How CBD Helped My Reactive Dog: Benefits, Routine, and Honest Review
- MM
- Jun 18
- 4 min read
Medication is one of the most frequently discussed topics when it comes to reactivity, anxiety, and aggression in dogs. For Marlee, medication has been necessary in specific situations—like vet visits—but early on in our training journey, I began to wonder if a daily medication might help ease her overall reactivity.
When I brought this up, our vet referred us to a behaviorist, who then recommended we work with a trainer before making any decisions. After evaluating Marlee’s behavior, the trainer concluded that her reactivity wasn’t rooted in anxiety, but rather frustration. Based on his assessment, he didn’t feel daily anxiety medication was needed.
So, we continued forward—committed to the training process, and medication-free.
It wasn’t until recently that I had a moment of realization. I had taken Marlee to a quiet park—one with almost no tr
iggers—gave her no commands, and simply let her exist in the space. I wanted her to have the chance to just be. But instead of settling in, she was all over the place—constantly on high alert, scanning for triggers, whining, excessively sniffing, and unable to relax or be still.
That experience made me question how we’d ever make progress in more challenging environments. If this was how she reacted with no pressure and no distractions, how would we move forward?
So, I started digging deeper—and that’s when I came across the use of CBD in reactivity training. I learned that CBD can help regulate the nervous system, giving anxious or highly aroused dogs the ability to settle, process their surroundings, and be more present. It’s not a cure, but it can be a powerful tool to help bridge the gap when training alone isn’t enough.
While CBD should never be seen as a cure, it can be a helpful tool when used as part of a training plan, allowing your dog to fully process their emotions and reactions . It’s also important to always consult your veterinarian before introducing CBD into your dog’s routine whether for reactivity, general anxiety, or just as a calming aid.
That said, here are some potential benefits:
Reduces Anxiety: CBD calms the nervous system- allowing your dog to fully take in what they are learning and to not feel anxious over day to day activities or triggers.
Enhances Focus: When your dog isn’t on high alert for the next trigger, they are able to focus more on you, your commands, or even your rewards for their behavior!
Reduces Impulse Control: If your dog tends to bark, jump, or lunge out of excitement or frustration, CBD’s calming effects could help them pause and respond better to cues, making redirection and reinforcement more successful.
Eases Physical Discomfort: Older pups or dogs with joint pain might find physical commands uncomfortable. CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties may reduce discomfort, helping them move more freely and participate in training with less resistance. Discomfort can also contribute to reactivity so easing their discomfort can sometimes do more than training!
(https://cbdmagic.co/cbd-for-dog-training/)
Through my research, I learned that CBD typically takes about 30 to 60 minutes to take effect, and the general dosage guideline is around 1–3 mg per 10 lbs of body weight. It’s also crucial to make sure the product you’re using is THC-free, as THC can be harmful to dogs even in small amounts.
Here’s how Marlee and I have been incorporating CBD into our routine:
After our usual morning routine, I make sure Marlee gets a chance to burn off any lingering energy. This is usually her second round of exercise for the day and includes a mix of her favorite play activities—chasing, fetch, tug—all designed to satisfy her play drive and help get out that last burst of excitement.
Once we come back inside, I give her about five minutes to cool down and hydrate. Then, I give her around 15 mg of CBD oil, drizzled over a small amount of food. It’s just a treat-sized portion, but I prefer giving it with food so she’s not taking it on an empty stomach.
After that, we wait about 40 to 50 minutes before heading out for our training session—giving the CBD time to take effect and helping Marlee feel calm, focused, and ready to work.
My Honest Review of Using CBD Oil in Dog Training:
Truthfully, CBD has made a huge difference for Marlee. While it’s certainly not a “cure,” the changes I’ve seen over the past two weeks have been incredibly encouraging.
When we visit our usual no-trigger area, the shift in her behavior is undeniable. Instead of scanning the environment in a constant state of panic, she’s now able to observe and process her surroundings with curiosity. She’s even managed to be still—and occasionally sit—something that might seem small to some, but if you’ve lived with a high-alert or reactive dog, you know this is a dream come true.
One of the most heartwarming changes? She’s finally able to take treats from me in those moments. In the past, nothing—no treat, no toy, no amount of affection—was enough to break through her arousal. Seeing her accept food in those heightened moments has felt like such a win.
We’re definitely going to continue incorporating CBD into our training sessions. That’s not to say we’re ruling out medication down the line if needed—but for now, this gentle, holistic approach has given us something worth holding onto.
Have you used CBD oil in your training journey? I’d love to hear your experience—and any favorite brands you’d recommend!
Here are a few well-known CBD oil companies made specifically for dogs that are worth checking out:
.
.
.
.
.
Disclaimer: I am not a veterinarian or certified behaviorist. Everything shared here is based on my personal research, experience, and what has worked for me and Marlee. Always consult with a qualified veterinarian, behaviorist, or trainer—and do your own research—before making decisions regarding your dog’s health or behavior. Every pup is different, and what works for one may not work for another.
Comments