11/01/2026
Helping Reactive Dogs Have More Relaxed Walks
Does your dog bark, pull, or lunge when another dog, person, bicycle, or car passes by?
This behavior is commonly called reactivity, and it’s something many dog owners struggle with.
When I work with reactive dogs, my focus isn’t just on stopping unwanted behavior. I want to teach dogs how to respond differently and help their owners feel more confident handling challenging situations.
One simple exercise I like to use is called “Find It.”
What Is the “Find It” Game?
“Find It” is an easy training exercise that encourages your dog to use their nose instead of focusing on what’s happening around them.
Dogs naturally enjoy sniffing and searching for food. We can use this instinct to redirect their attention and reward calm behavior.
Here’s how to practice:
1. Begin somewhere quiet where your dog feels comfortable.
2. Cheerfully say “Find it!”
3. Toss 3–5 small treats onto the ground.
4. Let your dog sniff around and find each treat.
5. Give gentle praise as your dog searches.
Repeat this exercise throughout your walks, even when nothing exciting is happening.
The more you practice in easy situations, the more familiar the game becomes when distractions appear.
What Should You Do When You See Another Dog?
Timing makes a big difference!
If you notice another dog approaching, don’t wait until your dog starts barking or pulling.
Calmly change direction or step off the walking path to give your dog more space. Avoid dragging or forcing your dog with the leash.
Once you’ve created enough distance, say “Find it!” and scatter a few treats.
See a distraction → Move to a comfortable distance → Say “Find it!” → Scatter treats.
This gives your dog something positive to focus on instead of becoming overwhelmed by the situation.
Learn to Read Your Dog
Dogs usually give us little warning signs before they react.
You might notice your dog staring intensely, becoming stiff, raising their ears, or suddenly ignoring you.
These are signs that your dog may be getting uncomfortable or overly excited.
That’s your opportunity to help!
Move farther away and encourage your dog to play “Find It” before the situation becomes too difficult.
If your dog is already barking, lunging, or refusing food, the distraction may be too close. Simply create more space and allow your dog to settle.
Why Does This Exercise Help?
We aren’t teaching our dogs to ignore everything around them.
Instead, we’re helping them develop a different response when they encounter something exciting or stressful.
Over time, your dog can begin to associate the presence of other dogs or distractions with positive experiences rather than frustration or fear.
With patience and consistent practice, many dogs learn to handle situations that previously caused them to react.
Remember, progress doesn’t always mean walking right past another dog. Sometimes success is simply noticing another dog across the street and remaining relaxed.
That’s progress worth celebrating!
A Few Tips From Me
Practice before you need it. Don’t save the “Find It” game only for difficult situations.
Use small, tasty treats that your dog really enjoys. Give your dog plenty of room, especially in the beginning.
Most importantly, don’t rush the process or punish your dog for reacting. Every successful experience helps build better habits.
My goal is to help dogs feel more comfortable in the world around them while teaching their owners how to guide them through difficult moments.
A peaceful walk starts with communication, patience, and trust.
Nataly Bradford
Golden Puppies Dog Trainer
azgoldenpuppies.com
