Reactive Dogs! Why Dog Owners Need To Know About Green, Yellow And Red Zones And Social Sensitivity #296

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Feb 21, 2025

Explore the complexities of socially sensitive dogs and their varied reactions to other canines. Discover the significance of the Green, Yellow, and Red Zones in understanding your dog's comfort levels. Learn practical strategies and fun games to boost your dog's confidence through active and passive methods. The importance of routines like the Relaxation Protocol and having a safe 'Home Zone' is discussed. Plus, find out how to leverage everyday moments for building resilience and recognize when your dog is ready for new challenges.

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INSIGHT

Socially Sensitive Dogs

Socially sensitive dogs react to other dogs in three ways: shrinking, invigorated, or proactive.
Proactive dogs, often labeled reactive, face judgment, but their behavior stems from genetics, upbringing, and owner influence.

ADVICE

Rule Out Health Issues

Address underlying health issues like thyroid problems, diet, or pain before training.
Consult a vet for a full thyroid panel, adjust diet, and consider a canine chiropractor or body worker.

ADVICE

Grow Passive Confidence

Build passive confidence with a relaxation protocol in different locations, starting at home.
Gradually introduce new environments and surfaces like dog beds, towels, and various textures.

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Visit us at shapedbydog.com

Socially sensitive dogs can react to other dogs in many ways. Some shrink away, others get invigorated and overexcited, and some dogs are proactively reactive. When you know if your dog is in the green, yellow or red zone and the three phases to action, you can build their resilience and set them up for success so they can thrive in any environment. Understanding a dog’s response to other dogs and having a Code Yellow Protocol is key to helping them feel safe and confident.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• Why some dogs are socially sensitive and what that looks like. • The three phases to help your dog gain confidence. • How to grow confidence passively and actively. • Fun games to help your dog grow confidence in a safe way. • About the importance of the Relaxation Protocol. • The importance of a "Home Zone" for socially sensitive dogs. • Why dogs in a highly aroused state can’t learn. • About a dog’s Green, Yellow and Red Zones • How to use the Code Yellow Protocol to help your dog. • The role of reflection and recharging in your dog’s progress. • How to recognize when your dog is ready for the next step. • About turning everyday moments into confidence-building opportunities. • How Home School the Dog can give you the tools to support your dog’s progress.

Home School the Dog: Write to us at wag@dogsthat.com with the subject line “Socially Sensitive” for a very special opportunity to join us in Home School The Dog.

Learn How To Play ItsYerChoice: ItsYerChoice Summit - https://recallers.com/iycsummit-join/

Resources:

1. Podcast Episode 236: Understanding Dog Fear (Part 1): Genetics, Trauma, And Your Dog’s Well-being - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/236/ 2. Shaped by Dog Podcast - http://shapedbydog.com/ 3. Podcast Episode Search for ‘Reactivity’ - https://dogsthat.com/?s=reactivity 4. YouTube Playlist: Reactive or Aggressive Dogs: Key Insights with Susan Garrett - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy0Tbd6ZybIXgJk3mtpBLLk7&si=l3sqeZ-ZdglQrbzf 5. Podcast Episode 81: Sudden Aggression and Your Dog’s Thyroid - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/81/ 6. Podcast Episode 204: Dog Behavior And Diet: Recovery For This! Beyond Dog Training Part 2 - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/204/ 7. Podcast Episode 191: Get Your Dog To Calm Down With This Common Sense Protocol For Relaxation - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/191/ 8. YouTube Video: Susan Garrett’s Hand Target: Dog Training Games Within Games - https://youtu.be/_WH3nm9FR4A?si=1W4dY-qutc1KhoOx 9. Podcast Episode 18: 4 Puppy and Dog Training Games for Acquired Bite Inhibition - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/18/ 10. YouTube Video: Susan Garrett’s Perch Work Dog Tricks (Pivots and Spins) - https://youtu.be/O6sj6fTJnFc?si=XqtLyRfoHpEBzF18 11. YouTube Video: Understanding You Dog’s Reinforcement Zone (RZ) with Susan Garrett - https://youtu.be/OaUAScgaFAg 12. YouTube Playlist: Target Training for Dogs with Susan Garrett - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy3ylCyQ2bJQSCwo_ERiVHj3&si=mHzTcBxTZ0AqY-gA 13. Podcast Episode 278: Food Puzzles: Key Mistakes To Avoid And Strategies To Help Your Dog Best Deal With Frustration - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/278/ 14. Podcast Episode 227: My Foolproof Strategy To Overcoming Dog Training Challenges - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/227/ 15. Watch this Episode of Shaped by Dog on YouTube - https://youtu.be/DgMZRuNm_q8