A huge part of the finesse of rehabilitating problem dogs is knowing when and where to pick your battles. Behavioral dogs usually struggle with several issues and some are more urgent than others.

We hear a lot about the need to correct jumping, barking, pulling on leash, etc., but there are times when those things are expressions of a deeper emotion.

For instance, a dog who walks great on leash but pulls suddenly when they are afraid. That’s not a pulling problem. That’s a fear problem. In this particular instance, we need to address the fear, NOT the pulling.

Now that you’ve seen an example, I want to focus on one specific problem behavior, and why I let it go with certain dogs - jumping.

Many of the dogs we train are fearful or fear-aggressive toward people. They have made it pretty darn clear that they want NOTHING to do with people. They cower, tremble, bolt, pee when you pet them, move away from you, growl, show their teeth, and even lunge when you approach.

Throughout the rehab process, these behaviors fade and new behaviors emerge. Some new behaviors might be offering commands without being asked, making soft eye contact, or seeking interaction. These are great steps forward.

We might also see jumping as a new behavior, and some dog trainers might disagree with me, but a fearful dog just learning how to open up is allowed to jump on me if they are trying to engage.

Now, if I felt the dog was jumping out of panic or that the jumping was escalating its stress, anxiety, fear, aggression, hyperactivity, etc., I wouldn’t let it continue. I would address the stress and dissolve the jumping. But if the dog that previously wanted NOTHING to do with me decides to interact through jumping, I’m going to do a happy dance! NOT correct the jumping.

If I correct the dog once they have finally opened up, they will instantly revert back into fear and aggression, and convincing them to change again will be much more difficult.

If jumping becomes an issue, I will address it when the dog is much more confident and trusting in me. That way I do not damage the relationship.

It’s very important to dissect our training and address dogs on a case by case basis, rather than just following a pattern. We will have so much more success in the future if we do.

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Stephanie Vichinsky is the owner/head trainer of Method K9 in

Post Falls. 208-964-4806