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Reactivity sucks the fun out of having a dog.
Walks and dog parks become difficult, even impossible. Having guests over to be greeted by a dog that barks nonstop can be embarrassing.
Worst of all, it sucks the fun out of being a dog. Instead of playing, meeting new people and living a careless life, a reactive dog experiences frequent spikes in cortisol, the stress hormone, that can affect their physical health.
I received products and compensation from HempMy Pet to create content about their products, share my personal experiences and write an honest review. Little Dog Tips only features products that I love and use with my own dogs – I’m sure you’ll love them too!
Fortunately, we’re learning more and more about reactivity and dog behavior. One of the more recent advances in treated reactivity are CBD dog treats – tasty cookies with hemp-based CBD extracts baked right in. Used daily or about 30 minutes before a triggering event, CBD treats can change your reactive dog’s life.
Is Your Dog Truly Reactive?
It’s normal for dogs to react. If your dog gets excited about squirrels or barks when the doorbell rings, she’s showing normal dog behaviors that can be worked on, but aren’t abnormal.
However, if you find it extremely difficult to reel your dog in while she’s reacting, she might be overreactive.
Reactivity inhibits learning. You may have noticed that when your dog is totally engaged in staring down the mailman down the road, she will completely ignore your treats – even if you were to wave a juicy piece of steak under her nose.
When a dog goes into “flight or fight” mode, and has that adrenaline rush, it’s impossible for her to eat. It’s also impossible for her to learn.
If you need to teach your dog to react differently to something, you will first need to dial back that adrenaline rush so your lesson can actually get through to her.
Calming dog treats can help your dog reach a calmer state and make them more receptive to learning without making them less alert.
What Are CBD Dog Treats, And How Do They Work?
It’s extremely important that you understand the distinction between hemp and marijuana.
Marijuana is still illegal in a lot of jurisdictions. It is used to make products that are high in THC, the chemical compound that makes humans feel high and giggly. THC is toxic to dogs in large amounts.
Hemp is used to make products that are high in CBD, a chemical compound that can alleviate pain, anxiety and inflammation, but does not have psychoactive properties, so it does not make people or animals feel high.
Humans and many animals, including dogs, are born with an endocannabinoid system made up of receptors throughout the body. These receptors help regulate appetite, mood, pain, memory and sleep. When the receptors connect with substances known as cannabinoids, homeostasis, or balance, is achieved.
Some cannabinoids occur naturally within the body, others are found outside the body, in foods like those that contain omega-3 fatty acids – fish, for example. CBD and THC are also cannabinoids, found only in hemp and marijuana.
So, when your dog ingests CBD, it is interacting with every part of her body. It can allow her to experience everything around her in a different way. Not only can she feel calmer around things that trigger her, she may feel more open and receptive to them.
To eliminate the possibility that you will give your dog a product that is impure, contaminated, high in THC, or otherwise bad for them, we love and recommend made-for-pets CBD products from HempMy Pet.
Will CBD Dog Treats Cure My Reactive Dog?
CBD dog treats are not meant to cure or prevent any disease, health condition or mental health problem. Thousands of anecdotal accounts and a growing number of research studies have been showing us that CBD can help relieve some symptoms, though what works for one dog may not work for another.
Reactivity can be a result of genetics, past trauma, underlying health problems, or even your dog’s diet. Your vet can rule out any other factors and help you decide how to try CBD oil as part of your plan to help your dog’s reactivity. Also consider working with a professional trainer or behaviorist that relies on science-based, reward-based behavior modification.
How Can I Use CBD Dog Treats To Help My Dog?
CBD dog treats can play a major role in your dog’s progress. But if you truly want to change your dog’s mind about something, you’ll need to show her how you want her to act in those challenging situations. It’s just a bit easier when you give them their CBD treats about 30-45 minutes before. Then, lead the way.
Dogs are highly social animals. Numerous studies show that dogs look to us when they’re scared.
If your dog starts screaming when they see another dog at the park, you’ll probably start holding your breath whenever you see another dog, especially if you see it first. See? Humans can become reactive too. It’s easier to control your own emotions first, and then allow your dog to follow your lead.
