Training Tips From Susan: Reactive Dog Training: Help Dogs Move From Dysregulation To Self-Regulation Case Study
Mar 6, 2025
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Discover effective strategies for training reactive dogs to move from chaos to calm. A fascinating case study reveals how co-regulation and patience can transform a dog's reactions. Dive into techniques like using a chin target to alleviate surprises during walks. The episode draws on a classic game that enhances focus and confidence, showing that with the right approach, even the most dysregulated dogs can thrive in their environment.
Identifying patterns of canine dysregulation through observation is essential for developing personalized strategies to enhance emotional stability and behavior.
Implementing co-regulation techniques, such as gradual desensitization and high-value rewards, fosters a dog's ability to manage stress and achieve self-regulation.
Deep dives
Understanding Canine Dysregulation
Canine dysregulation can manifest in various behaviors, such as excessive barking, lunging, and anxiety in the presence of other dogs. One case described involved a dog that would become extremely agitated whenever she encountered another dog, showcasing how quickly a dog can lose control. The importance of nutrition is highlighted, as the right diet can significantly affect a dog's overall behavior and emotional stability. Through careful observation and journaling, one can identify dysregulation patterns and devise appropriate strategies to support the dog's emotional needs.
The Process of Co-Regulation and Self-Regulation
Co-regulation techniques can facilitate a dog's ability to manage their reactions in stressful situations, such as the presence of other dogs. Strategies include creating distance from the triggering stimuli and providing high-value rewards to reinforce calm behavior. Gradual desensitization is key, as the dog learns to engage in alternative behaviors while becoming accustomed to their triggers, eventually moving toward self-regulation. This process emphasizes the importance of clear communication and reinforcement to ensure that the dog's needs are met without overwhelming them.
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Transforming Dysregulation to Self-Regulation in Reactive Dogs
Hey everyone, it’s Susan, and you’re about to hear one of my training tips and tidbits. These are quick, actionable strategies to help you and your dog in everyday life or for dog sport. Often our short videos with tips are created from your most popular segments of podcast episodes. So, let’s dive in!
Training Tips from Susan: Reactive Dog Training: Help Dogs Move from Dysregulation to Self-Regulation Case Study
If you are training a reactive dog, there’s so much you can do to help them move from dysregulation in the face of triggers to self-regulation. I’ve got a case study of my previously reactive, dysregulated dog This!, covering the steps I took and how strategic co-regulation grew her confidence. Drawing from a game I created for my dog Buzz in the 1990s, a big help to This! was to have her look at what could trigger her and then for her to look back to me. The game is in my book, Shaping Success. For This!, I used a chin target so she was not taken by surprise. There’s more in the video!
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