11/28/2025
You are training your dog to be anxious (without realizing it) if he is constantly looking for the next activity whether it's an enrichment game, the back door opening to go out + play, the next time we pick up a leash, the next time we pick up our car keys, the next time we start talking incessantly, the next Amazon truck that pulls up that they have to "guard," etc
Our dogs need to instead learn that they don't have to react (often referred to as "guarding") to anything but instead can know that we, the owners, will take care of it any "threat" in front of them.
They can "just be" = chill out and in turn they will replenish their bodies + minds
Practicing "doing nothing" will help our dogs feel NEUTRAL (unbothered) in public settings as well. In other words, if we walk past reactive dogs, sit in the lobby at the vets, head to Home Depot to observe or walk, or go to a friend's house they will be able to feel self assured + relaxed because they practice resting at home.
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