This is making your REACTIVE and ANXIOUS dog's behaviour WORSE!

[@Aurianne-h1d]

Really insightful, thank you

[@thecompletecanine]

Thank you! Glad it was helpful!

[@drunkcorgies]

I think it's very dependent on the dog though if you should or shouldn't make them sit. I think the most important thing is to not panic so much when someone sees a dog more than the sitting. Like, my dogs can sit just fine when dog walks by.

[@thecompletecanine]

Yes dog training is never one size fits all! But panicking with your dog that clearly wants more space isnt going to help them

[@dan_kay]

Huh? The point of exposure is that they must not flight or fight. The only thing I allow as a trainer is ignorance. If I allow the dog to walk away from every "scary" moment, it will be his or her to-go solution for any scary moment. But then, s/he will never experience that nothing is actually happening and they will never get over it. The entire idea of desensitization through exposure is to gently force them to stay and see what's coming. I as the handler/trainer have already determined that the situation is not dangerous, and therefore, no, I am no taking your fear seriously. Get over it!

[@thecompletecanine]

Cool, if its a set up training session. Not if its a random dog coming around the corner barking its head off at your dog with an owner that has no clue whats going on. Also telling your dog that their fear is valid and I will take care of it does teach them to get over it. No need to flood the dog and just say “deal with it”.