Leash Reactivity? Reactivity can feel overwhelming, embarrassing, and frustrating—but it doesn’t have to stay that way. There are 3 stages to addressing Leash Reactivity. The first two steps set us and our dogs up to be able to learn, to have the skills to regulate our arousal and emotions, and give us get-out-of-trouble skills. Stage 3 - Work The Challenges Once we have the skills to get out in the world and have fun, we can go out looking for challenges to train. The basic premise of most...
2 days ago • 1 min read
Leash Reactivity? Reactivity can feel overwhelming, embarrassing, and frustrating—but it doesn’t have to stay that way. There are 3 stages to addressing Leash Reactivity. When we move through each step thoughtfully, both we and our dogs build the skills we need to succeed — setting us up for real change. Stage 2 - Anticipate Surprises Do you know your training isn’t quite ready for everything the world will throw at you and your dog? That’s okay—this is part of the process. To bridge the gap...
3 days ago • 1 min read
Leash Reactivity? Reactivity can feel overwhelming, embarrassing, and frustrating—but it doesn’t have to stay that way. There are 3 stages to addressing Leash Reactivity. If we skip or rush steps. we can become stuck - either we or our dogs can end up facing challenges that set them up for failure because we don't yet have the skills to succeed. Stage 1 - Prepare to Learn Before we can start training the hard stuff, we need to be in the right mindset. Both ends of the leash need to be ready....
15 days ago • 1 min read
Somewhere along the line, we were convinced that setting boundaries is mean. If we limit access to things our dogs want, add structure to their days, or say “no” sometimes, we’re told we’re being controlling. Harsh. Unkind. Our dogs deserve better, right? But boundaries and structure aren’t cruel. They’re kindness. They’re what keep dogs safe, and what help them feel secure. The trick is in how we set them. It’s NOT “no — or else.” It's NOT having a dog live in a crate in a nothing in life is...
28 days ago • 1 min read
Recall, reactivity, and calm behaviours all draw from the same foundations: self-control and arousal management. On the surface, they don't seem the same - recall is fast and high-energy, reactivity is emotionally charged, and settling at a cafe is low-energy and chill. These behaviours all depend on the dog’s ability to regulate their internal state and make choices under stimulation. Different goals, same skillset When you call your dog, they must disengage from distractions and focus on...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Hi there, Can you see how much fun Riker and Jubilee are having in these videos? That’s what training should look like — joyful, connected, and fun for both you and your dog. Not all training is upbeat and energetic, but it should always feel safe, kind, and connected. A friend sent me a post from a well-known trainer who said their distracted dog needed its mouth held shut and to be flipped on its back. Suddenly the dog follows them everywhere - not surprisingly. Dogs are the most forgiving...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
💥My newest podcast episode just dropped: Training Plans DON’T Work If you feel like you are doing everything right — following the recipe, sticking to the plan — and it still isn’t working, this episode is for you. Inside, I talk about: Why training plans fall short Mistakes people make when their plan isn’t working (and it’s not your mechanics, treats, or your dog’s ability!) What actually works: training that adapts to your unique dog and real-life challenges This one’s a must-listen if...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
If you’ve been struggling with reactivity, overwhelm, or just wishing you could actually enjoy walks with your dog, the Leash Reactivity Deep Dive is for you. This isn’t another surface-level training class. It’s an intensive, hands-on program combining weekly live coaching, daily feedback, and a series of targeted training modules designed to help you and your dog succeed in real life. Here’s what’s inside: ✨ Arousal – not just how to lower it, but when (and why) to raise it, too. ✨ Setting...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
🥰See what others have to say 🥰 Swipe through to hear from amazing dog owners who’ve been where you are—struggling with reactivity, overwhelm, and stress—and found relief, confidence, and fun again with their dogs. 🐾💛 These are real stories, real progress, and real transformations. ✨ You and your dog can have this too. Enrollment for my 8-Week Leash Reactivity Deep Dive is open now—but only until the end of the week! 👉 [Join the Deep Dive here] Because the best walks are the ones where you...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
