How to Build Trust With a Fearful, Anxious, Reactive, or Aggressive Dog

[@LoneLupine]

The dog sniffing the ground when they're uncomfortable is relatable to me pretending to look at my phone when i have social anxiety lol. Great vid

[@Unknownhope777]

Thank you! I adopted an abused dog and he did those signs but i didn't notice. Thx! God answered my prayers 🙏

[@lallred1911]

I just train my dogs to heel on both the right and the left. If we are doing an obedience competition, the dog is on the left. If we are walking the trails, the dog is on the right so I can be between the dog and whoever is coming down the trail toward us or whoever is passing us from behind.

[@bellabowwow2204]

Exactly, step up to show your dog you can help prevent the stress from triggers. My pup has been such a magnet for loose dogs to come out of neighbor's yards to try to challenge her on dog walks. But using a small retractable umbrella to keep the challengers back at a reasonably safe distance has helped her reactivity so much

[@1packatak]

Yes!!!! So wonderful to see someone explain the real importance of not only understanding your dog’s body language, but the importance of how you use your body language! Putting the two together can create an excellent relationship and training/learning environment.

[@franliu1488]

Tried this method with my reactive GSD in elevator, she didn’t bark , thank you 🙏 this is so helpful ❤

[@imendoza525]

I did this technique instinctually when we went hiking in SF and it worked. Although, one lady with a well trained, off leash Doberman was a little peeved that we wouldn’t let her dog come up to my dog. Said her dog was friendly but I didn’t want my dog to take a step back in trust and training.

[@loriciafaloni512]

This is the best video I’ve seen regarding dealing with a reactive dog. Advocating physically makes so much sense. When in a stressful situation with my reactive dog, I move to the other side of the street and/or treat him to try to get him to focus on me. I’ve been missing the physical part, that is, getting in front of him so he feels protected. Thank you!!

[@aprilk569]

What an amazing, comprehensive video. We just adopted a very nervous shelter dog and I've been looking for ways to build her trust and confidence. Excited to put this into action. Thank you so much!!

[@bronzephantomgaming9235]

How has this worked for you? Looking into getting a young boxer who’s nervous

[@aprilk569]

@bronzephantomgaming9235 Oh my goodness - night and day! It's been a process for both of us, but at least 3/4 of the time now she'll sit and look to me for direction (and treats) now. On the occasions where something catches us both off guard and she's panicked/ trying to get away from something scary, she comes back into a workable frame of mind much more quickly than she used to. It takes a lot of consistency and patience, but it's worth it! Best of luck to you 💛

[@robinrutherfordcost4748]

​@@bronzephantomgaming9235any type of Nose Work helps build their confidence too. I fwd this video to my students with fearful or less confident dogs. Susan Garrett has a video on building your dog's confidence zones. Sara Ondrako has a video on how to make a snuffle mat with a pocket. Dollar tree has the mats in the kitchen section, just use a double knot as if you only use 1 knot, the strips come off once you wash it. Helps stimulate them mentally and tamp down their energy levels. My less confident Dobe is a different dog because of Nose Work. And he leaves his lunch in his bowl - has to have it in his snuffle mat. Also getting him used to the Hound of the Baskervilles muzzle has actually helped build his confidence too. Check out Chirag Patel's muzzle training from 13 yrs ago. Hope that helps.

[@TOTG777]

I had amazing success using these techniques on my very fearful small dog this morning. Thank you!

[@attheranch4876]

This was excellent! You have no idea how helpful this is. I’m adopting a nervous older Chihuahua in a couple of days. You’ve helped him a lot!!!

[@mayaserenaher5336]

This was so helpful. It makes perfect sense that we need to communicate with our dogs physically to build trust. My dog is very reactive to anyone in the house too - even people they’ve seen before many times. Would love some tips on how to help calm them down when guests are over and we can’t just get the “stressor” to go away ASAP.

[@Rlk-l9x]

My dog does the same with people coming in the house even ones she’s seen before. She’ll bark (awhile backing up) non stop. I ask them to ignore her and not to reach out to pet because she won’t let them near her anyway in that state. The ones that do, she calms down and ignores them. But many friends insist they’re dog friendly and continue to try and pet her and it’s so aggravating (because it never works). She’s extremely friendly and submissive (with other dogs) but on walks it’s people and dogs. I can’t wait to try this.

