Life With Your Dog Ep265 - Sliding scales of reactivity & confidence building: Calem Dunphy of K9 Kuriosity
Nov 26, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Calem Dunphy, founder of K9 Kuriosity and expert in training reactive dogs, shares his insights on building canine confidence and resilience. He introduces his innovative sliding scales framework for understanding triggers and motivation. Calem emphasizes the importance of teaching dogs to make choices over mere obedience and highlights strategies for handling arousal post-play. He also shares practical tips for new trainers and reflects on his journey into the dog training industry, making it a must-listen for dog enthusiasts.
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Teach Choice, Not Constant Obedience
- Teach dogs to make choices instead of relying on constant obedience.
- Reward decision-making and only use obedience when necessary to scaffold brave choices.
Reward Calm Acknowledgement
- Pay dogs for desired emotional responses, like calm acknowledgement, not just specific behaviors.
- Mark and reward body language that shows the dog is avoiding tipping into reactivity.
Recover From Incorrect Marking
- If you mark and the dog still reacts, withhold high-value rewards and give low-value or no reward.
- Occasional mistakes won't ruin progress but adjust rewards to maintain the contingency.
