Every "friendly" greeting is training your dog to ignore YOU. Here is the Kiwi guide to a calm canine.
In NZ, we love being friendly, but forcing your dog to meet everyone creates a "frustrated greeter"—a dog that lunges when they can't reach a distraction.
True socialisation isn't about constant playdates. It's your dog treating the world like boring background noise while staying focused on you.
When your dog sees a distraction and chooses to look back at you, reward them immediately. You're teaching them the value of disengaging.
Forget boring kibble. Grab some ZiwiPeak or dried liver. You need high-value rewards to compete with a rolling skateboard or a seagull.
If your dog is staring or refusing food, you are too close to the trigger. Move back 10 metres until they can follow a command again.
Practise neutrality outside the local dairy or DIY store. These real-world spots are where you build a reliable, calm companion.
At the bach or beach, a neutral dog is a safe dog. Don't let intrusive off-leash "greeters" ruin your morning walk.
If you see the whites of their eyes or a stiff tail, your dog's "bucket" is full. Respect their limits and leave the situation immediately.
A windy day plus a loud truck can lead to a meltdown. Small stressors add up. If they aren't listening, they are likely overwhelmed.
Is an off-leash dog rushing up? Scatter treats in the grass. Sniffing is a natural calming signal that helps your dog stay neutral.
This protocol isn't about avoiding the world. It's about giving your dog the skills to enjoy a cafe in Napier or a trail in Taupo without stress.
See the full guide on training your dog to ignore distractions and enjoy a stress-free Kiwi lifestyle.