If your dog is nervous and you’re just tackling it without following a step-by-step process, you will really struggle to get lasting results. The proven 4-step process that has worked for me and the hundreds of rescue adopters I help is:
1- Diagnose the type of nervous behaviour your dog has.
If you do not understand the type of nervous behaviour your dog has, you may be using a perfectly valid method but for another type of nervous behaviour. This means you will not see the same results as other people using that method.
2- Establish a clear and efficient communication system with your dog.
If you are not using an effective and clear marker system to communicate with your dog, you will not be able to help guide them through situations with appropriate feedback.
3- Establish an unbreakable bond.
If your dog does not feel unconditional trust and safety with you, they will not feel comfortable and safe enough to tackle tough situations and improve.
4- Using a step-by-step process in the difficult situation itself.
Too many people skip stems 1-3 and go directly to this last step. Doing this means you are likely not using the right methods suitable for addressing your dog’s particular type of nervous behaviour. Your dog is also likely confused by your unclear communication and they do not fully trust you are going to keep them safe. This means that in difficult situations, your dog will not be making progress. Instead of overcoming their fears and anxieties, they’ll only be getting worse.
If you’re ready to break the cycle with your dog and start implementing the only system proven to help them, I have good news. You can use the link below to check out my online course. It will teach you everything you need to know to implement this 4-step strategy at home with your dog.
