Approach Then Leave
Confidence • Regulation • Decision-Making • Optimism
Description
A confidence-building game for dogs who become overexcited or reactive when seeing other dogs. By breaking down and practising short parts of the greeting chain, your dog learns that seeing another dog doesn’t always mean contact — it can simply mean safety and choice.
How to Play
When you see another dog in the distance, calmly begin to approach on a loose lead.
As soon as your dog notices the other dog, mark that moment (e.g. “Yes!”) and turn away together, feeding or calmly moving a few steps.
Practise short, predictable approach-and-leave patterns so your dog starts expecting movement away rather than toward the trigger.
Gradually reduce food use once your dog anticipates the turn calmly — the real reward becomes relief and predictability.
Over time, you can reintroduce brief, positive greetings if your dog feels comfortable, always ending before arousal rises.
Why it Matters
Many dogs have a broken link in their social chain — they rush in too fast or react before feeling safe. Approach Then Leave rebuilds that chain through calm repetition, teaching your dog that choice and distance are safe options. It restores optimism, emotional balance, and trust in you as a guide who listens rather than forces interaction.
Tips for Success
Start with large distances and calm dogs.
Keep sessions short and positive.
Avoid practising when either dog is tense or pulling.
Pair with This Way or Trust Loop to build calm disengagement skills.
Always finish with calm praise or sniffing to reset.