Dog Listening Goggles

What are they? and how are they helpful?!

Inspired by a conversation with one of my clients I want to share with you Dog Listening Goggles and how they might help you understand your dog better. 

They are metaphorical glasses that you can wear when you are around your dog. They help you to see the world through the eyes of your dog. 

Once this happens the "how" to help your dog be quiet, stop barking, stop lunging, settle down in the evening and sleep well at night becomes infinitely easier. 

Here's an example: 

Your dog is lunging and barking at another dog or person passing. 

Without goggles on your understanding might be "arrrgh naughty dog, why do you keep doing that, it's so embarrassing and that other dog did nothing to provoke your reaction" 

Your response; say No assertively, distract them with a treat or a ball or put a halti on them to give you more control. 

With your goggles on your understanding might be - "Ahhhh I see that my dog is feeling scared, this other dog feels like a threat.

Now that I look closely the other dog has a very rigid body ears back and looks ready for anything, tho they are being quiet.

I see my dog wants to keep us safe. Not just themselves but me safe too, that's a big responsibility.

My dog is struggling in a world they just don't understand.

My dog is wondering why on earth are we out in this busy, noisy place anyway, we have plenty food at home."

Your response is now completely different: No point in saying No assertively they can't hear you anyway. A treat or a ball might work in the short term but you've been trying that for ages and your dog keeps reacting. 

If your dog is really smart they might even be reacting to get the treat or ball! 

Now you can can remain calm and quiet yourself and move away from the problem to give your dog the chance to calm down. You might recognise, your dog is flooded with the stress hormone, cortisol every time you come across another dog/person.

With your Dog Listening Goggles on you can see that the solution is not where the problem lies. The solution is to reduce your dog's responsibility for you and build up their exposure to the perceived threat slowly and steadily and at your dog's pace. 

Work needs to start at home where your dog is most relaxed and able to hear, understand and connect with you. 

For more information on what to do to help your dog cope when they find themselves in a situation where they feel threatened. Check out my book Barking Mad to Calm and Quiet: Beyond Dog Training. 

Also available on Amazon.

Peaceful paws always,

Julie x  

P.S If you or anyone you know is struggling with their dog's behaviour you can sign up to my Daily Dog Listening here