Stop forcing cafe greetings. It is making your dog's lunging and barking worse. Swipe to fix it.
True socialisation means your dog can ignore that kookaburra or a local footy game. It is about being neutral to the world, not part of it.
When you let them meet every dog at Woolies, you're building a monster. They begin to expect a 'hit' of excitement every time they see another dog.
Most puppy schools teach that other dogs equal high-octane wrestling. In the real world, this turns into frustration and pulling on the lead.
Reward the exact second your dog looks at a distraction and then looks back at you. You are building a new, calm reflex.
Dry kibble won't cut it at a busy park. Use roast chicken or devon from Coles. Make ignoring distractions the best-paying job they've ever had.
Famous for being dog-friendly, but go off-peak. Use the trolley noises and smells as training, not as a social outing.
When a stranger asks to pat your dog, say: "Sorry, we’re in training." You are your dog's advocate. Protect their mental headspace.
Before letting them off-lead at the beach, practice "settling" on a towel. If they can’t relax 10m from the waves, they aren't ready.
A motorbike plus a barking neighbour plus a gust of wind equals a meltdown. Small stressors add up until your dog hits their limit.
If they are panting or won’t take treats, they are "over threshold." Stop training. Move away. There is no shame in going home early.
Neutrality gives your dog a stress-free life. They don't have to 'solve' every encounter. They just have to stay with you.
See the step-by-step 'Look at That' guide and our high-traffic training checklist.