Have We Been Doing Reactivity Training Wrong?

If you’ve ever felt like your reactive dog can only cope when you’re fully switched on, armed with treats, and managing every second - you are not imagining it. In this episode, we’re diving into a powerful (and slightly uncomfortable) question: what if treats alone aren’t creating the kind of lasting change you’re hoping for? Inspired by Grisha Stewart’s BAT, we explore the difference between traditional counter conditioning and a more autonomy-driven approach to behaviour change… one that prioritises distance, choice, and your dog’s ability to actually process the world around them. This isn’t about throwing out what you’ve been taught; it’s about refining it, deepening it, and understanding when to step in… and when to step back. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why counter conditioning can sometimes create progress that feels fragile or dependent on you What’s really happening inside your dog’s brain when you use food vs. when you allow observation and space The key concept of control and agency—and why it’s critical for reducing reactivity How BAT-style setups help dogs process triggers instead of just “coping” around them The difference between a dog who is trained around triggers… and one who genuinely feels safe How to start blending both approaches to create more resilient, independent behaviour When to step in and actively train… and when doing less will actually create more progress 🚀 Ready to take this work to the next level? The Listen Dog Training Membership is now OPEN - and this is where we put everything you’ve learned in this episode into action. Inside, you’ll get structured training, ongoing guidance, and a supportive community where you can grow your skills, get feedback, and truly master your dog’s behaviour. 👉 Join here: https://listendogtraining.com/online-dog-training-club 📱 Let’s connect! Follow me on Instagram and 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!