For a dog that tends to be reactive—whether it's around other dogs, bicycles, people, or other stimuli—their world can shrink rapidly. Busy environments like parks, city streets, and even your own neighborhood may become daunting if your dog's triggers are nearby. However, reactive dogs still need opportunities to roam and enjoy engaging exercise.

Running with my foster dog is something I really enjoy, though his occasional reactivity to other dogs requires me to be both mentally and physically prepared. I also have to assess whether it's a good day for a run, depending on our stress levels (more about that later). When everything goes smoothly, the experience is incredibly fulfilling! Plus, it's a great way for my foster dog and me to strengthen our bond.

I’m not a dog trainer, but I’ve gained a lot of insight into managing dog reactivity through my experiences with certified trainers who use ethical, positive reinforcement techniques, and from extensive research using resources recommended by these trainers. My interest in this area grew significantly while working with my foster dog, especially after stressful runs or walks for both of us. Although those moments were challenging, they always taught me valuable lessons on how to better support my foster dog.

I've found that jogging with a reactive dog requires careful consideration and planning, not to mention ongoing training. Sometimes, it's simply better to skip the run altogether. However, if you choose to hit the trail with your furry companion, having a few strategies in mind can be beneficial. Here are six management tips that have enabled me and my foster dog to enjoy our runs while staying united even when difficulties come up.

1. Train your dog the "U-turn" command (the "Oh $h*t!" signal).

Having a U-turn cue ready can really come in handy when you're jogging with your reactive dog and spot another dog approaching. It's essentially your "Oh $h*t we need to get out of here" signal.

A U-turn cue is just what it sounds like—you pretend your turn signal is on and (gently) guide your dog through a U-turn. This instructional video from Instinct Dog Behavior & Training demonstrates how to perform emergency maneuvers, including the U-turn (see time-point 1:10). A shelter dog behaviorist recommended this video to me. I've also learned a slightly different U-turn where the dog turns around on the outside of me, unlike the inside turn shown in the video.

Having a high-value treat on hand (something your dog absolutely loves) is crucial for rewarding your dog when they perform a U-turn. This positive reinforcement helps them associate the action with a delightful reward. With consistent practice and repetition, they’ll be more inclined to follow through on the U-turn command.

2. Make sure your dog is wearing a harness that fits properly.

A well-fitting harness is incredibly handy when you need to indicate changes in direction during a run, like crossing the street to steer clear of another dog. A front-clip harness (with a ring at the dog's chest to attach the leash) is particularly valuable. My foster dog tends to pull when there are many new and interesting smells around, and having the leash clipped to the front of his harness makes it much easier to signal a left or right turn (or a U-turn!) compared to having it clipped to the back. It's truly a night and day difference.

Ensure your dog's harness fits properly—not so loose that it shifts excessively, yet not so snug that it limits their movement or causes discomfort. Ideally, the harness should also allow free movement of the shoulders.

3. Use a running belt or pack to carry some high-value treats.

Food acts as a key motivator for dogs, being essential for their survival and generally craved by them. This makes it extremely effective for getting your dog's attention while you're out for a run. I suggest carrying high-value treats in a running belt or pack for this very purpose. Ensure that the treats are easy to reach, such as in a front-facing pocket, so you can quickly reward your dog as needed.

Utilizing treat scatters has worked wonders in helping my foster dog shift his attention back to me and reinforce our connection when another dog appears during our run. Here's how I do it: I grab a small handful of treats from my running belt and scatter them on the ground, prompting my dog to lower his head and direct his focus away from the other dog. It's even more effective to throw the treats into the grass, if it's available, as this encourages him to sniff more intensely and for a longer period to find the treats hidden among the blades.

Here are a few high-value treats I often use: chicken jerky, Fromm Crunchy-O’s, Zuke Mini Naturals, and my absolute favorite, wet dog food in a squeeze tube (like a travel-sized shampoo bottle). This method is fantastic – it’s almost like giving my foster dog a bottle when another dog walks by, and it works wonders. To decide which treats to use, I conducted a food preference test to see which ones my foster dog loves the most and chose those as his high-value rewards.

4. Speak quickly and in a cheerful tone to be more thrilling than your dog's triggers.

There are moments when you might not have any treats with you, run out of them, or simply forget to grab some when unexpectedly encountering another dog. Perhaps the other dog is barking from behind a fence, and you prefer to continue moving and create some distance rather than scattering treats right near the other dog.

In this situation, I use speed and a cheerful tone to make myself more appealing to my foster dog than the other dog: I increase the pace and say things like “Oh, hi, dog friend!” or “Let’s go” in a high-pitched, happy voice that's loud enough for my foster dog to hear over any barking. This simple tactic helps us gain some distance from the other dog and reassures my foster dog that everything is fine and that I’m calm (even if I'm feeling a bit anxious inside) as we walk by.

It can be awkward to use an enthusiastic, cheerful voice in public, but trust me, you’ll eventually get over it. Sometimes I yell “Yay!” with excitement and even do a little gallop-run, which grabs plenty of attention—mainly from my foster dog. As long as my foster dog sees me as more entertaining than the other dogs, I couldn't care less about appearing odd to others. This leads us to the next point…

5. Focus on your dog, rather than worrying about what others might think.

Every now and then, no matter how hard I try, a run can still go sideways: My foster dog might refuse to respond when I signal a U-turn, or he could get worked up when a dog walks by, making me drop my treats. Sometimes, he might get so hyper from another dog's gaze that even my best efforts to be more engaging just don't work.

On those days, after a tough run, I need to remind myself to be gentle. It's easy to get caught up in the pressure of handling reactivity or worrying about what others think.

What really matters to me is paying attention to my foster dog and helping him heal. We slow down to a walk and find the quietest spot possible. We head home gradually, prioritizing relaxation once we get there. I make a conscious effort not to worry about what others might think. What's important is lowering my foster dog's stress levels and understanding that his reactivity signals discomfort; my job is to help him feel more at ease. People might judge and have various opinions on how I should handle my reactive dog. I keep reminding myself to take lessons from tough days if there are any, forgive myself for any mistakes, and move forward.

6. Consider if going for a run is a wise decision.

There are days when going for a run just isn’t feasible. When I take my foster dog out, it's less about my run and more about our time together as a team. Before heading out, I carefully consider if it's the right day for a run or if it might just add unnecessary stress for both of us.

For instance, if it's 5 pm on a pleasant day and the streets and walkways are crowded with people and their dogs, going for a run might be more hassle than it's worth. However, if we can choose a quieter time and my foster dog has had a calm day, a run could be enjoyable. On the other hand, if I've had a stressful day and am already feeling overwhelmed, needing to stay present and focused on my foster dog during a run could push me over the edge, which isn't fair to either of us.

It's all about balance, and ultimately, my role is to ensure he feels secure and at ease, while also getting his exercise without causing stress for either of us. At times, this means skipping the running or walking sessions and opting for entertaining enrichment activities instead.

Taking your reactive dog on a run demands careful consideration, detailed preparation, and a whole lot of patience. Despite all this, unexpected challenges can still arise. My aim is that, alongside continued training and support for these dogs, the tips I’ve shared can assist others in sharing more enjoyable runs with their reactive companions. They also serve as a reminder to pause and reassess, both figuratively and literally, whenever the run stops being enjoyable.

If someone gives you a strange or unpleasant look, just remember you're not the only one experiencing this! And if you have an enjoyable run where everything goes smoothly, congratulations and a big high five to you and your dog.