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 »
For Ollie, a highly reactive dog, desensitization has been a game-changer; allowing him to navigate my home environment with a greater sense of calm self-confidence. By engaging Ollie in familiar, enjoyable tricks—like “spin,” “paw,” and “high five”—while he hears but cannot see people or dogs nearby, I gradually helped him get used to these sounds.
Tips for Overwhelmed reactive dog Owners Read More »
Imagine being able to identify the unique traits of a puppy before selecting one and bringing it home for the first time. Is the puppy independent, full of energy, strongly opinionated about resources like food, or isn’t afraid to push back when handled? Wouldn’t that be valuable information to have before you selected and picked
GETTING THE RIGHT PUPPY Read More »
The boat rocked from port to starboard so hard I slid off the seat, as did Jade who landed on the floor next to me. Drake bounded out of the forward cabin and climbed in my lap! He is oblivious to the fact that he weighs nearly 90 lbs. While he is most always self
