Have We Been Doing Reactivity Training Wrong?
From Listen Dog Training: The Walk & Talk by Lisa | Listen Dog Training
April 3, 2026 · 23 min · Episode 58
About this episode
This episode explores the limitations of traditional reactivity training and introduces a more autonomy-driven approach to behavior change for reactive dogs.
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…
People in this episode
Host: Lisa
Topics covered
- reactive dogs
- training methods
- counter conditioning
- behavior change
- dog autonomy
- reactivity reduction
Keywords
- reactivity training
- counter conditioning
- dog behavior
- BAT
- dog training
- agency
- control
- independent behavior
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