[@HKarlsson]

@@Rlk-l9x You must step in and say no to those people. It doesn't matter why, it's your dog and the dog needs to be respected. I often tell people to not pet my dog. If you are afraid of conflict you could use the excuse "we're training right now".

[@Rlk-l9x]

@@HKarlsson you’re so right. I have starting saying no on walks. And since COVID haven’t had the 2 friends over that are insistent. My HVAC guy had to come in the house, he completely ignored her. She smelled from a distance and got very close (just to smell). He never even looked at her or tried to pet her (he was so good). So I’ve seen it work.

[@HKarlsson]

@@Rlk-l9x Yeah it really works. Meeting people or other dogs isn't "normal" for dogs. That's why we have to focus on this/train for it. Here's why being a good and trusting leader really helps out. Your dog should be 100% sure you will take care of the situation, if you don't= The dog will try to solve the situation.

[@HKarlsson]

@@Rlk-l9x So sorry for grammatical errors and so forth. Second language and writing whilst home with my 3 kids and my rottie puppy :)

[@yaninanabieva5273]

As a novice in a dog world I found this video very helpful. Thank you!

[@donnaallgaier-lamberti3933]

This is a highly pertinent topic for my situation, thank you. Our 16-month-old rescue Lab/Terrier Ginger spent her first year of life in a crate, in a kennel in a warehouse with 200+ other dogs in a southern humane society. She is 70 pounds, super strong and exhibits reactivity; leash pulling, barking and growls at passerby's, bikes with riders, and other dogs. We live on a very busy bike trail in an area that is quiet in the winter months (tourist town) but VERY active in the summer months so there is a LOT of opportunity for reactive behavior. She has gotten better on the bike trail in the past 6 months, but we have seen zero improvements with other dogs. Ginger is loving with my husband and I but she has behavior issues and is not good with strange men or other dogs. The idea of advocating for my dog has been very helpful for me. I never thought of stepping between my dog other people in the way you suggest. I usually avoid whenever possible, turn and walk the other way to put more space between us. If I have no other choice, I have set my dog down with her back to the car, boat, bike and tell her to "look at me" and then give her liver treats as rewards for good behavior when she does what I ask. I will be watching more of your videos, and I subscribed.

[@tiffanycoudriet2700]

Love your videos! I also love that you are normalizing muzzles in your videos. I put one on my boy, who is a Corso and does not like people in his space, wherever we go in public. These are great tips and I've learned so much!

[@angel.heart007]

My 1 yr old Frenchie literally screams at the sight of other dogs. He doesn’t growl but he screams. We sent him to a puppy school but it was embarrassing that he’d scream. We try to get his attention by smelling his snacks as soon as he starts screaming. I don’t know why … so I’m not really sure where to begin. But this video has great info!

[@Caroline-pb8xx]

I volunteer at a rescue and one of our dogs screams, too. Sometimes I just have to laugh! I hope things get better soon!

[@angel.heart007]

@@Caroline-pb8xx Thanks! He’s gotten a little better. Maybe as he gets older he’ll stop the screams.lol He’s such a good boy and means no harm so ya we just laugh too😁

[@chloeindigo]

That's just how frenchies sound... But it is often excited

[@hunterkinkead3543]

My Frenchie use to do that when he was younger. He’s gotten so much better after I started walking him 5x’s a day to socialize him when we first got him.

[@angel.heart007]

@@hunterkinkead3543 good to hear! Hopefully our little boy outgrows it. And the funny thing is his scream sounds so painful omg. He’s 1 1/2 now and we’ve been walking him and he’s stayed at pet hotels but he’s still got that cry/scream. He’s such a sweet boy and loves people but the moment he sees dogs usually the big ones he gets scared. Hoping he gets better as time goes by😁

[@ashleya8532]

I adopted a dog a month and a half ago and he came with reactivity toward people and dogs, particularly men and when either of those stimuli moves. I'm definitely gonna try this and see how he responds! Thank you for sharing from your own experience something to SUPPORT dogs! I love that you say, "advocate for your dog". I absolutely love that concept/idea because it's not one I've heard from any other trainer or KZbin video I've watched! So, thank you :)

