06/07/2026
This is such a good example of how small adjustments can make a huge difference.
Daisy’s family has absolutely been on the right track. They have been practicing her place work every day, building consistency, and giving her opportunities to learn how to settle.
But sometimes the idea is right, and the setup just needs a little tweaking.
For Daisy, birds and bugs are a huge trigger. Practicing place right up against the glass meant she had a front-row seat to every tiny movement outside. It took every ounce of self-control she had not to launch at every bird or bug that passed by.
So instead of asking her to “try harder,” I tried a change of the environment.
I moved her place just a few feet away.
And almost right away, she was able to settle.
That is not failure. That is training.
If the criteria is too high, your dog is not getting better at the skill. They are just rehearsing frustration, fixation, or barely holding it together.
Lower the criteria so your dog can actually be successful. Then build from there.
A few feet back.
A quieter spot.
A shorter session.
More distance from the trigger.
Less visual access.
More achievable expectations.
Progress happens when the dog can think, learn, and recover, not when they are pushed past what they can handle.
If your dog struggles with settling, reactivity, or big feelings in everyday environments, our Private Training or Walk n Train sessions can help you figure out what needs to shift so your dog can start making real progress.
Send me a message to chat about support for your dog.
