Sniff to Soothe Forage Five: Pattern Game for Reactive Dogs

March 9, 2026 by Will Bangura, M.S., CAB-ICB, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, FFCP

Sniff to Soothe Forage Five pattern game, a dog searches treats in a ball-filled bin while a reactive dog on leash calms in a park before-and-after scene.

Sniff to Soothe Forage Five Pattern Game for Reactive, Fearful, and Aggressive Dogs Sniff to Soothe Forage Five A scent-led pattern game that helps dogs shift from chaos to calm Before we talk about bins and balls, I want to give credit where it belongs. Pattern games have changed the dog training world in a way that is hard to overstate. Leslie McDevitt’s Control Unleashed work gave pet parents and pet professionals a humane, practical way to create predictability and emotional safety for dogs who used to unravel in the real world. Her pattern games helped thousands of dogs feel …

Limiting Visual Triggers for Reactive and Aggressive Dogs: A Complete Guide to Reducing Stress and Barking

January 18, 2025 by Will Bangura, M.S., CAB-ICB, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, FFCP

Collage of a privacy fence screen, car window shades, and window films illustrating how to reduce visual triggers for reactive or aggressive dogs.

How Blocking Your Dog’s View Can Help Curb Reactivity and Aggression Table of Contents Introduction and Overview Benefits of Limiting Visual Exposure Understanding Why Blocking the View Helps Identifying the Triggers and Vulnerable Areas Selecting Materials and Methods to Block the View Step-by-Step Guide to Limiting Your Dog’s View Troubleshooting and Special Considerations Additional Management and Training Tips Putting It All Together Introduction and Overview Dogs, just like people, have varying temperaments and comfort levels when it comes to the sights and sounds of everyday life. Some dogs calmly watch the world go by, while others grow anxious or upset …