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Many dogs start spinning, barking, or rushing when the leash comes out or you head toward the door, but what if the hidden source of that on leash chaos actually begins earlier than you think? In this episode, I'm sharing how to uncover what is reinforcing your dog's unwanted behaviors and how to build calm, connected exits using simple conditioning strategies and games so every walk begins with confidence and connection rather than chaos and pulling.

In this episode, you'll hear:

• Why some dogs react long before the walk even starts.
• What "follow the money" means and how it reveals the real reason your dog is getting overexcited.
• A real-life example of reinforcement patterns we often miss.
• How picking up the leash becomes a conditioned emotional trigger for many dogs.
• Ways to create a positive C.E.R. around touching the leash.
• Why the connected Collar Grab is valuable for creating calm focus.
• How adding the cue "connect" helps dogs check-in reliably.
• What connected exits look like at low distraction levels.
• How toys, bowls, and movement create opportunities to strengthen connection.
• Why creating small daily "moments of connection" builds great habits.
• How a simple Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) can set every walk up for success.

Resources:

1. Podcast Episode 16: The Thing Before Your Dog's Thing - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/16/
2. YouTube Playlist: Help For Dogs Jumping Up and Excited Greetings: Creating Calm with Susan Garrett - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy3KQXSC-3IzEdBgBetrl2YP&si=VfdPaAqO4mRgJs7i
3. Podcast Episode 18: 4 Puppy and Dog Training Games for Acquired Bite Inhibition - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/18/
4. Podcast Episode 176: Why Your Dog's Emotions Are A Critical Element Of Dog Training - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/176/
5. Podcast Episode 24: Distraction Intensity Index: Help For Dogs Who Chase Chipmunks, Bicycles, And Neighbor's Cats - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/24/
6. Watch this Episode of Shaped by Dog on YouTube - https://youtu.be/GX7-sJna-Cc