14/11/2022
I unconsciously used a lot of these methods with Stella. Instead of training her into another behavior we used her natural behaviors to calm her. She instinctively used methods of meeting new people in the house that were non confrontational, initially we tried using treats and commands from strangers. This meant she took the treat and then behaved in the same anxious manner if the guest moved. Now when the doorbell rings she takes herself into the bedroom after barking once or twice. When everyone is settled and relaxed, we let her out and she greets everyone on her own terms, taking pats etc. she exhibits no anxiety at all. We didn’t train this into her, she did it herself. Obviously the excitement at the door was too much, so she put herself in a position where this excitement was lowered and she could react in a way more positive way.
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