[@beckinevison-smith1025]

This is just what I need right now. I have an extremely anxious border collie. She hates roads, cyclists, noises, busy places and many other things. We have tried all sorts, but if she hears or sees something she doesn't like... She just runs. I was getting really confused by the different training methods, some say to ignore it and not to encourage the anxious behaviour, some say to take your dog our of the situation, some even said that shock collars are the way to go. I have been trying to find a way to demonstrate to my dog that she doesn't have to worry, that I will handle anything, I have not been able to find anything... until now. We haven't been able to get a dog trainer due to covid. I also think that covid has made her worse as she sees us giving people a wide birth for social distance, or even crossing the road. This video is a great start at being able to communicate to my dog that she can trust me. I know you will probably not see this message as it was filmed so long ago.. but thanks anyway.

[@fajrfighter]

Hi Becki, have you had any success in training your dog, using Method K9 methods? We are in a similar situation with our Swiss sheperd.

[@BabsieBarbara]

Perfect lesson thank you so much ❤

[@BaughbeSauce]

I think this may help my situation at least a little. Today marks the 5th time in the last YEAR that my service dog has been bum-rushed by an off-leash, untrained dog. This time it was a mastiff. The dog saw us and I was like "uhhhhg, no. That dog is gonna run over to us." Yup. She did. Owner had zero control, dog had no leash, no collar, no fence, nothing. It was starting okay, but the dog kept putting her nose on my dog's belly and when she told her to "stop", the dog attacked. I got mild injuries, my dog is okay. The guy had to tackle his dog to the ground to get her off. My husband couldn't help because he was holding our 3 year old son up away from the untrained mastiff. She was NEVER reactive until we moved and she started getting attacked or rushed up to by strange dogs with no way to escape. I try to move away, but THEY'RE OFF LEASH. They just follow us. She actually STARTED an altercation a couple of weeks ago with a dog I know to be friendly, but it tried to jump up at me and she immediately was like "NOT AGAIN! THREAT!" She used to be bomb-proof until she was rushed and flat-out attacked by a big lab about 2.5 years ago. But now we are having reactivity issues with dogs (and I've noticed some more frequent stress signs in public that she didn't have before) and I don't know what to do. There are SO MANY off-lead, untrained dogs and no fences. I'm sure my own reactivity of "oh, God. Here we go" didn't help, but I'm really feeling at a loss. She goes with me everywhere because she is service but what do I do about other people's untrained and unrestrained animals running up to us, aggressive or non-aggressive. We have an issue with adults and sometimes kids just running up to her and trying to grab at her which she is now also starting to show stress signs to. I think it's gradually becoming less about dogs and more about being rushed at.

[@psg6065]

This is the video I have been looking for- my dog sniffs the ground in some environments and acts superb in others- and I really couldn’t put the pieces together. I need to advocate for her more- thank you

[@Disteh]

Yeah I have exactly that kind of dog, not comfortable with other people and other dog. I’m glad I learned how to listen with her first sign and that is growling telling me move that dog or that person away from me please.

[@rtjv90]

Thank you for this! Very clearly explained and I shall do this with my pup who’s been uncomfortable around other dogs

[@myown3am]

I think this is the missing link we needed! Thank you!

[@eleanorclub]

Thank you for this! Advocating physically is clear to your dog and humans -- and part of caring for my dog. He knows I'll deal with the phone zombies and their dogs, the handsy swooping strangers, traffic, etc. He relaxes more -- he doesn't worry that a situation is his responsibility. (He's a rescue who has made such strides as I've learned him and his signals.) Thanks again -- you're a great inspiration.

[@calmdowngurl]

💕

[@xxBreakxxAwayxx3]

Really clear and informative content!!! Amazing work tysm!!! Building trust is so important, and good leadership means modeling what you want to see and setting the dog up for success!

[@DaStrangeWeasel]

Thank you so much for talking about advocacy and body language. Unfortunately, so many people will think we're being rude! Also thanks for mentioning places we could start training our dogs at. An empty parking lot and a few relaxed people could go a long way.

