Episode 219: Self-Regulation Helping Shy, Hyper, Anxious Or Fearful Dogs To A Better Life

Have you ever wondered why some dogs can walk down a path with their owner, encountering many dogs, but remain completely unfazed? Yet, other dogs see one single dog off in the distance and absolutely lose it. We’re talking about why this happens, the ability of dogs to regulate their emotions, and how we can help them. Plus, what you need to know about habituation and how dogs can grow the capacity to tune things out.

In the episode you'll hear:

The stages of a dog's emotional regulation from reactivity to white noise.
About deconditioning triggers from reactivity through habituation.
If non-reactivity is possible for all dogs.
The difference between inhibited biting and true aggression in dogs.
That humans also have healthy and toxic ways of emotional self-soothing.
Why expecting more of our dog's emotional intelligence than our own is unfair.
10 tips on helping your dog overcome stress and anxiety.
Examples of dysregulation in dogs and why it's not the same as reactivity.
To gauge expectations of your dog based on your own animal behavior education.
How to be aware of your dog's communication via their behavior.
How to co-regulate your dog's emotions in the heat of the moment.
A plan to move from co-regulation to self-regulation.
The reason why every sport dog I've owned has won a national championship.
The key data to record during dysregulated episodes.
How to teach your dog to make good choices.
The roles of skill, will and environment in your dog's decision making.

Recallers and Home School the Dog:

Resources:

Yes, I Want To Receive a Text Message When a New Podcast Episode is Available!

Step 1/2: In order to help us best serve your needs choose the dog training experience that applies to you:

Thank You For Your Text Number!

This is The Text Number You've Entered:

Step 2/2: Please share your best email address so that we can confirm you do want to receive SMS Updates:

One Comment

Vivian Levy July 19, 2023 at 7:37 pm - Reply

SUSAN -THANK YOU – for this episode. I always learn from you. I am a proud member of home school the dog! and Wag nation. I hold you in the highest regard – just wanted to say! .
I hope you actually get to read this too! You are teaching me So many exciting phenomenal things I have yet to teach my dog Evie!! Some I get to incorporate in everything I do. One of the lovely things is She always sits at the door before we go out, and waits for me to go first. And thank you for what you said in this episode about nipping fingers, gently and lovingly. You reiterated for me doing it that way, it is OK and that she can self regulate! I know she can do it!
I have been wanting & waiting to find this very episode, from you, I think you’re talking to me in this one. Evie is the friendliest, sweetest dog, except when on leash, and a few other behaviors developed because I haven’t taught her to do any better. in those areas.
I’m sure if I got to do all the great lessons in homeschoolthedog, (every time I rewatch something I learn something new) and wag nation. All the great games that I still have to teach her. I would be ahead of the game, with my sweet dog If I spend more time, After all, I can’t bring her somewhere if she barks. I want to develop a new behavior for that! I know she’s protecting me, nervous or scared, or even just a habit! But whatever, I haven’t fixed it yet! Because I haven’t taught her yet !
I feel I am letting her down when I don’t do some training with her. She is so smart!. She’s absolutely terrific until she senses another dog. She’s just bossy and wants her way etc. and pretty much wants only to play. But I keep telling Evie that isn’t the way to make friends lol.
I must’ve missed 217 and 218 and I will watch after this one.

Episode 219: Self-Regulation Helping Shy, Hyper, Anxious Or Fearful Dogs To A Better Life