Cog-Dog Radio Repair vs Rescue: When Food is and is Not Helpful
Sep 23, 2025
This discussion dives deep into the dual nature of food in dog training. It explores the difference between using food for immediate rescue versus long-term repair. Sarah shares a personal experience illustrating how food can succeed or fail in high-stress situations. She outlines a helpful three-step approach for fearful dogs and warns against the pitfalls of misusing food, stressing the importance of timing and trust. This nuanced look challenges conventional views and offers valuable insights on when food can truly help.
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Walking Past A Scary Truck
- Sarah Stremming describes navigating Carson past a flashing maintenance truck that triggered intense fear and pulling behavior.
- She used escape, social support, then safety signaling before offering food as repair.
Fear Undermines Food As Rescue
- Food offered during acute fear disregards the function of fear and often won't help since the body de-prioritizes eating.
- Successful food use requires the dog to already feel safe enough to accept it.
Use Food As Repair, Not Rescue
- Use food as repair only after the dog has cooled down and is already in a safety zone or to keep them off the ledge preemptively.
- Practice trusted food scenarios so eating becomes an accessible safety signal.