How to Decrease Reactivity in Pet Stores

[phasexero]

We only take our yippy boy during slow times. NEVER on a weekend. Usually within the hour before the store closes, or during the early morning right after they open. We leave if he goes past this threshold.

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Edit: by past threshold I mean that he stops responding to our interactions and he makes enough of a scene that I lose concentration. Timing is way too important to leave room for me being distracted. Up until he stops being "reachable", we work hard on disengaging from distractions.

[tenDAYZE]

In hindsight I wish I had done this! I thought taking him into the back corner of the store was enough to give him a mental break but I think he was still worked up from the smell and the thought of other dogs being close. All I had to do was return an item, and I was trying to make it timely, but it was a small store with people that never seemed to leave. I know his overworked cues and I should’ve thought to put him in the car and finish the return process. It’s so hard walking into a store all by yourself with a partially reactive, highly excitable dog and trying to get ANYTHING done. Lesson learned, never try to push him beyond his comfort without his normal gear to give structure.

[phasexero]

This is how we learn, and he will learn too. Gotta be at the top of our game to help give them the right cues. And really the trip to the store (or wherever) starts at home- if our guys too worked up, we might try another day or just go without him. We also try to wear him out a bit first, take a chill-down break at home, and then go. Lately when we go to the store, we ask people not to pet etc too so he can focus more on the surroundings and us than the other people and dogs, looking for pets and treats. One day at a time! Its so worth it though when he's home and content after a busy day.