[@jenniferwilkerson7477]

Thank you this is exactly what I need to see for the missing piece in our training.

[@mannycalavera2335]

I came back from vacation and my dog was reactive when leashed. I could not figure it out. But what seemed to have happened is that the person taking care of him put him on a long leash and a harness and let him roam for himself among other people and other dogs. I know my dog does not like to be left to himself like that when leashed. The reactivity has gone away almost entirely over time. And I think the key was putting him on a normal length leash and collar, and my dog re-learning that I take the lead and he does not need to worry about meeting other dogs on leash or no one picking up on his ques. He still sometimes indicate discomfort, but only in ways that are very acceptable, and actually helpful in terms of me understanding how he feels and how to respond.

[@katieshearing6015]

Thank you for keeping it simple and breaking everything down so it makes sense.

[@methodk9]

Welcome :)

[@SunFlower-x3]

I just shared your vid with people you know. You are to the point, and offer help the situation. A lot of my neighbors would appreciate your suggestions because, while your help is kind, it's not coated. But people like me appreciate it, because it's what's needed in order to have a more healthier family member.

[@methodk9]

Thank you!

[@johnfloyd838]

Excellent information on this video, I have a 6and a half male spaniel mix that I rescued 4 and a half years ago and every time I have walked him on my street he always barks at people and children and I have to restrain him when they get close to me but he is a very sweet and loving dog with me and my wife and thanks for the info on this video, I will be doing that with my dog ❤️😎👍

[@analogR]

This is really well explained, thank you!!

[@sueshrodes9462]

Extremely helpful video....thank you! Especially the way you explained the first signs dog is uncomfortable, trying to communicate with us. I am definitely going to work on the trust issue.

[@estefaniaflores9113]

Thank you for physically showing how to advocate for my little one… was a major moment for me and made a lot of sense hopefully it translates well in the moment haha

[@learning2no]

Thank you for a very clear explanation and demonstration. This is a very different picture than what I was taught in the past. Great training for humans!😊

[@catherinet6636]

Thank you so much for this one! Thank you for breaking it down so simply on how to communicate with dogs vs people. And helping us understand what they need from us. I really feel I can be more of an advocate for my reactive pup.

[@reyhernandez7810]

Steph, your so good. Thanks for this video 🙂 thanks Method team.

[@carolhensel7712]

Thanks so much for this very helpful video. An online dog group I'm a part of suggested watching this video. I've had so many trainers...but none that completely suggested advocating with body language! That's a wonderful suggestion!! I've been verbal in the past, but now I will train more with body movements and see how it goes. Do you always have a muzzle on the dogs when you take them in situations?

[@bgonzalez3217]

Thank you so much for this video, I just rescued a dog, he's very sweet and very social with dogs and humans, but today I think it was TOO much for him. I just realized I didn't advocate for him when we were surrounded by kids and I let them pet him for a long time... He got very anxious and sad :( and now I understand why. I'm gonna do so much better now

[@sonyak9879]

Thank you soooooooo much😁 I've been handling my little Emma/20 pound terrier Completly Wrong😣 Thank you so much for these videos thank you SO VERY MUCH😁♥️

[@methodk9]

Glad it helped :)

[@codybouscaren6492]

Great tips. Thank you for this.

[@thankmelater1254]

Very good suggestions on body posturing language! Thank you.

[@suecullen631]

The best answer I have ever gotten for my gsd frankie thank you i will build trust reward

[@roxanne-lovingpetcare3449]

this video was very helpful, thank you

[@batucave]

Probably the best way of presentation of training i have come across. Utmost thanks.

[@jessicarabbit9704]

Your videos help me understand my dog's behavior and how to alter my own behavior to help my furbaby feel safer and calmer! Thank you so much!

[@methodk9]

Welcome :)

[@ebinstructor]

Excellent video! Thank you!

[@WR4SSE]

Very helpful and well explained.

[@freedomspearman3774]

Very educational video, good job.

