@cainarkdogtraining: If you want to stop a reaction… you have to learn to see it coming 👀🐶 Most “outbursts” don’t come out of nowhere. Your dog is usually giving you a whole chain of subtle signals before they bark, lunge or explode. Here’s what to look for 👇 🔎 The early warning signs (often missed): • Sudden stillness or freezing • Mouth closes (after being relaxed/open) • Ears shift forward or pin back • Hard eye / fixed stare • Head lifts slightly higher • Weight shifts forward • Tail goes high and stiff (or very low and tight) • Breathing changes ⚠️ The build-up stage: • Body stiffens • Hackles may raise • Low growl or rumble • Lip licking (when not tired/hungry) • Turning sideways but keeping eyes locked • Slow, tense movement toward the trigger 🚨 The reaction: Barking. Lunging. Snapping. Spinning. Pulling. But by this point? Your dog is already over threshold. The magic happens when you respond at the first or second stage — not the third. That’s where behaviour change actually starts. Start watching your dog on walks this week. You’ll be amazed how much they tell you before they react. Learning to read these signals = preventing the explosion 💛 #cainarkdogtraining #dogtraining #puppytraining #dogtrainer #dogs
