Oftentimes, it’s not about what we say when we receive unsolicited feedback about our dog’s training—it’s about how we carry ourselves. Staying composed and focused on education, rather than matching the energy of the other person, speaks volumes.
Statements & Responses to Carry in Your Back Pocket
These collars are for my dog's benefit, and they help me communicate with them in a clear way. Thank you for respecting my decision.
My dog is practicing being calm, as they can often struggle when their space is invaded. I would prefer that they not be petted at this time. By respecting their space, I’ll be able to bring them to more places with me without issue.
I’m glad your dog is friendly; my dog is friendly too, but I’m working really hard on teaching them how to contain their excitement. So we’re going to pass right by you in an effort to teach them better manners in public.
Or alternatively: I’m glad your dog is friendly! My dog is the nervous type, so if you could respect our space as I work to build their confidence in new surroundings, it would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your advice. I’m working with a professional trainer who understands my goals and my current situation with my dog. I appreciate you giving us the space to continue our training exercise, and I will make sure you have the space to maneuver around us.
What to Do When These May Not Diffuse the Situation
It’s always best to start off respectfully and communicate your (and your dog’s) needs in the most concise way possible; however, not everyone will always respond respectfully.
We have to understand that if another person doesn’t respect our wishes, their behavior is not a reflection of us. If you’ve tried to explain the “why” behind your dog’s training, and they still push the issue, it’s always best to walk away.
At the end of the day, you know what’s best for your dog, and you’re the one who has to deal with the fallout from allowing outside influences to guilt you into not following through on your dog’s training.
In Closing
How we advocate for our dogs is the key component in how well they adapt to outside environments, especially if they struggle with over-arousal or fearfulness of strangers or strange dogs.
By being steadfast in taking matters into your own hands (albeit respectfully), your dog will learn to trust you at a greater level, which is advantageous to any training regimen, regardless of your goals.
Happy training! 🐕✨
Nicolas Angione is the founder and head dog trainer at Hope Gables Canine, based in Fairfield County, CT. Inspired by his own dog's reactive journey and rehabilitation, he left his career behind to become a dog trainer. After years of shadowing other dog trainers in the industry, he started his own practice, which has successfully helped hundreds of dog owners, both domestic and abroad, regain peace and harmony with their dogs. Many of these success stories, dog training tips, and more can be found on their Instagram and YouTube pages.
