Have you been told your reactive or anxious dog “just needs to get used to it”? That if you expose them to enough dogs, people or traffic, they’ll stop barking, lunging, pulling, spinning?

How’s it working out so far? 🫠

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but exposure on its own can make your dog worse.

In this episode, I’m breaking down exactly why your dog’s behaviour isn’t improving - even with frequent exposure to their triggers - and what to do instead.

You’ll learn:

• The myth of ‘desensitisation’: why it’s not actually doing what you think

• What exposure without new learning actually teaches your dog (spoiler: it’s not what you want!)

• Two science-backed alternatives to exposure that actually work

Whether you're dealing with lead reactivity, dog-to-dog frustration, barking at strangers, a dog who scans the streets for danger - or an excitable whirlwind who pulls to say hi, jumps up at everyone, and can’t settle - this episode is a must-watch for stress free dog walks!

📈 Dog Walking Diagnostic - Discover Your Dog’s Walking Style!

Do you know the REAL reason your dog pulls, barks, lunges or ignores you? It’s often not what you think!

Discover why your dog struggles on walks - and more importantly, what you can do about it. The Dog Walking Diagnostic Quiz is completely free, takes just 5 mins, and is your first step toward stress-free walks with a well-behaved dog you’re proud of.

https://stressfreedogwalks.com/diagnostic

📘 Calm Canine Blueprint

Subscribe to the show, comment Calm Canine, and head over to https://stressfreedogwalks.com/blueprint/. I’ll send you my Calm Canine Blueprint completely free.

🐕 The Loose Lead Walking Recipe

Ready to stop the pulling, zig-zagging and lunging FOR GOOD? ‘The Recipe’ is the complete retraining system that takes you step-by-step to loose lead, stress free walks. With personalised Trainer & Behaviourist advice to make sure you get this thing DONE - regardless of where you’re starting from today.

https://stressfreewalks.dog/recipe