Before we start – I want you to stop and take a break! I want you to stop trying to train your dog, stop trying to socialise them, stop listening to tips, and stop exposing your dog to other dogs. I’ll explain why later, but for now, take a break from all of it and just enjoy your dog – without all the work and worry. If you have some quiet walks you can go on, or a private dog field you can hire, I highly recommend using them instead. In the meantime, we’ll get started on some behind the scenes stuff.
So, now you have permission to avoid other dogs and enjoy some lovely quiet walks, lets get on with the programme.
The programme is split into five sections. Each one will take you through a different stage of the rehabilitation process. If you haven’t already guessed, the first section includes avoidance – don’t underestimate the importance of this first step, it’ll set you up for the weeks that follow. We’ll get to know your dog better during this section so you can build your bespoke tool kit, and tailor your approach to suit them too.
After our dogs brain has had a bit of a detox, Section two is about staying under threshold. We’ll learn how manage your environment while we figure out timing, rewards and start creating a different auto response. Needs are changing in section three, so we can start building up time and nurture curiosity in preparation for the last section. Once your dog is ready, section four is about getting closer to other dogs and finally, we’ll be thinking about making new friends!
Each section will teach you something different about your dog and his reactive behaviour.
You’ll get a weekly planner, so you’ll know exactly what to do each week. I’ll help you understand why and how their behaviour is changing. I’ll also tell you exactly what you should be doing in each stage to help him through the rehabilitation process, what could go wrong and how to fix it, and crucially how to know when it’s ok to move on to the next stage. You’ll also meet Sam, Tilly, Malteser, and Lucy as we see how they progressed through each stage.
The programme is written with the expectation that you will spend around 12 weeks working through it, but that is not a target, or a limit. Some dogs take longer, and others take less time. As you’ll discover later, progress isn’t linear, so don’t be afraid to go back and redo a stage if you have a wobble.
This course also comes with four months WhatsApp text support included. So anytime you have a question, you only have to reach for your phone and ask. If things take a little longer, or if you need to restart the course at a later time, you can easily buy extra support, but the programme itself will always be available for you. And if you want support from the community then please join my Facebook group. This is a free to join group for anyone struggling with a reactive dog, so you’ll be in safe, and empathetic hands, there!
Check the links page for all the details.
Now, that is out the way, lets get started with a bit of insight into what Reactive Behaviour actually is, and why it needs a unique approach when it comes to rehabilitation…