No Bad Dogs Podcast E356- Inside a Service Dog Group: Solving Reactivity Issues
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Mar 31, 2026 A consultant works with a service-dog group to tackle reactivity in German Shepherds. Practical handling tips cover fearful dogs, dominant-reactive body language, and techniques to interrupt buildup. Strategy highlights include proactive obedience, engagement checks during walks, equipment fit for safe corrections, and leash maneuvers to keep control and focus.
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Turn And Burn To Prevent Brake Behavior
- Turn your back and keep moving when a dog plants to prevent reinforcing avoidance.
- Tom Davis demonstrates “turn and burn”: face away, use steady forward momentum and leash pressure so the dog learns backing out won't stop you.
Inside Turn Dismantlement For Reactivity
- Use an inside turn to break a reactive dog's visual focus and reduce build-up.
- Tom teaches a dismantlement exercise: turn 90 degrees toward the dog, redirect attention, then return to gradually lower arousal.
Use Trained Commands Instead Of Backpressure
- Be proactive: cue a known recall or heel when a dog begins to load instead of just pulling back.
- Tom recommends commanding 'Come' or 'Heel' while backing and then a clear correction if the dog ignores the trained cue.