Category: Uncategorized
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Where to start with your reactive dog – part 3 of 3
Welcome back for the third and final installment of where to even start with your reactive dog. I hope part 1 and part 2 brought you some peace and clarity. And I know to many of you it may seem like basic stuff and it can be easily overlooked. But I wouldn’t write a 3-part…
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Where to start with your reactive dog – part 2 of 3
In my last post, I shared 3 tips to help you navigate what to do when your dog struggles with all the things: Last time we got into the details with management. Today, let’s talk about the second one today: pick 1-2 things to work on at a time. Now before you roll your eyes…
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Where to start with your reactive dog
Does your photo app ever send you down a memory lane rabbit hole? Google Photos did this to me over the weekend. Six years ago this month, Matt and I took Maggie and Tres on a road trip up to Big Sur. We split our time between a hotel by the beach and a cabin…
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When regressions happen with your reactive dog
I almost passed out. It was a good thing I was already sitting down, otherwise I would have been on the floor. My vision went, my heart was racing, and I started sweating. I knew I needed to get OUT of that room. What on Earth triggered such a reaction in me? A simple blood…
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Why you aren’t making progress with your reactive dog
A little tough love today. But I want to save you some frustration. I want things to be better between you and your dog. I see a lot of dog parents make the same mistakes and I don’t want you to do the same. This post started as an email but then I realized I…
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Dog Body Language: what to look for to better understand your dog
Over the weekend, my husband and I were visiting a nearby neighborhood. As we waited in our car for the gate to open so we could drive in, a large dog barked at us from inside his kennel. His tail, held high, wagged quickly from side to side. My husband made a comment about how…
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From training to real life
Happy holidays, my friend! I’m so glad you are here. Make sure you read until the end. I’ve got an exciting, time-sensitive announcement! 🎉 Tis the season for holiday musicals. I can’t lie…I’m a fan. I love theater. I love going to a live play or musical. I even participated in the spring musical every…
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How to treat leash reactivity
One of the most common behavior concerns I get from dog guardians is their dog’s behavior when on leash. Many times, they are perplexed because their dog is so mild-mannered and well-behaved….but all bets are off as soon as the leash is clipped. If you find yourself hyperscanning the environment on walks, constantly on the…
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Bad dog training makes for good television
Let me just start this post by saying I am frustrated, sad, and quite honestly, pissed that we will have to talk about this in 2023. Despite mounds of scientific research stating that aversive methods to train dogs (or any animal for that matter) are detrimental and dangerous, it still happens. This is a topic…
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Why I don’t teach reactive dogs how to sit
Tell me what you do in this situation: You’re out for a walk with your reactive dog. It’s a beautiful day. The sun is shining. Birds are chirping. Your dog is happily sniffing the grass. But then you hear it. The jungle of a dog collar. Your zen state is interrupted and your focus turns…
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