Life With Your Dog Ep265 - Sliding scales of reactivity & confidence building: Calem Dunphy of K9 Kuriosity
Nov 26, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Calem Dunphy, founder of K9 Kuriosity and expert in training reactive dogs, shares his insights on building canine confidence and resilience. He introduces his innovative sliding scales framework for understanding triggers and motivation. Calem emphasizes the importance of teaching dogs to make choices over mere obedience and highlights strategies for handling arousal post-play. He also shares practical tips for new trainers and reflects on his journey into the dog training industry, making it a must-listen for dog enthusiasts.
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Sliding Scales Of Reactivity
- Reactivity is a three-variable sliding scale: motivation, trigger intensity, and distance.
- Trainers must balance those three to keep the dog engaged and progressing.
Seek Out Triggers Strategically
- Go looking for the trigger so you control timing and distance rather than waiting passively.
- Be ready to reward good choices big and use corrective pressure if the dog makes the wrong choice.
Teach Choice, Not Constant Obedience
- Teach dogs to make choices instead of relying on constant obedience.
- Reward decision-making and only use obedience when necessary to scaffold brave choices.
