During our outing today Scout was startled by someone dropping a package in this mailbox and letting the door slam shut. I used the experience as a training opportunity. Instead of taking him away from the big scary thing or coddling him while he was in that state of mind, essentially rewarding it, I stepped just a few steps away and did circles until he relaxed. Then we gradually got closer, still doing circles, until he was able to walk by it and even hold a sit near it without being too worried about it. When small things startle our pups we have to stay calm and neutral and not make a big deal out of it. If they see you’re not worried or scared of something they won’t be either!!! What a smart & brave Boy Scout is!!
