190 | What If the Fight Is the Problem and Why Control Can Make Reactivity Worse

Beyond Obedience | Dog Training, Dog Body Language, Anxious Dogs, Scared Dogs, Reactive Dogs · Mar 26, 2026 · 19m

Hey there, fellow Dog Lover ! 🐾

What if your dog’s reactivity isn’t just about the trigger…

…but about the tension between you and your dog?

In this episode, we explore a powerful (and slightly uncomfortable) idea:

What if the fight… is the fight?

We break down:

How leash tension, control, and tight handling can increase reactivity

Why dogs push against pressure—and how that creates a cycle

The role of choice, autonomy, and communication in building trust

Why trust goes both ways between you and your dog

How to start listening to your dog instead of constantly directing them

This episode…