04/21/2025
Sometimes, the tools we use, the actions we take, and even the words we say can become triggers for our dogs.
When it comes to dogs, context is everything. If we only use certain commands or tools in specific situations—especially stressful ones—they can develop negative associations. A command might start to feel like a chore to the dog, or it may even become a source of stress, leading to pushback or reactivity.
The same goes for tools. It doesn’t matter if it’s a collar, leash, e-collar, or muzzle—if the dog only wears it during high-stress moments or when something unpleasant is about to happen that tool can start to act as a warning sign for the dog, fueling anxiety rather than helping you gain control. I see tools themselves becoming triggers a lot for shelter dogs, and dogs with reactvity.
One example that really stuck with me was a client whose dog was reactive to cars, other things too but mostly cars. On our walk, the dog was calm, sniffing the grass, even as a car approached. But as soon as the owner noticed the car, she began repeating, “Leave it” over and over—about ten times. That’s when the dog perked up, tensed, started listening intently and began scanning for the car. As it passed, she repeated the command again, got tense on the leash, and boom—full-blown reaction.
I asked if the dog knew the “leave it” command in any other context, and she said no—she only used it around cars. So in that case, “leave it” wasn’t helping to prevent the reaction—it had actually become a signal that the trigger was coming. The dog didn’t understand the command’s meaning in a broader context. To him, it just meant, “Hey, a car’s coming—get ready!” This isnt anything against her , she honestly justst didnt realize. Sometimes it takes an outside point of view to point things out.
I’ve made similar mistakes myself. When I first got Peanut, I only used his muzzle during dog introductions. Eventually, just seeing the muzzle became a trigger for stress. Now, I make sure he wears it in other neutral or positive situations too, so it no longer holds that negative association.
If you are struggling with you dog , take a step back and audit the entire routine to see if anything you are doing could potentially be making the situation worse.
Dogs are very routine animals . They watch us closer than we think they do.
In home one on one dog training designed to keep dogs with their families and out of shelters
