5 Foundational Skills That Make or Break Reactivity Training

If you’ve been working on your dog’s reactivity and it feels like nothing’s changing, this episode is for you. Because the truth is, most reactivity training skips the most important bit - the foundation work that actually sets your dog up for success before they’re anywhere near a trigger. In this episode, I’m sharing the essential, often-overlooked steps that make or break reactivity rehab. These are the pieces I teach every client, and they’re the difference between progress… and plateau. Whether your dog reacts to people, dogs, sounds, or everything in between, this episode will help you rethink what progress really looks like - and give you a clear, science-backed starting point to build lasting change. In this episode, you'll learn: Why desensitisation isn’t working (and what your dog actually needs first) The neuroscience behind emotional regulation and reactivity The 5 core skills every reactive dog should master before exposure work How calm patterned movement rewires your dog’s brain for safety and focus The difference between obedience and emotional availability—and which one matters most The missing piece that’s keeping your training stuck on repeat Practical ways to build focus, settle, and co-regulation without needing to tire your dog out Why foundational work makes your trigger training 100x easier The exact daily steps to start turning things around right now 🎓 Ready to train smarter, not harder? Explore my science-led dog training programs: 🔗 21-Day Engagement Training Course 🔗 Reactivity Training Program Use code PODCAST10 at checkout for 10% off any course or download! 💻 Want to dive deeper into transforming your dog’s behaviour with science-backed strategies that actually work? Check out my digital training products, freebies and online courses at www.listendogtraining.com 📱 Let’s connect! Follow me on Instagram & TikTok → @listendogtraining 🎧 If you found this episode helpful, I’d be so grateful if you left a review 🌟 or shared it with a fellow dog lover—it helps the podcast grow and helps more people train with confidence, clarity, and joy!