Also, keep in mind that your dog does not know what to do with their energy and attention. Speeding up the walk, and jogging in the other direction can sometimes help. A lot of the time, we exacerbate reactivity by giving our dogs too much time to react. A quick look at the other dog, a celebratory “Yay! A friend!” instead of a preemptive “Don’t even think about it… we’ve talked about this!” goes a long way. Then, keep it moving!
Even if it seems like your dog does not react to praise, celebrate every inch of progress. We often don’t see how far we’ve come, and don’t realize just how even a small change can lead to bigger things… like the uneventful park outing you’ve been dreaming of.
Try CBD Dog Treats For Free!
We partnered with HempMy Pet to give away a bag of Pumpkin Harvest CBD dog treats to three lucky winners.
You must be in the United States and 18 or older to enter to win.
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Keep an eye out for my upcoming posts on the different ways CBD oil can be used, how it works, and what researchers are still learning about its uses for domestic animals. In the meantime, you can learn more on the HempMy Pet website:
Visit the online store for more info about CBD oil and HempMy Pet Products
She also uses her pet copywriting business to make sure the best pet products and services get found online through catchy copy and fun, informative blog posts. She also provides product description writing services for ecommerce companies.
As a dog mom to Matilda and Cow, she spends most of her days taking long walks and practicing new tricks, and most nights trying to make the best of a very modest portion of her bed.
You'll also find her baking bread and making homemade pizza, laughing, painting and shopping.
My Boston Terrier isn’t very reactive. He will bark at the door but calms down. I would like to try cbd for his car ride issues. He is very tense and we don’t take him out much due to it.
Thank you we would love to be considered to win the CBd sample treats! We are very reactive and do training but would like to incorporate the CBd treats with our training so we can at least listen to what mommy is asking us to do so she can click the clicker and treat! Thank you
It’s wonderful that CBD products are available for our pets too!
I have not had one but we just rescued one seeing CBD would benefit for her!!
My minpin has issues going into the trash and car issues.I would love to incorapate cbd products with both my dogs and help with anxiety.
One of my Boston’s won’t let anyone in my front door. He goes super nuts and won’t calm down. I have been using CBD oil and it seems to be helping.
I have a chihuahua. If you breathe wrong, she reacts.
My dog has come a long way in the years I’ve had him, but I feel like something like this would help him to be more comfortable and not always so freaked out when we are out or I have people over.
My pitbull is slowly becoming more reactive as she ages. She is about a year old now and she is really active. I have tried to teach her commands and when she obeys, I give her a doggy treat.
Our boy Bailey is very active. He loves when people come over but he has too much active.
My dog was a rescue and barks non stop once he get started. We have tried diet changes,obedience school, all the way up to medication. For the past 11 years nothing has worked completely. I will get him some CBD treats ASAP and try them! I would love to see my dog happy Again!
my dog is reactive on a leash, she goes crazy if she sees anyone while going on a walk. She is also reactive to banging and knocking.
YoYo my little Rescue Min Pin is very reactive to about everything and everybody what is unknown to him.I would love to try CBD with him and see if that would help him not being so stressed and fearful.
My daughter gets very scared of fireworks right now. A new thing for her also is the oven.
I have one that can be reactive. I’ve done a lot to expose to exciting environments & reward for calmness.
Bean wasn’t always reactive, but ever since a very large dog put her head in her mouth the moment my head was turned, she does react to dogs she doesn’t know. I think I would, too if someone tried to eat me. We work on it, she knows “leave it,” and she, in general, doesn’t do much more than a “stay away from me,” bark…it’s still something that can cause anxiety for all of us. We do use CBD for her and have had good luck with HempMy Pet in the past.
Bryn Nowell recently posted…How to Ensure a Fear Free Dog Nail Trim
my 2 gals are reactive. they bark at the door til they smell the person. they are both scared of loud noises, especially fireworks and storms. they rush to mom for me to hold them or they hide under the bed. my oldest is very reactive to nail trims, if she even sees you with anything to trim her nails, she runs, and gets very upset. she has to be sedated to get her nails trimmed.
