All protocols
Calm & care
Calmer Encounters With Dogs
Managing everyday encounters with other dogs — not exposure training.
What it is
Managing everyday encounters with other dogs — not exposure training.
Why we created it
Planning exits and space protects your dog and keeps you in control.
Goal
Safer, more predictable walks with room to leave.
Before you begin
You’ll need
- Routes and times that reduce surprises.
- Handling you can control safely.
What you’ll do
Your first session
- Plan practical exits and ways to add distance for unavoidable encounters.
- Move away or leave early, and let your dog disengage.
- Simply notice what happens naturally.
Things to notice
- What happens during natural encounters.
- Your control and your dog’s recovery.
When to stop or get help
- Don’t arrange practice encounters or move closer to test progress.
- Bites, contact, redirected aggression, escalating distress, sudden change or medical concerns need professional or veterinary support.
About this guide
Calmer walks aren’t permission to start desensitisation. A qualified professional should guide any treatment.
Involves health or body-weight decisions; agree targets with your veterinarian first.
Adapted into plain language from Nara’s prepared protocol material. It is general information, not a diagnosis or veterinary prescription, and it doesn’t report trial results.