I have read an enormous amount of resources, spent a fortune in classes and trainers, and am now working with a veterinary behaviourist and force-free trainer. These are the tips that have changed both of our lives for the better.
- Keep this mantra on repeat: your dog is not giving you a hard time, they are having a hard time
- Try to build (and use!) a support network
- Management of triggers is key
- Rest is SO important
- Build predictably - stick to a routine and play predictably games
- The power of sniffing as a calming mechanism
- Training and behavioural advice/knowledge has evolved and changed, don't assume you know if you've had dogs in the past
- Take time out for yourself
- Acknowledge how hard it is
- Keep calm (acknowledging that everyone is human and humans have big feelings sometimes too!)
- Keep a loose lead shoulder and calm body language
- Be careful not to inadvertently alert your dog to triggers (e.g. tightening the lead/getting your treat ready)
- Try a white noise machine/dog calming music
- Block visual triggers
- Learning is not linear, setbacks don't mean starting again
- Try to have fun with your dog
- Make a list of 3 daily wins, even if tiny
- Try to find the right daycare/sitter, particularly if doing it by yourself
- Talk to your daycare about drop-off/pick-up if these are difficult
- Enrichment
- Don't go for walks if stressful
- Meds take time (and may need several trials) but help create space to work on changing the emotional response
- Talk to the neighbours - give them chocolate 🙂
- Use a longline
- Use a vest/I need space lead
- Advocate for your dog and their space
- Keep a log of reactions and sleep - it can be hard when you're so close to recognise improvements
- Do a pain trial
- Remember that your dog decides what's stressful/scary, not you
- Develop a strong cue word/clicker
- Work with a veterinary behaviourist (if possible) and a force-free trainer
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