Changing how YOU feel about your dog's triggers

We all know that how we react to our dogs’ triggers has an impact on how our dogs react to their triggers. We know that when we show that we’re afraid, it confirms to our dogs that there really is something to be scared of. That we need our dogs to step up and help us out.

We know that we’re supposed to hide how we feel.

And yet, when we ARE afraid, not showing it is a pretty tall order. Especially when we remember that our dogs have special receptors in their noses that can detect our stress hormones. Feeling guilty because you’re making it worse and it’s all your fault really isn’t helpful...and let’s be clear here, it isn’t true either.

Let me say that again. It’s not your fault that your dog is shouty-barky.

That said, there are ways that we can change our emotional response.

And by changing our own emotional response, we'll be helping our dogs to change *their* emotional response too.

So, next time you see a trigger without your dog present, try this:

Acknowledge how your dog would feel about the trigger, and then acknowledge how YOU feel.

Separate your feelings from your dog’s feelings. You are not the same.

Now say out loud how you want to feel. Say it like you mean it!

Practise a few times. Allow yourself to believe it. Own your mind and own that new feeling.

Then, when you're with your dog and you see their trigger, tell your dog what you see and that you are not afraid.

Calmly give your about-turn signal to your dog, and leave.

And let me know how it goes!

Stephie

ps if you're ready to take the next step by joining The Calmer Canines Academy, drop me a message today!

Website: www.CalmerCanines.co.uk

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheShoutyBarkyDogLady

Book a call: https://tidycal.com/thoughtfulpawsdogtraining/20-minute-chat-with-stephie