A philosophical razor is a quick mental shortcut, a bit like a rule of thumb that helps simplify decisions or explanations. It allows you to “shave off” unlikely explanations or sidestep unhelpful actions. Especially when things feel messy or overwhelming.
You might have heard of a few already:
- Hanlon’s Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be explained by stupidity.
- Occam’s Razor: The simplest explanation (or the one with the fewest assumptions) is usually the correct one.
When you’re living with a reactive or anxious dog, things can change in an instant. And it’s easy to freeze, overthink, or go into full oh-no-what-know mode. That’s where behaviour razors come in: simple, easy-to-remember rules that help you respond calmly and effectively, even in the middle of a challenging moment.
These aren’t fancy techniques or rigid protocols. They’re small, sharp tools for cutting through stress, gaining clarity, and making better decisions in the moment. They’re not just for your dog’s benefit—they help you stay calm and connected, too.
Here are my top three behaviour razors that I teach clients (and use myself) for calmer, more connected walks and training sessions.
Behaviour Razor #1: When in doubt, throw food
What it means
When I’m not sure how to get myself out of a pickle, or I need a little breathing space, or a training session is going a bit wonky—I throw food.
It acts like a reset. My dog can go snuffle for treats while I think about my life choices.
It’s especially helpful when your carefully crafted training plan goes off-script, because your dog didn’t read your plan. Maybe they’ve knocked something over in their enthusiasm. Maybe your plan needs a last-minute tweak.
Throwing food helps keep the rate of reinforcement up, maintains engagement, and prevents frustration. It also acts as a semi-distraction technique when you need your dog doing something else for a moment.
When I feel my brain start to whirr through options, I know it’s time to scatter a handful of food on the floor and give myself a moment to think instead of panic.
When to use it
- When things are going wonky and you need a moment to reset
- To keep your dog engaged while you rethink or make environmental changes
- To interrupt a negative spiral and give yourself space to respond thoughtfully
Common mistake to avoid: Waiting too long before stepping in. If things feel off, act early.
Real-life example
A client shared that while on a walk with their dog-reactive dog, another dog appeared in the distance and started heading straight toward them. Instead of panicking, this savvy guardian started tossing food into the grass while they kept moving to maintain distance. This meant her dog was able to keep calm and carry on.
Behaviour Razor #2: Feed the unexpected
What it means
When something surprising happens, I throw a treat party. That might mean tossing a handful of food toward my dog, or giving several treats in a row.
This taps into classical conditioning. If your dog already finds surprises stressful, it can also become counterconditioning. Helping shift how they feel about sudden changes.
You can’t prevent the startle reflex—it’s automatic. But you can shape what happens next. I want my dogs to think, “Oh, something weird happened? Time to check in with mum and get snacks.”
This works best if you feed for all unexpected things, not just the scary ones. It builds a robust association that surprises = snacks.
When to use it
- Whenever something unexpected happens
- As a habit, even when your dog doesn’t react (think of it like emotional inoculation)
Common mistake to avoid: Only feeding when your dog is visibly worried. Feed for all the surprises, even the small ones.
Bonus tip
You can even narrate what’s happening as you treat. A calm “Yep, just the lorry brakes, nothing to worry about” can help you stay grounded while creating positive associations for your dog.
Behaviour Razor #3: Distance is your friend
What it means
Getting distance from scary or frustrating things is essential for success. Your dog can only learn and build new associations when they aren’t overwhelmed.
Distance reduces pressure, allows for processing time, and keeps everyone in their thinking zone. Closing the gap too soon won’t speed things up—in fact, it can undo progress.
Sometimes distance means walking an arc around another dog. Sometimes it means moving off to the side as a group passes. It might mean choosing the quietest spot in the pub garden and acting as a buffer.
When to use it
- When your dog looks concerned or uneasy
- Whenever you want to keep training below threshold
Common mistake to avoid: Thinking that getting closer equals progress. Progress is staying calm, not getting nearer.
Extra note
Progress often starts further back than you expect. If your dog can notice a trigger without reacting from a distance, you’re already building resilience.
How to Combine These Strategies on a Walk
Let’s say you’re on a peaceful walk in the woods. Another dog suddenly appears around a corner.
You start by feeding the unexpected: toss treats or have a mini treat party. You create distance: maybe you back away, move off to the side, or use a flight cue. Once you’re safe and settled, you throw food: scatter some treats so your dog can sniff and reset.
Then? Take a breath, and carry on with your walk.
Why Simple Rules Work for Reactive Dogs
These kinds of rules cut through chaos. They’re easy to remember, easy to implement, and far more likely to happen in the heat of the moment than any complicated protocol on paper.
You don’t need a perfect plan. You just need a few solid habits you can reach for quickly.
That’s the power of behaviour razors: they give your brain something to grab onto when everything feels like it’s going sideways. And sometimes, that’s all you need; just one small thing to do next.
How to Make These Strategies a Habit
- Pick one behaviour razor to try first
- Practise outside of the situation you want to use it until it feels easy.
- Then practise in low-key situations so it feels familiar before you start to use it under real pressure.
- Celebrate small improvements
Remember, any new skill takes conscious effort at first. Over time, these will become second nature.
Want to stay consistent? Try setting an intention at the start of the day or just before a walk. Which behaviour razor will you practise today?
Want a Reminder About These Calm Strategies?
Want a quick reminder you can keep on your fridge or phone? Grab your free Quick Calm Cheatsheet — three simple behaviour razors you can use on your next walk.