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
The Socialization Myth What if the very thing you’ve been told to do to help your dog—traditional dog-to-dog socialization—was actually making your dog defensive or reactive? Dog parks, daycare, and pack walks are often sold as the gold standard for raising a well-adjusted pup. But the reality is far more complicated, and, for many dogs,
Traditional Dog-to-Dog Socialization Can Do More Harm Than Good Read More »
I finished my Manuscript! 🐾✍️ I’m thrilled to share a huge milestone—my manuscript is officially with the copyeditor! 🎉 After months of writing, refining, and pouring my heart into every chapter, it’s surreal to know that my book is nearly ready for you. What began as a simple idea fueled by my passion to help
Building Resilience When Things go Wrong We all want to be calm, collected, and composed when our dogs need us most, but sometimes, fear grabs us before we can breathe. This week a game of fetch with Ollie, my daughter’s nervous and sensitive Sheltie, became one of those moments. It started off as a joyful
Twice yesterday, while working with clients, I was asked the same question: ‘When can I stop rewarding my dog?’ It’s a common question, and one I always appreciate because it opens the door for a needed conversation. Rather than giving a quick answer, I encourage people to pause and reflect on the nature of their
When can I stop rewarding my dog? 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 »
Greetings Can be Chaotic When company arrives, my dogs bark eagerly and move toward the door with excitement. When the visitors enter, Drake bounces around joyfully in his high-pitched vocalization, filled with love and enthusiasm. He has a big heart and loves everyone! Jade has a natural leadership presence and approaches with confidence—her back straight,
My dog growled at my Grandson Read More »
