I’ve been thinking about how often dogs try to cope quietly before they react. What’s one early sign your dog shows when something starts to feel hard? Is it something you noticed right away — or only in hindsight?

Is your dog reactive? Is it sometimes reactive? Will it at times try to self-regulate because something is about to trigger a reaction? Let’s remember that reactivity may not be the barking and lunging that we expect, it could be trying to run away, cowl down and make themselves smaller or even become submissive. Perhaps they have been injured in play and are pre-emptying another incident. My thoughts are, are we reading the signs our dogs are showing us? Or do we just accept that they can be reactive and nothing can be done? I have come to find that Leif does all the usual Lip smacking, almost tip toe, very alert signs, really focused on the oncoming dog. So I ensure that there is Leif’s comfortable distance between us and other dogs. We can then carry on, possibly walking behind the other dog, unless they are coming towards us. I do need to find enough space and at times Leif just watches and we continue our walk. How do you manage reactivity? Are you reading those tells before something happens and taking steps to support?

The Skool Dog is officially losing it right now! 🐕 Everyone, paws up for @Olga Rozenberg - our 100th member and the reason we're all celebrating today! Olga's a dog behaviour consultant who brings calm, science-based support for puppies and reactive dogs. Which means she's basically a dog whisperer, and we're THRILLED she's joined the pack! Olga - you picked the best day to show up! Welcome to the Skool Dogs family! 🥳 Everyone - let's give Olga the warmest Skool Dogs welcome!