ABC Dogs USA

ABC Dogs USA Reactivity help, socialization, and confidence-building tips — from the creator of ABC Dogs New Zealand’s leading dog training page.

Not every play bow is an invitation to play. Dogs use this posture for many reasons and context tells the real story.A p...
11/11/2025

Not every play bow is an invitation to play.
Dogs use this posture for many reasons and context tells the real story.
A play bow can show excitement and fun, but it can also appear during stretching, stalking, calming, or even as a way to escape or chase.

Body language, energy, and the other dog’s response can help you understand what’s really going on.
The next time you see a play bow, observe the situation around it.
Understanding the “why” behind the behavior keeps interactions safer and more enjoyable for everyone.

If you have a plan, it makes everything so much easier.If you don't and just "wing" it, that's when serious trouble can ...
19/10/2025

If you have a plan, it makes everything so much easier.
If you don't and just "wing" it, that's when serious trouble can brew.
Take your time and you have a far better chance of a successful introduction.

“He’s just excited!”. That’s how leash reactivity can start.Each time we let them drag us toward another dog, we’re actu...
10/10/2025

“He’s just excited!”. That’s how leash reactivity can start.
Each time we let them drag us toward another dog, we’re actually teaching them that pulling works and they will be rewarded for it.

That excitement and tension become rehearsed over and over, until leash reactivity becomes the norm.

Reward calm behavior before the leash tightens.
Create distance and for a while you may need to heavily limit allowing your dog to meet others by dragging you towards them.

Hyper?Too many sights, sounds, or people? Their system is in overload and we need to help them take a breather.
07/10/2025

Hyper?
Too many sights, sounds, or people?
Their system is in overload and we need to help them take a breather.

Not every dog is ready to play the moment they meet another. Some just need a little extra time and confidence before th...
03/10/2025

Not every dog is ready to play the moment they meet another.
Some just need a little extra time and confidence before they can enjoy it.
Helping them warm up the right way makes play safer and a whole lot more fun.

Meeting Nervous or Anxious Dogs 🐾Not every dog is ready to meet new people and that’s okay.Move slowly around them and l...
30/09/2025

Meeting Nervous or Anxious Dogs 🐾
Not every dog is ready to meet new people and that’s okay.

Move slowly around them and let them choose if they want to come closer to you. They may not until trust has been built and that's fine too.

Keep your body language calm and non threatening. Be aware of your voice and posture.

Avoid direct stares or reaching out.
Give them space and time.

Confidence grows best without pressure.

Sometimes dogs need a reset.When their nervous system is on high alert, helping them come back down is the key to calmer...
27/09/2025

Sometimes dogs need a reset.
When their nervous system is on high alert, helping them come back down is the key to calmer behavior, especially if you have a reactive dog
Here are 4 simple ways you can help that reset.⬇️

Play.
With you or a trusted dog friend.

Enrichment.
Licking and chewing soothe and settle (and can help with the next suggestion).

Sleep.
Nature’s most powerful stress reducer.

Step Away.
Distance and removal from stressful situations always helps

Every dog can benefit from these resets.

New Rescue Dog?Rescue dogs often come with a history that we may never fully know. What we do know is that they need tim...
26/09/2025

New Rescue Dog?
Rescue dogs often come with a history that we may never fully know. What we do know is that they need time, patience, and a safe place while they adjust to their new home.

✅ Don’t corner them. Let them choose safe places to retreat
✅ Take your time. Let them adjust to their new home, bit by bit.
✅ Use a leash in the yard. Some will bolt when stressed

Give them space and show them kindness.
All the best for you both.

Dogs don’t just react to the obvious trigger in front of them.Their behavior can be influenced by what they see, hear, f...
24/09/2025

Dogs don’t just react to the obvious trigger in front of them.
Their behavior can be influenced by what they see, hear, feel, or smell in the environment.
A sudden noise, an unusual surface under their paws, or even a strong scent can all add to their stress.

By tuning in to these factors, you can better understand your dog’s reactions and help them before things escalate.

Leave those toys at home.It isn't worth the risk.I know people take balls or frisbees to a dog park to help them burn of...
16/09/2025

Leave those toys at home.
It isn't worth the risk.
I know people take balls or frisbees to a dog park to help them burn off energy.
They problem with that is, they can attract a lot of unwanted attention from others.

Now's the time to turn you phone off for 30 mins and just enjoy your dog being a dog.

Have to add if you do not use dog parks, it's absolutely ok.
Some enjoy them, others don't.
It is very individual.

Address

Argyle Street
Mosgiel
9024

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when ABC Dogs USA posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category