Core Strategies

• Trust Building: Establish safety and connection first.
• Gradual Desensitization: Introduce triggers slowly.
• Controlled Exposure: Manage situations to avoid overwhelm.
• Clear Communication: Tools like e‑collars should enhance communication, not fear.
• Confidence through Success: Reinforce wins — big or small.
• High‑Value Reinforcement: Use what your dog loves most.
• Owner Consistency: Calm leadership makes all the difference.

Assessment Questions

1. What triggers the fear or anxiety?
2. What is the intensity and frequency of reactions?
3. What’s their current routine like?
4. What motivates the dog most — food, toys, praise?
5. How fast do they recover after being triggered?

🧠 Core Principles

• 🛡️ Never flood: Comfort comes before exposure.
• 🏆 Train through success: Create opportunities for small wins.
• ⚖️ Work under threshold: Stay in a learning zone — not panic.
• 📡 E‑collar = communication: Not punishment.

🗓️ 2‑Week Fear Reduction Plan

Week 1: Safety • Trust • Confidence

• Day 1 – Safe Space: Hand‑feeding, desensitization, name game.
• Day 2 – Exposure with Safety: Place training + distractions.
• Day 3 – Scent Confidence: Treat trails, calm proximity work.
• Day 4 – Threshold Work: Toy tracking, leash control at a distance.
• Day 5 – Field Trip: Watch the world calmly from a safe space.

Week 2: Bravery • Movement • Focus

• Day 6 – Obstacle Games: Textures, wobble boards, tunnels.
• Day 7 – Nose Work: Hide-and-seek with scent articles.
• Day 8 – Distraction & Engagement: “Follow Me” walk games.
• Day 9 – Confidence Tracking: Visible scent trails ending in play.
• Day 10 – Victory Challenge: Review everything in a fun mini-mission.