What does it mean for a dog to "opt in" or "opt out" of training? Does your dog love to play games with you unless something else is going on? Or unless you are in a busy environment?

In the past, we would try to coerce dogs into working using deprivation and/or punishment. We would skip feeding them before training, keep them crated unless working, or punish them either physically or by putting them in a crate if they disengaged from what we considered their job at the time.

Please don't do any of these things =) There are so many better ways of doing things now!

Prefer an audio option? Heard of contra-freeloading? Wonder how this works with horses or sport dogs? Check out the newest Something To Trot About episode! ​

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Give our dogs a way to stay engaged, even if the thing we are asking of them is scary or too hard.

Whether you are at a training class or training out in public, it is handy if you can have a bed or a crate or a behaviour that you always pay your dog for. I use a 'Peekaboo' trick (some people call it middle or safety) as an opt out behaviour since it doesn't require I carry around props.

At home or in a class, if you ask your dog to try a new exercise and they go to their bed or pop into Peekaboo, pay them =) This is information that your dog is struggling with the behaviour or the environment and needs your help.

Instead of tuning you out or leaving to sniff, your dog let you know they are struggling. You now have an opportunity to break the activity down into smaller pieces so they can be successful and have fun playing with you.

Your dog is also learning that you are listening.

Training Can Be Fun!

Even if we are training a reactive dog, training can and should be fun!

Keep the expectations low enough so that both you and your dog can be successful. You matter too! If you need help breaking things down or keeping training light and enjoyable, please ask for help. This is a big part of how I can help you =)

​ FREE WEBINAR! In case you missed the announcement and are wondering what this is all about, I am so excited to offer this FREE Webinar on Leash Reactivity. So many of you struggle to walk your dogs and I find myself sharing the same information over and over again with each new student. We will address the commonly missed key parts of fixing leash reactivity and getting you back enjoying walks. ​ It makes us so much more confident when we know how to help our dogs and how to give them the skills so they can enjoy their walks too! Save Your Seat! ​ P.S. Right after the webinar, I'll be opening the doors to LEASH REACTIVITY DEEP-DIVE, my group mentorship program in which I spend 8 weeks with a small group of people struggling with leash reactivity. Because this is a custom experience and I get to know each of you and your dogs intimately, space is limited! We will sell out. Be sure to read all the details ahead of time so you're ready with any questions you might have! ​ I hope to see you soon! Christina

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