Runa is learning to be a truffle dog! There are three separate skills for scent detection, whether we are talking about hunting for mushroom, competing in scent detection sports, tracking, or air scenting for a lost person. Searching for the target odor Finding the source of the odor Indicating to the handler that they have found the source Each of these skills can be taught independently and need to be kept in balance. Too much emphasis put on one of the skills and our dog will false alert,...
13 days ago • 1 min read
Good morning! I am so excited about Dream Dog. We are going to have so much fun diving into what each dog needs, what each person needs, and how to help our dogs progress to the next level! Building your dream dog isn’t about changing who they are. It’s about meeting them where they are, celebrating their unique personality, and growing together as a team. Now's the time! Don't miss out. Dream Dog won't open again any time soon and this type of connection directly to me is only available in...
29 days ago • 1 min read
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...
29 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...
30 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...
about 1 month 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...
about 1 month 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...
about 1 month 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...
about 1 month 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...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read