06/18/2025
If your approach doesn't change...neither will the outcome.
The clients that make all those little changes suggested, the ones that follow through, they see success.
It is real and measurable.
Those that pick and choose the bits they want...they just won't see the same progress.
Or worse, they give up entirely because they can't see the changes they want fast enough.
No judgement, I really do understand why.
Change for some is hard.
Changing where you walk, when you walk, investigating those health concerns which can fuel these issues, lowering arousal, adding enrichment and ensuring enough sleep....that's hard to do and exhausting for some.
Financially it's hard.
Emotionally it can be difficult.
Time wise, a very big commitment indeed.
We can't just keep doing the same thing with reactivity and expect a different result.
This is just some of what we put in place for reactive dogs.
Distance.
Different for every dog.
It doesn't mean it will be this distance forever, often that distance is challenged when the time is right.
It should be challenged when your timing is better, when you're able to read those little changes in your dog more.
However, too many challenge too soon.
Direction
Don't walk those blind corners, angle them.
Paths or lanes....eek! they come later.
Try and predict what may be about to appear.
Distractions
The environment is chocka with them and they can be very powerful indeed.
Some are good and healthy distractions...a good area to sniff can help lower anxiousness or excitement.
Other distractions, very unhelpful...especially when there are a few different ones within a short period of time.
That can cause an issue.
Duration
Big tip here.
Don't train with your reactive dog for too long in a single session.
3-4 sessions a day of 5 - 10 minutes is FAR more productive than a longer session where we can lose concentration and your dog can lose motivation.
Shorter sessions spread out also means you are likely to see a few more triggers, and different triggers too.
Save this graphic and you are welcome to share it with someone that may need it.
Hang in there.
You really can make a very big difference.
