Dogs have limitations, just like humans. Each dog has different emotions, intelligence, fears, likes, and dislikes. Additionally, they have different levels of tolerance. Sometimes, there is a point at which a dog cannot handle more discomfort or anxiety, and we have to respect that. If the behavioral issue stems from fear, which is overwhelming, the dog will instinctively choose fight, flight, or, in rare instances, freeze. Freeze should be considered a high risk of escalating to a bite and displaying extreme discomfort. By trying to force your pup to sit/stay, you are choosing for him. It may be the right choice, but it may not.
Training your dog to handle social situations comfortably is the best choice. Does your dog overreact when he sees your neighbor across the street? Does he lunge or try to retreat? Does your dog bark at the sight of another person or dog? Social outings can be a great training experience if done correctly. Exposure therapy can help your dog learn to handle social situations calmly. Think of it as a dress rehearsal for an actual social event.
Taking a dog into a new environment like a home improvement center should be beneficial and have a positive outcome. Of course, the dog may show signs of being a bit uncomfortable or skittish upon entering for the first time, as all this is new, but you’re working toward a positive outcome. When you begin this exposure therapy, a dog’s experience should be within normal daily life, meaning people and other dogs. This experience is not to introduce your dog to large, noisy equipment like 15 ft. mechanical ladders on wheels or lift equipment with beeping alarms and flashing lights. Why push him beyond the comfort zone into the intolerable zone?
When entering a large store for the first time, it’s best to start with the least invasive training exercise. Your dog should ALWAYS be at heel. That is the most controlling, protective, and secure position. Walk down an aisle with your dog between you and the stocked shelves. There should be no shoppers in the aisle at that time. This training exercise will help to calm your dog, expose him to sounds and smells, and prepare him for exposure to shoppers.
Additionally, by walking with your dog at heel, he will not enter the perpendicular aisle before you and before you have a chance to see what activity to expect. Have him wait with you at the end of the aisle and be sure it’s safe to proceed.
After doing this successfully, meaning that your dog’s behavior is relatively calm and there are no signs of anxiety, try passing a shopper. This is done by giving your dog a reminder by way of a slight tug to the right when you are about three (3) feet away from passing that person on the left. The goal is to have your dog turn his head toward you on the right and away from the person on the left that your dog is passing. It just takes a bit of practice. Think of it as tapping the person next to you on the shoulder to get them to look at you.
The next exercise would be to have your dog sit/stay in the front of the store inside, close to the entrance. It’s best to start by having your dog sit/stay with a display behind him. That way, he only has to contend with people passing in front of him. Just as you would remind your dog how to pass people a moment BEFORE he passes them, you need to remind him to stay at sit moments before someone passes by him. That can be done with a slight tug of his leash and telling him to stay.
Practice both exercises for about ten (10) to fifteen (15) minutes each, then repeat them.
If your dog exhibits signs of stress, such as panting, pacing, whining, barking, drooling, lip-licking, shaking, cowering, tail tucked, and/or head down, it is time to leave.
