That peaceful stroll in the park, the quiet jog through your neighborhood – sometimes these moments of serenity are punctuated by the sudden appearance of a dog. Whether it's a friendly wagging tail bounding towards you or a more uncertain bark from behind a fence, unexpected dog encounters can be startling. Knowing how to react calmly and safely is crucial for both your well-being and the dog's.
Read MoreHave you ever noticed how some dogs seem to bark at everyone except you? There's a reason for that. Let's break down the typical scenario: you walk by a house, the dog barks, and you keep walking. From the dog's perspective, they've successfully "chased you away." They feel powerful and effective. Every time you walk by and they bark, this behavior is reinforced. They're essentially practicing and perfecting their "I'm big and scary" routine.
Read MoreToday, I joined a dog walker and her 7-month-old Australian Shepherd client for their walk. This energetic pup was jumping and nipping at her for the first half of their walks, settling down only later. The dog walker, who clearly cares and is very observant, was understandably puzzled. After observing the walk, the reason for the behavior became crystal clear.
Read MoreDiscover the secrets to calming your reactive dog by understanding their threshold. Learn how distance, duration, and intensity impact your dog's behavior, and how to adjust these factors to create a positive training environment. This guide provides actionable strategies to help your reactive dog thrive.
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