I DO have a reactive dog! Henry is leash and noise reactive. He would love to win these!
My dog is always jumping about very hyper
I have a well and truly bonkers 2 year old lurcher, that is honestly better than she once was but is still so hyper and reacts to everything! I pull out a pen from my bag and she starts barking at it because its new and she doesnt know how to react
My reactive dog is triggered by people walking by our house. She barks her head off when anyone walks by. We have tried the command leave it and took her to dog school but she doesn’t stop.
My dog Max is still pretty hyper at the age of 12
My old dog Mabel has become reactive to most things now she is losing her sight and hearing, quite understandable really
We have two dacshund/ Chihuahua mixed pups that we adopted a little over a year ago. Overall they do pretty good however when the neighbors throw a party or whenever there fireworks in town or even rescue vehicles they get very anxious and especially scared during the fireworks. We’ve tried items like the Thunder shirts but they didn’t work well. I personally take CBD for my anxiety and other issues but I’ve yet to make the decision for the puppers. I definitely want to get them on it because I know it will make a huge difference and this sounds like an excellent place to start.
My daughters dog barks at cars driving past the window si I would love to try these out on him!
Yes my doodle barks at everything!
My dog doesn’t like fireworks, we usually talk to him and gently and pet him and that helps
Our Nala is easily upset while riding in the car. It takes a lot to get her in the car. CBD could probably help her be less anxious.
my dog isnt reactive but i would love to try cbd for other reasons like an anti-inflammatory for his joints
My dog is very anxious barks at anything. I try to pet him to calm him down as well as talk to him. He does not like bad weather hides.
My dog has not took to training very well, and has only learnt to speak when he has a treat. We are trying hard to get him to stay calm when he goes out for walks, as he pulls on the lead and goes mad when he see’s other dogs.
Yes my new rescue is reactive when out on a walk and sees or hears other dogs. Since he is new to us, we are working on leash training and basic obedience now in non distracting areas and will next work on exposures
My English bulldog is very triggered by any kind of storms especially if there are high winds. He also doesn’t like when I’m in the kitchen making noises with pots and pans and I will be baking more with the holidays.
I don’t have a reactive dog. But my neighbors do & would share with them if I win
I love my dog but as a Jack Russell / Chihuahua mix he is very reactive. The thing that trigger him the most is sudden loud noises. I would love to help him be more relaxed for his wellbeing.
For those who wish to be with their pet at the cremation. With this type of service your pet is alone in the chamber and you may be present for any or all parts of the cremation process.
I don’t have a reactive dog, I have a couple of skittish dogs that hate loud noises.
balls and smoothing.
mysons little dog bark at everythingand everyone would be lovely to calm him down so he could go out more in public
Mine is a little bit skittish. I try to keep things quiet and calm and not startle him
Our Rusty is very reactive. He gets so wound up when he sees another dog, squirrels, cats and even birds. I try and keep a treat with me at all times as this calms him down a little but mostly distracts him.
Doorbells, fireworks.
We have a Chihuahua who is rather placid but really doesn’t like motorcycles for some reason!
my dog hates rides in cars and also storms.
Our dog is very hyper and jumps on people all the time. We are still working on behavior training.
Would love to give these a try for my (crazy) Daisy
My springer gets very stressed when someone new visits the house, he has to be taken into a different room to calm down.
bicycles!
She is not great when we leave the house she has anxiety and chews the house. She also won’t settle when we have guests she gets far too excited and won’t settle
I do not have a very reactive dog but my grandma does.
My dog goes completely nuts when we leave the house. I’d like to try these for him.
My dog jumps n everyone! He is like a spring. He even jumps on cars that stop in front of my house.
My dog is reactive. We have tried the calming coat.
Mine goes mental when she seen animals on TV. Nothing worked as yet
New people, weather changes, loud noises and children give my dog anxiety!
We have a hyper springer spaniel/beagle mix. He has loads of energy. He is afraid of alarms and fireworks.
