
2. Does the spot’s neighbours have dogs or cats? Many profiles will mention if their neighbour has a pet that goes outdoors, but reading the reviews might also give you this information.
Like everything in life, do your due diligence to ensure that you choose the spot that is right for you!
Bonus: A Free Option!
If you live by a school or park, take your dog there during off-peak hours. This means that you will not go there while parents are dropping off their kids for the day, or when people are walking their dogs before or after work. Depending on your schedule, this might be harder, but with some creativity, you might be able to make it work.
Bring a blanket or a towel for you and your dog to relax on. This resting place should be far enough away from entrances or exits, as you don’t want to overwhelm your pooch. Find a spot that is more calm and less busy but where you can still watch triggers. You need to be far enough away that your dog shows no stress signals while looking at a trigger, like a dog or a person on a bike.
Bring delicious treats or a favourite toy, but do not use these to distract your dog! Any time your dog sees a trigger but voluntarily looks away, calmly mark with a “Yes” and then give your dog a yummy treat or a very quick but calm play session. Gradually, your dog will learn to associate triggers as the bringer of good things. This does take time, and you only move closer to a trigger gradually and when your dog is calm and relaxed. Do not push your dog or force your dog into close contact with triggers.
Once your dog is showing progress during off-peak hours, you can start training when it is gradually more busy, but go at your dog's pace!
These top three dog training spots in London, Ontario, are just my personal and professional opinions based on my own research. Where is your favourite spot to train your reactive dog in London, Ontario? Feel free to answer in the comment section below! And if you need more help training your leash reactive dog, and you do not want to train alone, look for a dog trainer or behaviourist who uses humane methods. To learn more about how humane training methods can help your dog achieve success, contact Kate today!
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