Reactive

Not All Dog’s Are Social-

Hi! Judy here with more ways to support you! For years, dog owners have been told that socialization means more, more greetings, more places, more dogs, more interaction. And for resilient dogs, that approach can work just fine. But for many others, it quietly creates stress. After more than 25 years working in canine behavior, […]

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Struggling to Know How Much Socialization Is Too Much?

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:

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✨ Big News:

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

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Causes of Canine Reactivity

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

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Exposure vs Socialization

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

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Tips for Overwhelmed reactive dog Owners

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.

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