Teach your dog how to exist first before it makes friends

When it comes to rehabbing reactivity or dog aggression, remember EXISTENCE is always step one.

You need to walk before you run.

We never ever push dogs to be “best friends” with dogs at the beginning of the process, if ever actually…

…all we care about is them being able to mind their business and NOT explode on them.

As you can see, Theo + Beau came in HOT 🔥 at their drop off. Every dog, no matter how far away, was a massive trigger to them. This is literally what EVERY walk looked like for them.

When we stopped all that nonsense behavior, we found these two just actually have no idea how to behave around other dogs at all.

They are lacking crucial social skills, but we aren’t forcing them to socialize.

We let them have their space and advocate for them in the social yard because right now, that’s about all they can handle.

Forcing your dog to interact with other dogs will only HINDER your progress.

Let them know what it feels like to be neutral and calm around their triggers, and you’ll eventually have way more success for the long term.

Existence is some of the most powerful training you can do with your dog. No matter what behaviors they’re struggling with!!