[@dreamsofalpine]

Very helpful points, thank you for posting

[@metricdeep8856]

I look after a friend's (covid rescue) dog......and I have become the favorite person to this Aussie. I never went to dog parks but the new owner almost exclusively did. I have fed really high quality red meat and literally hand-fought off other very aggressive dogs on trails. She knows I will protect her and provide. BUT.... She will fiercely protect my car, home and even lunge at small children! (while I tie my shoe....just to protect her time/space with me?) Have I overdone something? or overlooked something? I certainly intended to look after this dog.....but I don't require protection.....but I somehow developed a bond that is perhaps more problematic than beneficial. This dog is really gentle and loving. This dog was rescued by "mom" after a separation but knows our children and me, "dad" The original (covid) owner is no longer in the picture. I don't mean to complain.....This dog is the best relationship I have ever known. But this aggression is (potentially) a threat to this very animal if I fail to control it. ...and it's it's not my dog either.....I'm in a tough spot.

[@TheBunkerbunny5]

I live where there aren’t any sidewalks. So I have a command to tell my dogs to get off the road to let a car pass. I am between the dogs and car. And it makes sense that they are fine with cars. But with other dogs and people I have not done this and my shepherd is extremely reactive. So this makes sense because I see the differences in my behavior with each trigger and her response. In other words, I know this will work with dogs and people when I start to apply it. 💡 Makes sense now, 😊

[@yasminaguemar1073]

this is brilliant. Thank you.

[@goagatago]

Good video. Question. Why do you only walk them on the left. I never understood that.

[@juliehenderson1672]

Excellent presentation. Thank you.

[@juliannafrishkorn8456]

Fantastic video

[@cynthiaconkity8745]

Do you happen to have a video showing how to correctly fit a Herm Sprenger prong collar? Such as how tight it should be and where it should sit on the dog neck? Thank you!

[@katiejohnson5251]

This was such a useful video! Thank you so much.

[@TRJE114]

Great video , thank you.

[@vincef7487]

Good information! It all boils down to COMMUNICATION. 👍🏽‼️

[@anxious_and_avoidant]

How do you know how to balance advocacy with desensitization? For example, my dog is fine in public being around people but doesn’t like to be approached. Will I always have to accommodate that fear or will there be a point where I should push him a little to help him overcome that?

[@yairrivera5618]

Great video thank you

[@mtspp5801]

This is really helpful, thank you!

[@elenacodanunziante7375]

Very helpful content!

[@DF-te2vm]

Thankyou, continue with more dog understandings please

[@28704joe]

I someone else's video they faced the incoming stranger to show they were addressing the issue. They indicated putting your back to the stranger caused the dog to be more protective of you. That case may have been an overprotective aggressive dog though. Interesting and well presented. " You need to prove to them that you can handle the situation" Well said. Thank you.

[@jordanabir]

Great content 🏆

[@markmceathron2013]

I seem to recall a video that used to be on this channel where Steph was walking a dog through Cabelas, and explaining her thought process as she goes through the store. Avoiding certain people, being okay with others, turning away from groups, and so on. One person asked if he could pet the dog, and she told him no, that the dog was training right now, and so on. I wanted to show it to my wife to give her an idea of how to take our Cane Corso out and socialize while advocating for the dog, building trust, and setting her up for success. I cannot seem to find that video anymore.

[@methodk9]

I think that was a live video on one of our social media pages.

[@markmceathron2013]

@@methodk9 I think I found it! How to Walk an Aggressive Dog in a Public Place (2018) kzbin.info/www/bejne/h6e2cpp7q6qDia8

[@nooneimportant1491]

I super appreciate you ❤️

[@jjjz1234]

OMG! This video I was so amazing. So informative so understanding nonjudgmental. I’m really looking forward to starting this with my two year old. Who is the sweetest but does a bunch of fears that has keeps him from all kinds of experiences and socializing with new dogs. I know he would love to have more playmates. Keep me to get started on this. Thank you for giving us a lifeline.

[@rebel7116]

Thank you so much for this video. I just adopted a fear reactive dog. This was so helpful !!

[@shadeylady8993]

Thank you so much

[@martinavelasco7421]

This is really helpful. I wonder what her answer would be if an off leash dog was approaching fast. How would we stand? The same or differently?

[@watchmoivies123]

This was very good. I loved it, but I have a question. Do you feel as though this dog was genetically foreign this way and if so, do you feel Lizzo? It just Hass to be managed and never really fixed thank you very much.

