Read the Signs

Your dog tells you which side of the threshold they are on — if you watch.

Still under threshold: loose body, takes treats gently, can glance at the trigger and look back at you.

Over threshold: stiff posture, fixed stare, ignores food, won't respond to their name. Barking and lunging mean you are far too close.

The fix is always the same simple move: add distance. Back up until the soft, food-taking dog returns, then carry on.