Understanding Why Some Dogs Struggle with Unfamiliar Dogs One of the biggest misconceptions in the dog world is the belief that a dog who hesitates to greet another dog is antisocial. In reality, many dogs who struggle with greetings are not aggressive, reactive, or unfriendly at all. They’re simply emotionally sensitive. These dogs often enjoy […]
When Dog-Selective Dogs Meet the Wrong Playmate Read More »
This Sunday, April 19th — something important is happening. And if you’ve ever felt: Then this is for you. Let’s Be Honest About Threatening Barking & Reactivity Reactivity is not random. It’s not disobedience. And it’s rarely “just training.” It’s communication, between dogs. When that communication is misunderstood…sadly, our dogs become less curiousand we begin
If Your Dog Is Reactive… This Changes Everything Read More »
Owning a dog who guards food, resting places, objects, or even people can make daily life tense and unpredictable. Growling, freezing, snapping, or biting are not random behaviors, they are signals that the dog feels pressure and is prepared to defend something of value. Dogs who guard from people often have low sociability but high
The Resource Guarding Safety Reset Read More »
You’re not alone—and your puppy’s confidence depends on getting this right. Do you ever find yourself wondering:“How much socialization does my puppy really need… and how do I know when I’m doing too much?” If you’re feeling unsure, conflicted, or quietly worried you might be doing too much, I want you to know this first:
Struggling to Know How Much Socialization Is Too Much? Read More »
A Practical 10 Step stress-reduction guide for dog owners who want peace and not pressure during the holidays. The holidays bring joy, connection, and celebration to many of us. For our anxious, sensitive or protective dogs, however, they also bring noise, crowds, unfamiliar people, disrupted routines, and overwhelming social expectations. That is not all, now
Peaceful Holidays, a 10 Step Checklist Read More »
Announcing the Official Title of My New Book! ✨ After years of working with dogs, countless case studies, thousands of thoughtful conversations with clients, and many, many drafts…And because today is a day for gratitude, it feels like the perfect moment to share something special—something I’ve poured my heart into for years. I’m so thankful
Hi Friends, Back in June, I shared the exciting news that I had finished the very first draft of my manuscript and sent it off to the editor. What I didn’t realize at the time was just how many layers of editing a book goes through—or how much I would grow through the process myself!
Sailing, goodbyes and finding my voice Read More »
Ever wonder why some dogs seem to stay effortlessly connected to their handlers in all kinds of environments—busy parks, crowded streets, bustling training classes? I’ve been fortunate to share my life with three such dogs. No matter where we went, they remained mentally and emotionally available to me. They were steady, grounded, and attentive, even
5 strategies to connect with your dog in any setting Read More »
I continue to work with countless distraught clients who are desperate to stop their dog’s reactive behavior on a leash. I get it! When I adopted my 9-year-old Scottish Terrier in 2009, I felt the same isolation, stress and frustration. For two years, we trained diligently and, eventually, reached a point where we could walk
Causes of Canine Reactivity Read More »
A solid understanding of the distinction between exposure and socialization is essential for preventing reactivity in dogs. While these terms are often used interchangeably, they play very different roles in shaping a dog’s behavior. Let’s dive into what each one means and why it matters. Exposure (Ideal for dogs with slow resilience) Exposure refers to
Exposure vs Socialization Read More »
