Progress stalled?


Often, we get a little fixated on addressing a certain problem and can't see the bigger picture. If we have a training plan and aren't progressing, it's helpful to take a step back and ask ourselves if the training problem is actually a problem or is it a symptom of a problem?

If you don't have a concrete training plan or if you aren't sure what your training plan is, that's a whole different problem ;)

Underlying Reasons for Behaviour Challenges

Often a behaviour challenge stems from unmet needs such as not enough quality sleep, exercise, or mental, or physical stimulation. Physical stimulation isn't the same thing as exercise!

Other times it can be a relationship issue. Often, people don't know how to read their dog's body language, and even if they do, they don't know how to help in a way that actually makes sense for their particular dog.

For leash reactivity, many dogs don't have any understanding of "sometimes you can't have the thing you want", and that can be very frustrating for them when they see other dogs, rabbits, etc.

I'm not a huge fan of traditional obedience training, but consistently pulling on the leash can put a dog in a frustrated and reactive state of mind, so leash skills taught in our no-pressure way can be a big help.

There are so many pieces of our dogs' lives that contribute to their ability to handle stress in the world. Our Deep Dive on Leash reactivity will address many of these root causes and more!

Warmly,
Christina BSc, CDBC, PCBC-A, KPA-CTP

2738 Holden Corso Rd, Nanaimo, BC v9x 1n5
Unsubscribe · Preferences

Positive Dog

Subscribe if you'd like to receive my somewhat regular emails including training tips and concepts as well as info about my upcoming freebies and programs!

Read more from Positive Dog

Welcome to the first of the 2016 podcast episodes! Will your puppy or young dog just grow out of reactivity? Not usually! Young dog's brains are especially sensitive as they develop, right up until 1.5-2.5 years. We need to make a plan to help them through behaviour challenges while keeping their sensitive state and their socialization needs in mind. 🎧 Listen Now Dream Dog! A 6 month program to unlock a fuller, happier life with your dog. ⏰ Registration opens Jan 14th! Struggling with your...

Many times I get called out to help with a dog who is absolutely great... except for this one thing. The pooch might: Attack other dogs when they play together Bark uncontrollably when men come into the house Lose their marbles if someone has a ball or stick or any type of food. Not like little dogs Not come when called ... insert behaviour challenge People try and try, but they just can't fix this ONE thing! Usually, the reason nothing seems to work, no matter how hard they try, is that the...

Mable <3 This picture is of a student's young Pomeranian, Mable. Mable LOVES me, the neighbours, that person on the street, any dog who happens to be in eye sight.. and probably those that aren't. Mable is a very social dog. But how do I know? How do I know that she enjoys contact, isn't just coming to me for treats or for safety? How do I know when I find a stray dog on the side of the street if it is safe for me to put my hand in their collar? I look for affiliative behaviours - social cues...