07/10/2026
EXIT STRATEGIES
An exit strategy is a practised, planned way to create sufficient distance or remove a dog that’s about to react to a trigger or situation.
An exit strategy could look like quickly increasing distance when a trigger appears, practicing quick U turns to change direction, or waiting behind a tree, car or similar object until the trigger is far enough away.
The important thing is that the strategy is not something we suddenly invent in the middle of a difficult situation. We need to keep practising it when things are calm so it becomes a normal event.
This strategy decreases stress levels, gives our dogs an opportunity to process information and helps them learn to respond in a different way from a space where they feel safe.
Think about how we may use exit strategies to help us cope and how they make us feel better.
I know from personal experience how beneficial an exit strategy can be.
Some time ago I suffered from debilitating panic attacks after a series of traumatic events. I couldn’t drive on a highway or be in an enclosed space.
My daughter was graduating from university and I could not miss this event, but what if I had a panic attack in the auditorium, couldn’t get out and embarrassed her and myself?
A therapist that I was seeing at the time helped me to develop an exit strategy.
I arrived early and found a seat right next to the exit. If I started panicking, I could just leave through the door. Just knowing that this option was there made such a difference to my state of mind and I ended up being able to make it through the entire ceremony.
The same strategy helped me cope on highways. I just had to drive from one exit to the next and if I was coping - the next and the next.
Having an escape route helped me to feel safe and I was gradually able to cope with more and more exposure.
The same is true of dogs. It’s about creating conditions that make coping and learning possible.
It’s not about running away, avoiding or not facing a problem, but developing a plan to help our dogs cope and feel safe in situations they struggle with.
