Are you struggling with your reactive dog?

Module 1 focuses on what reactivity is and how it effects us and our dogs. It introduces mindset and covers practical ways that we can change our mindset from threat to challenge.

This module will cover:

1. What reactivity is and where it comes from.
2. How reactivity affects us and why it is so difficult to cope with.
3. Safety: the crux of the matter.
4. Changing our mindset from threat to challenge.

Module 2 focuses on addressing the blocks we inadvertently put in our own way and how we can address them.

1. This module will cover:

   1. The importance of physiology and posture to our emotional state.
   2. How to address our negativity bias and the limiting beliefs that hold us back.
   3. Cultivating the Inner Coach: how to change your mind and your thinking patterns.
   4. Effective self-care: how to do it and why it is important to your dog's wellbeing.

Module 3 will teach you how to observe your dog so that you will be able to predict how they will behave in different situations and will highlight triggers that you can address even before you leave your home. 

1. The predictable dog: rethinking trigger stacking

2. ACE observations:becoming a dog detective.

3. The Emotional dog and ACE

4. The power of language, labels and limiting beliefs.

Module 4 looks at how we interact with other people. It covers dealing with less than helpful strangers and their out of control dogs as well as getting family and friends on board and finding allies who will help and support us.

1. Why people do what they do and ways to handle it.
2. Reframing our responses.
3. Strategies for managing loose dogs and careless owners. 
4. Getting family and friends on board and cultivating allies.

Module 5 looks at how we lead our dogs, the equipment and tools we use, and how we can ensure we and our dog are both walking comfortably and in balance. 

1. Rethinking loose lead walking
2. How equipment influences our dog
3. Tools and techniques for walking in balance
4. Loose lead walking from both ends of the lead

Expected dates: Aug 10-Sep 4 2020, 4 weeks

Module 6 is a 2-part module over 6 weeks. Part 1 looks at how to meet your dog's needs without walks and Part 2 explores how to make sure your walks, when you take them, are peaceful and relaxed.

Part 1 (Sep 21-Oct 9 2020):

1. What our dogs need.
2. The Deconstructed Dog Walk.
3. Walk alternatives.

Part 2 (Oct 19-Nov 6 2020):

1. Using thresholds to keep the peace.
2. Practising hazard awareness.
3. Managing meltdowns.

Module 7 is a 2-part module over 8 weeks. Part 1 looks at how your dog learns and the role of management and positive reinforcement in changing your dog's behaviour. Part 2 explores the four levels of the YEL Training Pyramid with practical tools to help your dog be calm, to develop essential life skills, to build your connection and to change their response to triggers.

Part 1:

1. How dogs learn.
2. Making the most of reinforcers.
3. Management vs training.
4. Practising training as a skill.

Part 2:

1. Training for comfort and calmness.
2. Training for essential life skills.
3. Training to build connection.
4. Training to change response to triggers.

Module 8 explores progress: how we record and measure it and why this is important. It also looks at the difficult issue of what to do when our progress is not enough.

1. Setting clear and realistic goals. 
2. Practising effectively.
3. Reviewing progress.
4. When progress is not enough.