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!