Weird Encounter at Home Depot

Home Depots, PetSmart, Petco, dog parks etc are great places to proof a reactive dog once the training and modification has reached that level.

" While Home Depot probably has way less dogs than a pet store, you wouldn't go into Petco or PetSmart expecting every dog owner to be 100% dog savvy with complete control over their dog." I completely agree with this and I count on this fact because that is the "real" world.

The bottom line in dealing with a reactive dog is the handler needs to have complete control and know the limits of their reactive dog. How else can one modify and train their dog's reactivity if the dog is never tested?

I think Turtle11 should be thrilled that her/his dog maintained and did not break the command given. Your time, efforts and training are obviously working. Good job!

Basil1985 said:

I disagree entirely, if you are not in control of your dog 100% then as the owner you need work as well as the dog.
It's not being " Dog Savvy " it's called being responsible.
You try and test your dog round the park with a muzzle on it, if it's reactive. You should do so until you are 100% sure.
It could be a small child that comes up behind your dog.
That's the real world.!

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Perhaps my words " The bottom line in dealing with a reactive dog is the handler needs to have complete control and know the limits of their reactive dog." escaped you???? " complete control " would suggest to me, "100% sure".

The OP cited the dog is being trained to ignore other dogs and did not suggest a problem with humans. So, the example " It could be a small child that comes up behind your dog." in this thread is a non sequitur.

Dog parks ( as I mentioned) are a good place to train and proof a reactive dog and impulse control but many cases of dog reactivity are unique to the dog being on a leash or a restriction in its maneuvering room versus free range at a dog park.

I have worked with reactive dogs in parking lots of dog parks where there is plenty of room to work with. Once the dog is capable in that setting, I work the dog in closer quarters such as pet stores.

The problem with a muzzle is, the dog may not get the bite in but still attempts to bite. It is most likely just as self rewarding to aggressive/reactive dog to "attempt" to bite with a muzzle on and further deepens the problem. A muzzle is "management" not "modification". I would use a muzzle however with a severely aggressive dog but not most.

I'm also guessing Turtle11's dog is not really dog reactive ( aggressive ) but just "loves to play" and Turtle11 has done a good job teaching the dog some impulse control and obedience as well as dictating when the dog is allowed to go play with the other dogs. A time to be civil and a time to have fun with the other dogs but all at the behest of the handler.

I think we agree. I expect to only control what I can control. I cannot control others with their dogs excepting a polite " My dog is aggressive, so it would be best to keep your dog close to you". They might blow me off or they might heed my suggestion. I don't care either way because I have a plan B and C. If they blow me off, I do a relaxed about face and head for a more suitable surrounding.


I fully expect handlers who cannot control their dogs at every possible encounter therefore I proceed accordingly with a reactive dog and take appropriate measures.

What confuses me is your comment " I personally would not like to count on that fact". I think when one is working with a reactive dog they need to assess/evaluate the environment and not only be proactive but count on the fact, other people are going to allow their dogs to behave in a manner which will test your dog's training and limits. As you very well know, every time a reactive dog breaks threshold, you have taken at least two steps backwards in the process.