07/01/2025
๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ "๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐" ๐๐๐๐: ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐
๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐
Does your dog bark, lunge, or pull when they see other dogs on walks? This common leash reactivity challenge can transform peaceful walks into stressful events. Today, I'm sharing one of my most effective professional training techniques that you can start using immediately:
๐๐๐ "๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐" ๐๐๐๐: ๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐
This technique changes your dog's emotional response to triggers by creating positive associations. Here's how to do it:
1๏ธโฃ Identify your dog's "threshold distance" - the distance at which they can see a trigger (another dog) but remain calm. This might be half a block away at first.
2๏ธโฃ When your dog calmly looks at the trigger, immediately mark that moment with a verbal marker like "yes!" and give a high-value treat.
3๏ธโฃ Repeat this process consistently: dog looks at trigger โ you mark โ dog gets treat.
4๏ธโฃ Over time, gradually decrease the distance as your dog improves.
๐๐๐๐-๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐:
Mia, a reactive Poodle mix, would lunge aggressively at bikes and joggers. We started by practicing at a distance where she could see triggers but remain calm. When she looked at a bike, I immediately said "yes!" and gave her a piece of chicken.
After just two weeks of consistent practice, Mia's reaction completely transformed. Instead of lunging, she'd see a bike and immediately look to her owner for a treat! The bike had become a cue for good things rather than a threat.
๐๐๐ ๐๐๐: Use extremely high-value treats for this exercise - think chicken, cheese, or hot dogs. Regular kibble won't be enticing enough to override the emotional response.
Remember: patience and consistency are key. Celebrate small improvements along the way!
Did you find this tip helpful? Check out our profile for more professional dog training advice or visit our blog for the complete guide to solving leash reactivity.