[@nicola4789]

Thank you for this!

[@eannicole205]

Thank you

[@sarabeitler5550]

This is great!

[@carolemuenzer5490]

❤ thank you so important

[@Tasiparsa]

Thanks very helpful 👍

[@sonjamoore4405]

A very helpful video on how to advocate for my dog. I've never thought of that part with my fearful, anxious American Bulldog, as I have never come across it in my search on how to help him deal with stressful situations better. Besides meeting strangers, he is also very sensitive to loud road noises when we go for walks. Like big, noisy trucks, buses and loud, powerful motorbikes. So, the correct way to advocate for him when I hear these vehicles approaching from behind or from the front is to put myself between him and the vehicle, as they pass by right? Thank you so much

[@candelariosalazar5357]

Thank you 🙏

[@mullerlarco]

Going to try this with my boy when we go out later. Fingers crossed 🤞

[@methodk9]

It's a long term fix.

[@mullerlarco]

Yeah I know it will take some time 💙 but I'm glad I have something to start trying with him at least until the trainer I've contacted gets back to me 🙂

[@KingsMom831]

Well done! Just discovered your channel😁

[@sailingsustainably5625]

My tendency has been to step in front of my dog when an off-leash dog is running towards me and my dog in a predator (low body) intense manner or bounding rambunctious manner. Then I move my body around my dog to block the approaching dogs access. I do this because I don't want my back to the approaching intense dog AND I want to advocate for my dog. Any advice on managing approaching dogs that are off leash?

[@Mykitchenchanne1]

Do you have a video on how to handle an unleashed dog that comes straight over to make contact with a clients dog that you are walking? I’m a dog walker and my clients dog is afraid of other dogs and also doesn’t like to be lifted up. He’s only about 16 lbs but squeals if I try to protect him by picking him up. I don’t touch the unleashed dog but ask the owner to please honor my request and put their dog on a leash (to which some refuse to do). But this all happens so quickly and I’m afraid one of the dogs or both well get hurt. I just grabbed my clients dog by the harness and kept his face towards me while free dog was sniffing him. This really upsets me too that some dog owners think it’s okay for their dog to approach other dogs without permission. Thx in advance for advice !

[@beautifulaspen6583]

Agreed. Some dog owners are completely disrespectful and uncaring about the wishes of another person with a dog. I've had an off leash pitbull(on a sidewalk owner was biking with their dog) come running at two of my client's dogs. Luckily I knew what to do to stop the dog and send her back to her owner. The guy did try meekly to call her back but had zero control over her. When I told the man that it was not okay that his dog was doing this. He responded in a very childish manner. Taking zero responsibility for what had occurred. This is one of the big reasons that dogs get into trouble. They don't have an owner who's responsible and will keep their dog that they don't have control over on leash. In this situation the dog should have been on leash.

[@wildwestnomad6362]

I honestly just kicked a dog in the face for this. The owners had ZERO control and their dogs were coming for us way to fast that if I were to have moved they would have came even faster and then my back would have been turned to the entire situation. And we had TONS of space but the biggest issue was the other dogs owners had zero control over them. 😭😭😭😭

[@chloeindigo]

My dog wants to keep things like this in sight a lot so Im not sure she would allow be to stand between her and the trigger. I've tried this before and she continuously moves her head to see and won't listen to me, as if she has to be on alert and mr facing her signals I'm not aware of the threat. She also tries to scent the air a lot. People aren't a trigger on their own. Its more like random figures in the distance or people staring at her for an extended period without showing friendliness to her (eye contact with pats and love is fine). Generally people she's fearful of aren't trying to approach her (that's actually what she sees as part of the problem) so I don't know how I can stand between a lot of the time.

[@maryjanedelaney7534]

Im gona try this

[@reneedraper7407]

This totally makes sense. I have a rescued husky who is about 4-5 yrs old. I've had her since she came into the shelter 4 yrs ago. She is very fearful of people especially men and very protective of me. When walking on the beach, someone will get close and she goes into this play bowing and barking kind of thing. How do I incorporate training for anxiety and insecurity into my daily routine? And what can i do so she is not so reactive when people approach me. Thank you in advance

[@jaynemurdoch8672]

This is great, thank you, Is there info on the other things that need to be considered?

