One of the most common mistakes I see is when owners bring their aggressive dogs to dog parks as a way to "socialize" them. Not only can this be triggering for reactive dogs - making things worse, but it can also put other humans and dogs in an unsafe situation.

In this episode, I’ll explain how you can make the most of dog parks to alleviate your dog’s fear of other dogs or humans (fear is the root cause of their aggression). If you  practice the exercise I discuss in this episode just two times a week for 20 minutes, you can expect to see improvement in your dog.

I discuss the importance of properly managing the threshold distance for your dog in order to make progress with your dog’s aggression in this episode. I  also cover how to integrate tools and treat delivery techniques into this behavior modification exercise.

Be sure to watch for next week’s episode where I’ll be focusing on everything you need to know about managing your dog’s aggression around other people.

Key Takeaways:
[2:45] Why Your Reactive Dog Should Avoid Going Into Dog Parks
[4:35] Why This Exercise Can Be More Effective Than Daily Walks
[7:50] What Kind of Dog Park Is Best for These Exercises
[9:15] How to Conduct This Exercise at Dog Parks
[14:00] Maximizing Tools to Maintain Threshold Distance
[17:10] How to Track and Evaluate Your Dog’s Progress
[21:50] How Long Should You Practice This Set of Exercises
[22:50] Achieving the Ultimate Goal of These Exercises
[23:25] What to Expect for the Next Episode                                                       

About Scott Sheaffer
Scott Sheaffer, CCBC-KA, CDBC, CPDT-KA, is a certified dog behavior consultant who has worked with thousands of dog owners and their aggressive dogs. Scott specializes in the assessment and treatment of fear, anxiety, aggression, and phobias in dogs six months and older.

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Disclaimer
This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. If your dog is displaying aggression toward humans, consult an experienced and knowledgeable canine behavior professional who uses humane, non-aversive methods, and always take precautions to keep others safe.

Scott Sheaffer and USA Dog Behavior, LLC, are not responsible for any outcomes resulting from the use or interpretation of the information shared in this podcast.