"Training Techniques Unveiled: Behaviorist Reveals Top 5 Strategies for Managing Reactively Aggressive Dogs"
Rachel Rodgers, the Head of Training and Behavior at Napo Pet Insurance, stresses the importance of using the right tools to support a positive, safe training process for reactive dogs[1]. Here's a roundup of her recommended products:
### Specialized Harnesses
Rachel recommends a well-fitting, Y-shaped harness featuring a front D-ring. This design allows for full shoulder movement and helps reduce injury risk. One top pick is the Ruffwear Web Master Harness, which boasts foam padding for comfort, reflective strips for safety, adjustable straps for a custom fit, and a Y-shaped front with a D-ring clip[1].
### Leashes
For greater control when guiding a dog away from triggers, Rachel suggests a double-ended leash. This type of leash provides extra control, making it easier to redirect a dog's movement, and allows for adjusting the length or attaching it to two points on the harness[1].
### Treats
High-value treats are essential for motivating and rewarding your dog during training sessions. Rachel emphasizes the need for a "bag of the best dog treats" that are highly appealing to your dog to ensure engagement and positive reinforcement[1].
### Treat Pouches
Handy treat pouches are recommended for easy access to rewards during training sessions. This allows for timely reinforcement, which is crucial when working with reactive dogs[1].
### Poo Bags
Poo bags are essential for walks, with durable and compostable options available, such as Adios Compostable Dog Poop Bags[1].
---
**Key takeaway:** Rachel Rodgers recommends a Y-shaped harness with a front D-ring (notably the Ruffwear Web Master Harness), a double-ended leash, high-value treats, a convenient treat pouch, and poo bags as essential tools for training reactive dogs, focusing on safety, control, and positive reinforcement[1]. It's important to avoid equipment that could tighten or cause discomfort to your dog, such as head halters or figure-of-eight leashes.
- Rachel Rodgers, an expert in Training and Behavior at Napo Pet Insurance, suggests the Ruffwear Web Master Harness, a Y-shaped harness with a front D-ring, for reactive dogs due to its comfort, safety, and adjustability.
- To provide greater control during training sessions, Rachel recommends using a double-ended leash, which offers extra control and allows for adjusting the length or attaching it to multiple points on the harness.
- High-value treats are vital for motivating and rewarding dogs during training, according to Rachel Rodgers, and a bag of these treats should be on-hand to ensure engagement and positive reinforcement.
- Treat pouches are useful for easy access to rewards during training sessions, allowing for timely reinforcement, which is crucial when working with reactive dogs.
- Poo bags are essential for walks, and Rachel Rodgers recommends using durable and eco-friendly options like Adios Compostable Dog Poop Bags.
- In addition to these tools, Rachel advises avoiding equipment that could tighten or cause discomfort to your dog, such as head halters or figure-of-eight leashes, when training reactive pets.
