Printable worksheet
Trigger-distance worksheet
Your dog's threshold is the distance at which they notice another dog but don't bark or lunge. Train just beyond it.
ASPCA example
40 ft → train at ~50 ftReacts at 40 feet? Start training with the other dog about 50 feet away.
Judge distance on a walk
So 45 feet is about 3 parked cars; 50 feet is about one house lot.
Stop and add distance when your dog
- Stops taking food. A dog that won't eat is too close.
- Stiffens, or won't look away.
- Stares for 2 seconds or more: likely deciding whether to lunge. Call their name or turn before that.
- Raises their hackles.
Make space early: cross the street, step between parked cars or U-turn ("this way").
When to move closer
- Three calm walks in a row: move 5 feet closer.
- Three or more reactions on a walk: add 25% more space.
- Go slower than you think you should. Every push too close risks a setback.
Walk log
Trigger: D = dog, P = person, O = other. Distances in feet.
| Date | Place | Trigger D/P/O | Distance noticed | Distance reacted | Took treats? Y/N | What I did |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Next: the free dog check (10 questions, about 3 minutes) gives the starting distance for your dog.
From the guides: how to walk a reactive dog, dog lunges at other dogs, barking at other dogs on walks.
Sources: ASPCA, Dogs who are reactive on-leash (updated May 4, 2020); Journey Dog Training, the parallel walk method (updated January 21, 2022). The 5-feet and 25% steps are our plan's rule.