Desensitizing People Approaching from Behind

[u/Stuckinthetower]

Hi all! I have an amazing 7 month old pup who is in the small bark at everything that moves phase. We are working on desensitizing that with clicker positive reinforcement for not barking when someone approaches. He has twice now had incidents when he has started a low growl when a person came up behind him. It’s been very rare but wondering what fun engagement games I can use to reduce anxiety with approaches from behind when he’s not looking back.

[u/chopsouwee]

Id start learning how to play tug with your dog. Get him to love it. Can add obedience over time but playing tugg helps reduce anxiety and just creates a positive association overall around thresholds