As we move beyond our Look at It work we want to be thinking about how we move our work forward in ways where we keep giving our dog tools on how to disengage with triggering/distracting things. The great thing about these exercises is not only are the wonderful for reactive dogs, but they also help any dog that struggles with distractions even when they are excitement based.

My first work once I’m focused on getting us moving is always going to be working on both quick turn arounds but also then on approaching the triggers/distractions and then having the dog turn away with me. This practice is the one exercise that shrinks thresholds the most when I work with reactive or excitable dogs! They key is picking places to practice where you have a predictable flow of trigger traffic so you can adjust yourself to that, rather than just going out onto the streets and working with whatever walks towards you which gives you very little control. So places I use: if it is dogs- near dog parks (not right at the park, rather the walk ways or parking areas going to them) near pet stores, grooming shops, a parking area near a popular dog walking trail. I want spaces where people arrive with their dogs that have areas like parking lots or an area near a street where I can safely set up to train without having loose dogs running up on us. If it is people- near shops, parks, walking paths, etc. If it is cars- a large parking lot with a field or park near by. If it is bicycles- near a bike path, if it is skateboards - near a skateboard park. If it is kids- near a playground. All of the locations I am going to choose based on; can I safely approach and move away, can I create a safe zone for my dog is the environment quickly changes (can I put my dog in the car if I loose dog starts running up or is there a fence between me and the little children who might run towards us).

Be sure to practice your quick u-turns, tap and turns as well as just LLW towards the triggers and away.