Utilizing set ups with an assistant and a helper dog, rather than relying on dogs from the general public, can be a critical component for many reactive dogs and their progress.

In this episode I discuss:

• What set ups are
• What you need to execute a set up successfully
• 5 common mistakes to avoid when executing set ups
• How to know when a dog is ready to move beyond set ups and into real life applications
• Q&A from listeners

Resources:

The 3 Ds in dog training articles:

Blog by Susan Garrett

Blog by Nicole Wiebusch

For Pet Professionals:

The Reactivity, Refined course and mentorship is designed to transform the way you work with reactive dogs, and help you connect the dots with your reactivity cases to help your clients reach their fullest potential. Registration for the September cohort opens July 15th, sign up to join the waitlist and be the first in line to register. With only 15 spots available, they go quickly!

For Pet Parents:

Struggling with your reactive dog? I guide pet parents toward real, lasting solutions by asking the right questions and addressing what’s often overlooked. Ge the help you need today.

Submit a question for the show here!

The notion of pet dogs being captive dogs is sure to stir up some emotions. But the truth is, the lifestyle of your average pet dog in the U.S. has changed dramatically over the past few decades, and this hasn't been a long enough time for our dogs to adjust. Could this help explain why there are so many dogs with behavior challenges these days?

In this episode, I bring in Kim Brophey FDM, CDBC, CPDT-KA to discuss how our modern lifestyles aren't matching up to the needs of our dogs.

We talk about:

• How the restrictions we've placed on dogs over the past few decades have taken away much of their autonomy
• How the environments we ask dogs to live greatly influence their behavior
• How restrictions such as leashes, fences, crates, etc contribute to reactive behavior
• What we can do to support dogs in our modern world
• And more!

About Kim:

Kim Brophey is an applied ethologist and accomplished behavior consultant and trainer who has been working with dogs and their families for over 25 years. Her L.E.G.S.® model of integrated canine science has been embraced internationally as her book- Meet Your Dog, and market-disrupting Applied Ethology Family Dog Mediation® Course and The Dog's Truth documentary continue to catalyze a worldwide initiative to welcome in a "welfare-first" approach to our canine relationships and professional work.

Send Me a Question for the Show

I love hearing from you, and I answer some of your questions on solo episodes of the podcast. Please leave your thoughts and questions in a voicemail here. Have a suggestion for a topic or a guest? Email me at podcast@jessicawheatcraft.com.

For Pet Parents

Need Help With Your Reactive Dog? 1:1 Coaching with Jessica

For Dog Professionals:

Elevate Your Work with Reactive Dogs

The term reactivity is a label, that is used to describe a variety of behaviors. And because it's a label, your definition of reactivity is likely different from someone else's.

In this episode, I bring in Laurie Lawless CDBC, CPDT-KA to discuss what reactivity means to each of us, with both pet dogs and shelter dogs. We also unpack the term by discussing:

• What behaviors are commonly described as reactive
• Why it's so important to look beyond labels for dogs and understand them as individuals
• How we determine a reactive dog's motivations to better understand the function of their behavior(s)
• The role of barriers, and how they influence a dog's behavior
• Assessment procedures for shelter dogs that are reactive
• And more!

About Laurie:

Laurie Lawless, CDBC, CPDT-KA, (she/her), is a dedicated dog behavior expert with a passion for helping dogs overcome challenges. Canine reactivity is one of the most challenging issues that present to both her private clients and in her shelter work, and has focused much of her career on figuring out ways to reduce and resolve reactivity in a variety of contexts and environments. With a background in animal advocacy, positive reinforcement training, and sheltering, Laurie focuses on resolving complex behavior issues to keep families together and collaborates with shelters to create or enhance behavior programs.

Send Me a Question for the Show! https://rethinkingreactivity.podcastpage.io/contact

Learn More:

Find a certified dog behavior consultant here

Canine Ladder of Aggression

Are you a dog professional that wants to learn more about assessing reactive dogs? Laurie and I have a 4 part, live event, Unpacking Reactivity starting 5/25! Learn more and register here

Need Help With Your Reactive Dog? 1:1 Coaching with Jessica