Interview with Smart Dog Training: Is Your Dog Reactive or In Pain?

Might be the read you need to understand your dog's reactiveness!

We've taken the time to interview Isabella McBride from Smart Dog Training in to help understand your dog's behaviour and reactivity better. There is more behind dog training than you think..

1. Hi Isabella, we would love for you to introduce yourself, what do you do and where do you cover? Hi there! I run Smart Dog Training. I’ve been training dogs for about 14 years. I'm a member of the APDT and I cover Norwich, Attleborough and in between/ surrounding areas. I run classes in Eaton, I do 1:1 work also and I specialise in reactive dogs. 

2. How did you get into dog training?  I first got into dog training when I got my first puppy - the most wonderful Rottweiler called Diesel. It was pure coincidence that I selected a trainer who was a member of the APDT. I enjoyed every moment of it. She guided me and helped Diesel to become an ambassador for his breed. I then got curious as to how to become a dog trainer and enrolled in the APDT course as soon as I saw it!

3. We see that you specialise in reactivity in dogs, how did you fall into that speciality? Before Diesel I had another Rottweiler who I got as an adult called Jazz. Jazz was reactive to dogs and people and in the end I did have to have her put to sleep as her behaviour had escalated so much. After that I was determined to help other dogs and their owners to overcome reactivity so that they didn't go through the same thing. I love seeing dogs becoming more confident and owners starting to enjoy their walks. 

4. What is a common misconception of dog on dog reactivity?  A common misconception about dog reactivity is that many owners think their dog may be protecting them, especially if they aren't doing it with other people. 

 It can be that their dog feels safe to express how they feel with the owner present but may not with other people. Sometimes it can be the opposite. If a bad experience happened with a particular person then they may not feel safe with that person. Every single reactive dog is different. 

5. What are some of the signs of pain causing reactivity? There can be multiples of signs of pain. Usually when I ask more questions or observe the dog more is revealed. Here are some (but far from all!) of the signs I've seen:

• Walking whilst pooing

• Variations of unusual gaits

• Ear infections

• Not wanting to get in the car/ on the sofa

• Only walking on carpeted areas

• Noise sensitivity 

• Frequently seeing penis' when sat

• Male dogs unable to cock legs

• Unable to sit square/ extending legs out/ sloppy sits. 

• Lack of resilience and over generalisation when a negative experience occurs.

• Sleep disturbances 

6. How important is puppy classes and what age should an owner start? A well run puppy class can make a huge difference for both puppies and owners. I take puppies as soon as they're vaccinated. Puppy owners can often feel overwhelmed and need support through many stages of puppyhood. A good puppy class can help prevent many problems through educating owners and also through preparing puppies for many real life situations. 

7. If owner's wish to get in contact with you, what's the best way to do it please?  My website is www.smartdogtraining.com and my phone number is 07766 822780.