If your dog looks away from you, wanders away to sniff, or hesitates to engage in training, they might be worried or scared. In the videos below, I show examples of how you can change your training sessions to keep your anxious dog more engaged. Change location. If your dog can do the behaviors you want in a location where they're normally relaxed, but can't do them where you've been trying to train, then it's time to back up and train where your dog can do the behaviors you're looking for. Then you can gradually move training back toward the more difficult context, in tiny steps. Give more space. Try backing away from your dog a little, or away from a piece of equipment, like a harness, that you'd like your dog to approach. Many of our sensitive pups are happier with a little more personal space. Give LESS direct attention. Staring at, facing, and/or talking to an anxious dog can sometimes stress them out. Finally, asking your dog for less can be a great way to get them more engaged in training and to make progress when you're stuck.