Dear Inquisitive Canine,
Q: My dog flips out when he sees reflections on walls or in the car. Do you have any advice or tips?
Dear Inquisitive Pet Parent,
A: If your inquisitive canine struggles with reactivity (“flipping out”) during care rides, tips from this previous column might help your pup — and you — feel more comfortable while cruising around together.
Of course, I recommend car safety as a priority, so in addition to tending to your pup’s emotional needs, keeping your pooch harnessed in using a seat belt would be ideal. You can find options online and most likely at your local pet supply places in the Santa Barbara area.
Having him ride in a crate is another option; however, the crate will need to be secured and there’s risk of injury should you slam on the brakes; he’ll end up hitting the inside of the crate, so use your best judgment.
With regard to overreacting to seeing reflections on walls, here are my tips:
1) If there are specific situations in his environment that you can manage, then please do so. If there are certain places in your home that cast shadows during certain times of the day, then manage the surroundings so he isn’t exposed to these triggers. Do your best to set him up for success, rather than frustration, fear, or overarousal.
2) When management isn’t possible, interrupt and redirect him to something else — as opposed to waiting for him to get all worked up. The aim is to keep your pup under threshold from the triggers causing him to react. Training games and interactive food toys can be fun ways to encourage him to redirect his focus while decompressing.
For instance, hide some kibble in a snuffle mat, cue him to target an object with his nose (such as a plastic Tupperware or yogurt lid) for a treat, or cue him to come to you, then reward him with happy praise, some interactive play or food rewards.
Basically, you’re offering him opportunities to do something that pays off in a productive way. It’s important to watch your dog’s body language and make sure he appears relaxed and interested in the activities and the treats. Lack of interest in food could indicate stress.
When dogs react in big ways to sights, sounds, or scents, they aren’t being naughty or crazy. They are giving us information about how they feel.
Ultimately, you want to build your inquisitive canine’s confidence and even change his perception of how he experiences triggers such as seeing reflections. (A qualified positive reinforcement, force-free dog trainer or behavior consultant can help.)
Addressing the root of the problem in this way can mean sharing your life with a more comfortable dog that can adapt more easily to day-to-day challenges at home and on the road.
Thank you for being an inquisitive and caring dog parent!