Trigger Stacking
Trigger stacking occurs when multiple triggers occur back to back, lowering your dog's threshold and creating reactions that seem "over the top." Be aware of cumulative stress throughout the day.
Reactivity and Hyperactivity
Surface behaviors like excessive pulling, barking, and lunging occur when a dog struggles to regulate stress or arousal. Create space and engage in predictable exercises that strengthen calm connection.
Listen to Your Dog
Training is a diagnostic tool. High stress prevents focus. If your dog is struggling, give them time and space away from the trigger to de-escalate and return to a calm baseline.
Keep Practicing
With consistent daily training you will notice: intensity of reactivity diminishes, communication strengthens, and recovery time improves.
Training Plan
4 tosses, reinforce for 2–4 check-ins each time you toss food. Practice in a low-distraction environment first, then generalize to the driveway or street.
Daily sessions in your driveway, the street, or in front of an open door. Plan for an 80–90% success rate. If your dog has a challenging session, follow with 1–2 easier sessions to rebuild confidence.
For every 5 proactive sessions, 1 should be a recovery session. Start easy with food scatters and build to hand targeting or heel work as your dog shows stronger focus. If your dog can't de-escalate, create more space or end the walk early.
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