Yes and not sure they are just very excitable about everything
I just have an old lady dog. My sister’s dog is intense.
My dog goes crazy whenever anyone comes in our driveway, even if they are just turning around he still acts terrible.
I don’t have a retractive dog we love our little guy
When I walk my Golden Deacon I have to be over reactive to the possibility of deer crossing our path. He will follow commands if I give them before he reacts but once 12 deer ran across our path and he took of chasing them but would not go into the woods. He worries about being our of my line of site.
I have a rescue who is very reactive! We’ve been working to get him to calm down, but sometimes it’s very difficult. He has really bad anxiety when left alone, too!
Yes, we use CBD drops from Amazon.
My chihuahua reacts to any noise. When it thunders she hides under something
My dog is so anxious. He gets nervous with any kind of car riding or traveling situation. He also can’t handle any thunderstorm or hard rain.
Yes, my dog is affected by sounds, knocks on the door, sights of other animals, storms.. she’s very nervous
I have several dogs that are reactive and triggered by various things, but all of my males are triggered most by thunder or fireworks. Currently, the only way we have to cope is to put the large dog in his Thundershirt and wrap the smaller dogs up tightly in blankets and hold them and turning the TV up a little to block out some of the sounds. They still tremble, and the large dog will do different things depending; he climbs in my lap, he hides behind or next to my chair, or he tries to hide under my bed (he doesn’t fit, so he just sticks his snout under).
I have been interested in CBd for my pug. He has allergies and I’ve heard several people say it helps.
I have 2 Chihuahuas that bark constantly if they hear a car going by or they see somebody they don’t know.
Would love this for our Dachshund. Thank you
I have two bulldogs. My american bully won’t settle down when people come to visit. My youngest bulldog is triggered by other dogs and by anything new (If I move a chair to a new spot).
My georgie is anxious it seems and barks at anyone walking by the house without even seeing them lol.
CBD Dog treats are a great tasty little treat that will help in almost any situation, including training your dog. CBD is becoming so popular and more and more amazing stories like this are showing exactly what CBD Oil and CBD Treats can do for you and your dogs!
Thanks for posting this article and sharing us your experience with us about CBD oil for pets.
Thanks for your nice post really this post is very helpful .Please keep it up your writing .everybody can easily check this kinds of topic because its about CBD, CBD Oil, CBD Skin Care, Anti-ageing,Natural Skin .Thanks Hope that we will get something new and best
Well, I was wondering and confused about the use of CBD oil on my Mini Bernedoodle but this article is informative enough for me to decide. Plus the comments are also helpful, so going to get CBD oil for sure. Can you please tell which one is the best brand?
Bernedoodle recently posted…11 Best Dog Breeds For Seniors
I gave CBD a try for my Dog in the new year when I knew there was going to be fireworks and I was pleasantly surprised. She is usually running round the house terrified when they are going off but she ended up sleeping right through it.
I maybe gave her too much lol. I’ll try again next year
Jack OG recently posted…Is Vaping Cannabis Bad for Your Lungs?
Hi ,
WOW! CBD dog treats with hemp-based CBD extracts. Who would have known, this is fabulous news for me and my dog. Thanks for the post.
Cheers Nathan…
You make a good point that when you are teaching a dog something, you first need to be able to get the lesson go through to it. I have a very hyperactive puppy, and it is impossible to catch her attention. I bet if I used something like this then I could get her to calm down enough so that she can learn better.
I recently bought CBD Hemp mushroom treats for our little Cavapoo. He barks at every single dog while on a walk. I only gave him half of the 25mg bite (he weighs 15 lbs). By the time we got out on the walk – almost an hour after the bite – he was crazy erratic! I think he had the opposite reaction from what you describe in your CBD product. He was so hyped up, walking in a zig-zag direction on leash, much worse behavior. We had to go back home and my husband said to get rid of the stuff. Maybe all CBD products are not equal. The barking is certainly behavioral. He is six years old and we’ve had him for a few months. He is fine with dogs in the dog park and with friends’ dogs in their backyard. Very frustrating!!