Regulating myself, regulating my dog, neutrality pt 4

What to do after your dog reacts...

We’ve already talked about what neutrality is — and why it’s not about being “unbothered” but about being able to bounce back.

But what about after the big reaction?

That weird, wobbly moment when the barking’s stopped — but the tension’s still vibrating through your leash.

That’s where your dog learns how to recover. That’s where you teach them what recovery feels like.

And most of us skip it...

We get embarrassed. We shut down. We keep walking, hoping no one saw. We walk off in a huff...

But that moment — the one right after — is pure gold for building resilience.

That’s your opportunity to say:

“You’re safe. We can come back from this. Let’s reset.”

Here’s how:

• Move away from the trigger without drama

• Let your dog decompress (no pressure, no commands, scatter feeding)

• Pause, breathe, ground yourself

• Create movement with your dog (follow me games, hand targeting)

• Cut the walk short if needed

Next week, we’ll dig into how to make those bounce-backs easier and faster.

🐾 Coaching Update: Pressing pause (but not disappearing)

Okay, so this one’s kind of big…

Virtual coaching is something I’ve genuinely loved doing. I’ve had some amazing sessions with owners, and it’s always felt special to hold space for someone and their dog, even through a screen.

But right now, it’s just not the best use of my time.

Life’s hectic (as you’ve probably clocked from the lateness of this email — oops), and while I pour a lot of care into each session — including prep, planning, and backup plans — it’s also...a lot. Energetically and practically.

And if I’m being honest? I need that energy for Paws of Wisdom.

I’ve got a vision that’s lighting me up — a direction I want to move in, and some pretty wild ideas that give me full-body goosebumps when I think about them.

So instead of burning myself out in the short-term (which would be spectacular), I’m choosing to shift my energy where it’s needed most.

That doesn’t mean I’m disappearing. I still love your questions, your messages, your stories. That connection will always be one of my favourite parts of this work.

But for now, coaching’s taking a breather.

And on the horizon? Something new I’d love to test out — I’ll keep you posted.

Thanks for bearing with me. I promise: what’s coming next will be worth it.

New Blog Post - I fucking did a thing!!

• You Can’t Train a Dysregulated Dog: Why Foundations Matter More Than Obedience

Updated Blog Posts

• What Is Leash Reactivity in Dogs? Signs, Causes & How to Help

• How to Train a Reactive Dog: Practical Steps for Calmer Walks & Real Progress (small tweaks but done very recently if you've read it)

• Teaching A Dog to Regulate: Helping Reactive Dogs Find Calm (small tweaks but done very recently if you've read it)

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Anyway, I feel like I've taken up enough time tonight, I've still got some life admin to get done...

...but I could also be escaping into Hogwarts Legacy because it’s beautiful and immersive and exactly the kind of distraction I need right now hmm...

Hope your weekend gives you space to breathe, and zero unexpected plot twists.