🍪 Building Value!


What's With All The Cookies? 🍪

In training, whether we're teaching a brand-new behavior or working to change an old habit, the first step is always the same: build tons of value in the behavior we do want to see. That means... lots of cookies!

I just uploaded a fun throwback video featuring Riker learning how to stay calm instead of "fun policing" the other dogs when they start to run. In those early sessions, I kept the expectations low and the rewards high—that’s how you create a rock-solid foundation.

Once that foundation is in place, you can start raising the bar and easing off the cookies. And if things wobble? No worries—you’ve got that strong base to return to.

🎥 Watch Riker Learning the Relaxation Protocol


In this video, the other dogs are behind a gate so I can focus on Riker. Watch for the moments when I realize the task is a bit too tough—or when he nails it and I decide it’s time to level up. This was Riker’s first time in this setup, so I used a super high rate of reinforcement to set him up for success!


Ready to dig deeper and get real tools for managing leash reactivity?

Join the Leash Reactivity Deep Dive and start turning frustration into progress.


Other Free Resources

FB Reactivity Group

FB Puppy Group

Relaxation Protocol

Podcast

Podcast

Blog

2738 Holden Corso Rd, Nanaimo, BC v9x 1n5
Unsubscribe · Preferences

Positive Dog

Subscribe if you'd like to receive my somewhat regular emails including training tips and concepts as well as info about my upcoming freebies and programs!

Read more from Positive Dog

🌟Sept 24 Free Training Every week I hear from someone who feels crushed because their dog had a reaction. They worry: “Did we undo all our training? Are we back at square one?” Here’s the truth → reactions are not the end of the world. In fact, they’re part of growth. Life is unpredictable. Surprises happen. Your dog will react sometimes—but that doesn’t erase your progress. What matters is: Reactions happen less often and are smaller over time You have a plan to handle them calmly Both you...

🌟Sept 24 Free Training There’s a trend floating around in dog training for the last few years that sounds good on the surface: “Just let your dog watch. Don’t ask for obedience. Stop teaching sit.” And for some dogs—especially very timid, fearful ones—this can absolutely be an important part of the path forward. Giving them space and choice helps them feel safe. But here’s the hard truth: this approach doesn’t work for every dog. In fact, I’d wager it doesn’t work for most dogs. Where did...

🌟Sept 24 Free Training Hi Fellow Dog Lover, In a world built on quick fixes and shortcuts, the dog training world is no different. We see it everywhere—in how programs are advertised, the promises made, and the unrealistic timelines set: 🐕 “Fix your dog’s reactivity in 10 days!” 🐕 “One session and your leash pulling is gone!” 🐕 “This harness, collar, or gadget will give you control instantly.” It all sounds tempting, especially when you’re struggling. But these are just band-aids on something...