The Calm Pass blog
Plain, practical guides to calmer walks with a dog who reacts to other dogs.
- Reactivity basics
What is leash reactivity? A plain-language guide
Why some dogs bark, lunge or freeze at other dogs on leash, what is going on for them, and what actually helps.
- Reactivity basics
Threshold distance: how to find where your dog can stay calm
Your dog’s threshold is the distance where they can see another dog and still eat and listen. Here’s how to find it and why training starts there.
- Reactivity basics
Trigger stacking: why some days are harder than others
A vet visit, loud visitors or a bad night can leave your reactive dog closer to their limit. Here’s how stress adds up, and what to do on a hard day.
- Games and skills
The Look At That game: step by step
A simple reward-based game where your dog looks at another dog, then gets a treat. How to set it up, what to watch for, and common mistakes.
- Games and skills
The emergency U-turn: a way out when a dog appears too close
Teach your dog a cheerful cue to turn and walk away, in four stages from the living room to the street. The one skill every reactive dog walk needs.
- Walks and routes
How to plan quieter walk routes for a reactive dog
An 8-point checklist for picking routes that leave room: escape routes, visual barriers, sightlines and timing. Useful in the suburbs and in the city.
- Safety
Why we don’t use prong, choke or shock collars
What veterinary behaviorists say about aversive tools for reactive dogs, and the reward-based approach they recommend instead.
- Safety
When to see a vet or behaviorist about your reactive dog
Some reactive dogs need hands-on help before a self-paced plan. The signs to look for, and the kinds of professionals who can help.