FORUM ~ Field Notes from the K9 Mind

Dog’s current state:Alert → quickly escalates to barking and forward movement

Environment:Inside the home, usually at the front entry. Happens consistently when someone walks in.

What’s been tried:Asking for a sit before guests enterUsing leash guidanceVerbal corrections after barking begins

What happened when tried:Dog can hold position briefly, but breaks as soon as the guest crosses the thresholdCorrections seem to increase intensity rather than reduce it

What I think might be going on:Possibly threshold sensitivity + anticipation rather than disobedienceFeels less like “not listening” and more like “can’t stay regulated”

There’s a moment most people miss.

It happens just before the pulling begins. Just before the barking.Just before everything starts to unravel.

And because it’s missed — we try to fix what’s already in motion.

This space exists for that moment.

You don’t need to have the right answer. You don’t need a plan.

Just start with one small observation: