Sophie's School: A dog school for Rescue Dogs & their Humans

19/08/2025

Why do U-turns help reactivity?
Well… it’s not always for the reason people think.

✅ Early recognition.
By spotting those subtle and tiny posture changes, you can turn before reactivity kicks in. That’s the optimum time to help change emotions.....not when they’re already reacting.

✅ Distance creates comfort
Re-engaging while the trigger is still at that manageable distance turns this into a training opportunity......your dog learns this other dog isn’t so “bad” after all.

Well look at you!
You're building resilience and optimism.

✅ A controllable cue.
Having a reliable U turn gives you something predictable to use in "unpredictable" situations.

Are there pitfalls with this method?
You betcha...as there are in many dog training techniques.

Timing is key, so rehearse before you need it.

Don’t rush straight back to the same distance that triggered that escalation. Sometimes you can return partway....sometimes a bit closer.
Sometimes not at all.

Often just an extra metre or two is the confidence boost your dog needs.

18/08/2025

27/07/2025

Those hovering hands?
They can cause more issues than solve.
"It worked for me"
Maybe it did.... for your individual dog and your exact circumstances but the advice of taking a bowl away and giving it back or patting a dog eating creates more issues than it prevents.

"I saw a trainer make a video and it worked for him".

Please.....I need to say this clearly, don't do it.

This is one area where following advice online does more harm than good.
They can bite.
That injury may not happen to you but to someone you love.

Puppy showing these issues?
Look to see if their food is adjusted in quantity as they grow.
Sometimes we forget just how quickly they are actually growing and how hungry they become because of that rapid growth.

Looking for more tips?
I'm really sorry..... there are none here.
This is an area that needs a thorough assessment, careful understanding and tailoring an individual plan.

There are no five minute fixes for such a complicated behaviour that affects everyone in the family.

Respect their need for space.

23/07/2025

"Don't be ridiculous, they're dogs....of course they'll get on!"
Yeah.....It doesn't quite work like that.
Those that have truly social dogs can grapple with the fact that other dogs may not be social with other dogs....at all.
And that's ok!
In fact it's normal.
Maybe it will change, maybe it won't.
That breed recognition is strong in some dogs, that's what they are familiar with.

Maybe you have a dog that prefers older dogs that have a quieter energy?

Perhaps you have one that struggles to read dogs that have a different body structure, pugs for example with prominent eyes and curled tails.....some dogs struggle to read them.
Others will have no issues whatsoever.

Sociability can change.
Just like ours.

Your dog is allowed preferences.