[@1sbittner]

Great video, great explanation. As a fellow dog trainer, I tell people all the time to never just walk up to an unknow dog and reach for them.

[@hikiik]

I agree with everything you’re saying but at the same time if I’m protecting my dogs from everything then he may never be able to get over his fear I will show him that I can handle it but how to I still make him feel calm when facing the fear

[@amywilson7070]

Thank you, my exact question! I would think this sends the message that everyone and everything is a threat and you have to protect your dog from it all!

[@aubreejobizzarro1208]

Oh wow wow wow. So I have a mini story to tell. My dog is selective dog and selective human reactive. We live in an apartment with elevators. I have had amazing success bringing my dog to face me and sit when the elevators open, having his attention on me. He is more calm watching a dog or person exit the elevator while being fed treats while his body faces mine and I am redirecting his attention and gaze to me.

[@cozettemurphy7011]

Most helpful video I have ever watched

[@atiajulii5989]

I recently discovered your training videotapes. I attempted the blocking the dog's viewpoint when other people, dogs, etc are approaching. The training tip worked, however, my dog kept attempting to poke her head around my legs or move to get a better viewpoint. I ended up doing the tango with her to keep her viewpoint blocked. Is this normal behavior. My dog is a three-year-old GS/Lab Mix (F) and very protective of me.

[@rileysherman3497]

Thank you. This is a perfect one to share with my SO. Our doberman has been fearful of other dogs coming up to her (increasingly so) and it's hard for me to explain this for us both to do better for her. We still aren't sure why she is but we can advocate for her better.

[@rileysherman3497]

Yes. We are working on her confidence. It started shortly after moving out from our old house and away from our family dog. He was the one who showed her the ropes. She mostly screams and jumps in the air. Has never bitten another dog. She gives plenty warning that she is uncomfortable. And we try to be vigilant with walks. Unfortunately my county does not have leash laws so we have a lot of issues currently attempting to be fixed. And there's a lot of stigma towards dobies, pits, and bullies in general.

[@sydneyanne1241]

@@rileysherman3497 my roommates lab does not understand personal boundaries or personal bubbles and he really overwhelms my, otherwise, sweet girl. her dog just runs and jumps to anyone and everyone without even asking. it’s so fucking annoying because my roommate doesn’t pick up on social cues either so it’s up to me to communicate to two dogs and at least one person that personal space needs to be respected

[@jeffreyhebda6709]

This is a very good video ! My golden retriever is not fond of other dogs. I thank my g friend for this one as she did not protect him when off leash dogs encroached his privacy. So weird how this can happen but it does. I have to straighten this out now and it’s not easy. Again, what a terrific video ! Yes , I subscribed and hit like !

[@watchmoivies123]

I’m sorry I actually speak my words. I meant to say, do you feel as though this dog just Has to be managed his whole life or it can be fixed or cured

[@movechangeheal7361]

This to me is the most important question of all. That is simply not a happy dog. I love this woman's videos and information, but my experience trying to protect my dog from the inevitablilities of life on this planet was stupid and disastrous. I finally took responsibility and decided if she does not trust me when I say heel, come, sit, stay, she is NOT ready to be out there. She now walks beautifully to heel, if she gets too excited, we stop. We are making huge progress by advocating for her potential rather than conceding to her fears. Just my experience and this is my very first difficult reactive and high drive dog!

[@frostandfreckles]

Massively helpful video! Thank you so much! :) One question: Would it also count as "advocating" for my dog if let's say a person in approaching us but rather than me gravitating to the left/right I ask my dog to "switch sides" (which I've trained her to do)?

[@egle4652]

How about off leash dogs that approach us? I live in a mountain town where most people have their dogs run off leash. At best, they come to say hello and follow my dogs bum for a few meters, at worst, they attack. The more annoyed my dog gets or lashes out, there more 'interesting' he becomes to the other dog. The main street used to be a 'controlled' place for me to socialise my dog and give him good experiences, but in the last year that too has changed. Is it just accepting that in this environment there is no way for my dog to learn to trust me, because I cannot control the environment like I could in a more civilised place? I live in France.