Tried everything, but your dog's big feelings still hold you back? You've taken classes, private lessons, watched hours of YouTube, maybe even tried medications—and you're not sure what's left to try. Frustrated that your dog just can't keep it together? You wish everyone could see the sweet, funny, loving dog you know when it's just the two of you. Avoiding events and feeling isolated? Registration for Dream Dog closes TOMORROW. Dream Dog is for people with reactive, anxious, or over-the-top...
11 days ago • 1 min read
You're going to make mistakes with your dog. Sorry for the foul language, but seriously, be nicer to yourself! You'll miss a warning sign. You'll push too far on a bad day. You'll look back and think I should have known better. And when it happens, that voice in your head will be merciless. Learning isn't linear. When we live with dogs with Big Feelings, progress is often three steps forward, one step back. That's normal. Setbacks don't erase all the hard work you've done. One rough day...
11 days ago • 1 min read
"There's no way this is going to work." Carly said those exact words to her husband after our coaching call. Ben, her two-year-old working Lab, lived in a constant state of high arousal. Group classes were something to avoid or survive, not enjoy. Patios? Forget it. She dreaded situations where she would have to manage him. She'd trained dogs before. She had a successful search and rescue dog already. But the tools that worked for Hazel just didn't work for Ben. So when I suggested using...
11 days ago • 1 min read
I hear it all the time. "Can you just move in with us? My dog is so good when you're here." "I wish I could text you every time something weird happens." "It's the little stuff I second-guess—like, was that the right call? Should I have done something different?" No, I can't move in 🤣 But I can be in your pocket. Dream Dog is my small-group program for people with reactive, anxious, or over-the-top dogs—and it's built around exactly what you're asking for: daily access to me. Ask as many...
13 days ago • 1 min read
Monica opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of living with Sergei, a high-arousal American Bully with a bite history, and Iggy, a fearful little dog who arrived ready to pick fights. She shares how shifting from behavior-focused training to building emotional resilience transformed her relationship with both dogs—and finally brought peace back into her home. "I made more progress with Sergei in two and a half months than I had in the six years before that. So don't hesitate—it's worth...
14 days ago • 1 min read
A lot of you have been asking the same question. "Is it too late for my dog?" My dog is... 5, 7, 10... No, it isn't too late for your dog. Your dog CAN still learn and build skills to help them in life - and to make your life with your dog easier. The only exception to this rule is for geriatric or palliative dogs - we just keep them happy, enriched, and ensure they have their best last months or years. A mature dog might have well established patterns of behaviour. Maybe they have been...
15 days ago • 1 min read
Kim shares her journey with Stella. From a puppy menace who didn't just "grow out of it" to a dog who goes to busy parks, patios, and hotels... and gets "What a good dog" compliments everywhere she goes! Listen on Apple Listen on Spotify Dream Dog is OPEN for enrollment - Join now and get early access to everything but the private coaching, bonus time with the material! >> If you aren't sure if Dream Dog for you, book a free call so we can chat. Best, -- Christina Join Dream Dog 2738 Holden...
15 days ago • 1 min read
One of the biggest mistakes we make with dogs is trying to STOP a behaviour we don’t like because it doesn’t make sense to us. Anxious dogs don’t understand that other people and dogs aren’t out to get them. Friendly dogs don’t understand leash laws (and common courtesy) mean you can’t just race up to every potential new BFF. Protective dogs don’t understand that the Amazon person is bringing gifts. Over-aroused dogs don't understand that barking and frantic behaviour isn't getting them what...
17 days ago • 1 min read
❓ Do you have games that can get you out of trouble if your dog gets worked up? If you see trouble coming, can you confidently navigate your way out of the situation? This is one of the pieces often missing in positive training plans. Yes, it's important to try to keep our dogs under threshold—only facing them with challenges they're ready for. But let's be real: achieving this 100% of the time isn't realistic. Being just on the edge every now and then is part of progress. In fact, if you...
17 days ago • 1 min read