Behavior Adjustment Training (BAT) Empowerment & Safety

Behavior Adjustment Training (BAT) works for all dogs. This allows the dog to safely control their distance from triggers. If you are new to handling a dog, a trigger is something your dog may bark, or lunge at. A dog may also move quickly away from something that they are scared of.

With BAT this helps to reduce stress and build confidence. This gives a dog agency is making good choices and the freedom to sniff or turn away making a choice on their own. When a dog can choose a calm behavior, they are less likely to be reactive.

Observing the dog’s body language as we work with the dog.  With BAT we follow the dog and watch the dog.

• Loose body

• Soft mouth, ears

• Not avoiding trigger

• Sniffing the ground

• Passing glances and can easily look away

• Moving to explore the environment

I always recommend getting a good look at your dog in a very natural relaxed body at home. A good check before you leave home. Then as you start walking your dog, notice the changes in body language.

As A CBATI-KA, I help you teach your dog to make better choices-without fear or force. Learn how to turn reactive into calmness. I use BAT techniques such as set-ups which are controlled and selected to help your dog learn to navigate triggers like dogs and other people safely.

Creating distance is one step to helping your dog. Then we follow the dog and observe the dog’s body language. Does the dog want to move and sniff around? Maybe the dog looks at the trigger to gather information, the ears are up and focused, disengaging or air sniffing. Creating distance also helps the handler. As I say, distance will always be your friend when teaching your dog about new things.

Barriers also help when teaching your dog, this helps in safety and management. In BAT set ups, I look for areas with benches, trees, bushes or I make my own to help out in the set up. As your professional I will teach you how to do set ups as we work together to help your dog with triggers.

There is no forcing the dog in BAT set ups, you learn to follow your dog and help them along the way. Your dog builds confidence, reducing fear and stress. This is empowerment-based training. I prioritize giving your dog freedom to make choices, reducing reactivity as your dog feels confident rather than using obedience or force.

With BAT you will learn leash skills to practice and use on daily walks. Leash reactivity can have big emotions, and I will teach you what to do when your dog spots a trigger. How to slow stop your dog instead of slamming on the brakes. With BAT we move with the dog, it is like a dance as you move around.

A dog can be reactive to anything, but with BAT your dog can overcome fear, frustration, and aggression. BAT is a positive force-free method and uses functional rewards like moving away from a trigger.

BAT helps dogs to build confidence and social skills.  This is great for puppies just learning and getting out in a real-life environment and exploring. Dogs are learning every day and now is the time to get started.  With guidance I will teach you how to have a better walk.

Need help in learning more on how to use BAT, message me at MeccaCurtice@gmail.com to learn more about helping you to teach your dog.

Mecca a CBATI-KA works with people to help teach their dog. Everyone needs leash handling skills. BAT set-ups help both the guardian and dog.

© 2026 Mecca Curtice, Mecca's All Breed Dog Training, LLC.