In this video, I’m working with Sweet Pea at my recent Train the Trainer Mentorship Program. “Pea” is an amazing senior Pittie with mild reactivity issues towards other dogs. Pea’s reactivity is usually triggered by the anxiety she sometimes experiences when she’s near her owner.

Because she’s almost totally deaf, I need to stay within her line of vision as much as possible so I can communicate direction to her. I’m using my 15 foot Lucas Agnew Long Line to allow her to move away from me and go towards her owner.

My goal in this exercise is to interrupt her state of mind and redirect her back to me before the proximity to her owner becomes too much for her to handle. I’m using tiny increments of leash pressure. When she yields to the leash, I reward her by releasing the pressure and moving with her. This exercise creates a “contrast of feeling.” My subtle message to her is that moving away from me creates anxiety, but coming back to me creates relief. This exercise nurtures her pack drive and teaches her to trust me.

My next Train the Trainer Mentorship Program is right around the corner: May 24-28, 2021. My last Train the Trainer for the year is November 8-12, 2021. I have 2 remaining spots for both of these dates. For further information or to book your spot, go to my website and click on Train the Trainer.

Please feel free to message me with any questions! Thank you for watching my videos and for your constant support!