How do you affect your dog?

A leash isn't just a tether; it's a lightning rod. Everything you are feeling and expressing is telegraphing down the leash and being read by your dog. In some cases this sensitivity to emotion can be a good thing; a psychiatric service animal reading an oncoming panic episode in time to counteract it. But more often than not this sensitivity can lead to worsening of problem behaviors. Take a dog with a lack of confidence, add in some of your nerves, and you suddenly have a fearful or reactive dog just trying to take back some control of their situation. Its subconscious this tension but it is possible to learn to see it and to consciously counter it. Listen to yourself and watch your dog. If they seem flinchy, or watchful, or nervous look at what you are saying with your body. Are you clutching the leash close praying your dog doesn't react? Are you uncomfortable out for a walk and your head is on the swivel? Your dog sees these things, they survive by reading other creatures and acting accordingly, so he is taking notes on how you are acting. If you are scared, there MUST be something he should be scared of. If you are angry, you become something scary (even if it's not the dog you are upset with). It is your role as your dogs leader and protector to let him feel safe in the knowledge that "you got this" by being calm and in control even if you don't feel it 100%. Take a breath, loosen up your shoulders and your leash hand, straighten up, take an upbeat tone, and go forth boldly. If you can't feel calm take a break and lower your stress level, waiting until you feel back in control so that your dog doesn't feel the need to take back control for you. Our dogs mirror us in so many ways, make sure you like your reflection.