Almost packed, almost peaceful, and neutrality part 5

Hey {first_name}!

How’s your week been?

I'm sorry I'm late again today, I’ve been knee-deep in cardboard boxes prepping for Monday’s big move. It's chaos, but the good kind — a fresh start in an actual house with a garden (!!!). I can already picture Jasper stretched out in the grass like he owns the place.

Outside of the moving madness, I finally watched Thunderbolts the other day which I thoroughly enjoyed. I don't know if anyone is an MCU nerd but this is one of the first films I've enjoyed since the infinity saga. I'm really hoping they keep things in a strong direction, I miss being excited for my yearly marvel fix!

Okay, let me stop before I get carried away, let’s dive into part five of our neutrality series…

The Path to Progress: How to Build Exposure Gradually

Over the last few weeks, we’ve explored the foundation of neutrality — why it matters, what it looks like (and doesn’t), and how it ties into resilience, regulation, and recovery.

But how do you actually build it?

This week, we’re mapping out the process. Because when it comes down to neutrality you can't decide to just take your dog to a random new environment and practice this — it’s layered through intentional exposure that gently stretches your dog’s comfort zone without tipping them over the edge.

Neutrality starts small.

It starts in the slow moments, the boring ones, the in-between bits where your dog isn’t reacting. It starts in controlled, low-pressure environments — and then slowly scales up. That’s the sweet spot. That's resilience. That’s where we build from.

Here’s one way to break it down:

Think of it like a staircase...

You only climb one step once the one below it feels steady.

Here’s a rough guide to progressing neutrality through exposure:

1. Home — low distraction, completely safe

2. Garden or car — slightly more environmental variation

3. Quiet car park or field — new smells, noises, occasional movement

4. Car park with movement — more dogs, more people, still predictable

5. Pathways, trails, or parks at quiet times

6. Busier areas at a distance

7. Closer proximity to triggers

8. Dynamic environments (walking past triggers, etc.)

And always — if your dog is struggling, go back a step...

My favourite place to work on neutrality [you ask?]...car parks!

No joke. They’re the perfect blend of structure and variability.

You can choose the time of day, scout low-traffic moments, hide behind a car if needed — and still get solid exposure to motion, sound, and activity. They’re also great for free decompression when empty.

And now? You can track your own steps.

Pulled straight from the Reactivity Reset Framework (which is currently off the shelves while I work on an even better version), this one’s a bit of a hidden gem.

It’s interactive. It’s practical. It’s yours. Use it to map where your dog is right now — and where to go next.

👉🏾 [Click to download your Exposure Checklist]

I'd love to know what you think about it!

🔧 Paws Of Wisdom Updates

🖋 FEEDBACK!

This is a heads up that at some point next week I'm goin to send out a questionnaire/feedback form. It's going to have a few questions just on how I can improve everything. I'd love to know what you honestly think and whether there are things you'd want to see included.

I'd really appreciate it if you could take the time to help me out (yes I know I haven't posted as many dog pics as promised and I'm sorry I will make it up to you!)

📚 Mini Neutrality Deep Dive Incoming

Once this newsletter series wraps up, (which will be next week) I’ll be turning it into a newsletter-exclusive PDF. No one else will get it — just you. I want it to be something you can reference and flick through whenever you need a reminder or bit of clarity. Obviously give me time to get there!

📂 A Newsletter Archive Is Coming

Ok so I recently found that some of you aren't able to see the images I've added to these newsletters and if that's the case I'm sorry because they must be so text heavy!

I did bring it up to tech support but they said it'll take time to sort.

So I'm also at some point [lol] going to archive these newsletters so you can go back to previous posts especially if missed a few (this won't necessarily include resources but I'll how I feel.

New Blog Post (ohhhh we're cooking again)

• Structure vs. Control: Creating Safe Routines for Dysregulated Dogs

Updated Blog Posts

• Impulse Control Dog Training: 5 Exercises to Help Your Reactive Dog Pause Before They React

• Living With a Reactive Dog: What No One Tells You (and What Helped Me Survive It)

Virtual Coaching Availability

Keep an eye out for any availability that pops up.Obviously this is going to be very limited right now with the move and everything going on Jasper wise right now.

If you can't find a slot then drop me a message, if I have time I'm happy to slot you in!

Catch more daily tips, support, memes, insights, motivation and more!

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Have a beautiful weekend {first_name}— mine’s going to be all cardboard boxes, chaos, and hopefully a few hours flying around on my hippogriff in Hogwarts Legacy to unwind a little. 🧙‍♂️✨

Talk soon,