Feel like you train and train and just don't seem to get there?


Often, behaviour challenges in our dogs are a symptom of missing foundation skills rather than the actual problem.

When we try to train the 'problem' whether it is leash reactivity, resource guarding, fighting in the home, or anything else, we might see little or no progress.

If we aren't seeing significant progress with our training program, or we feel like we are playing whack-a-mole with new challenges coming up all the time, we need a new plan.

Positive Training Didn't Work

Unfortunately, for many dogs, this means people turn to aversive (painful or scary) tools because 'positive training didn't work'. There's a great quote that I'll mess up a bit but I believe it was Susan Garrett who said it, or something similar:

"If you are thinking of resorting to punishment, there's always a better way. You might not know what it is, and I might not know what it is, but there is always a better way."

If you don't know how to progress, or your trainer doesn't, I bet there is someone out there who does =) The world's best trainers are available to us now at the click of a button! Reach out if you have questions.

Impulse Control and Manners

Many dogs struggle with impulsivity and reactivity around very scary or exciting things like other dogs and kids on skateboards, but they haven't been taught how to be calm around simpler distractions like treats and toys. No wonder they are struggling! Waiting for things they want, manners around the pizza guy coming to the door, and general household manners are an important piece to addressing bigger behaviour challenges like leash reactivity.

Here are my crew patiently waiting for their turn to lick the yogurt tub.

video preview

Leash Reactivity Deep Dive!

Join me for 8 weeks of having my eyes on your dog and your training plan. I'll get to know you and your dog and we can dig deep into what is happening for your dog and how we can help them.

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

Welcome to the first of the 2016 podcast episodes! Will your puppy or young dog just grow out of reactivity? Not usually! Young dog's brains are especially sensitive as they develop, right up until 1.5-2.5 years. We need to make a plan to help them through behaviour challenges while keeping their sensitive state and their socialization needs in mind. 🎧 Listen Now Dream Dog! A 6 month program to unlock a fuller, happier life with your dog. ⏰ Registration opens Jan 14th! Struggling with your...

Many times I get called out to help with a dog who is absolutely great... except for this one thing. The pooch might: Attack other dogs when they play together Bark uncontrollably when men come into the house Lose their marbles if someone has a ball or stick or any type of food. Not like little dogs Not come when called ... insert behaviour challenge People try and try, but they just can't fix this ONE thing! Usually, the reason nothing seems to work, no matter how hard they try, is that the...

Mable <3 This picture is of a student's young Pomeranian, Mable. Mable LOVES me, the neighbours, that person on the street, any dog who happens to be in eye sight.. and probably those that aren't. Mable is a very social dog. But how do I know? How do I know that she enjoys contact, isn't just coming to me for treats or for safety? How do I know when I find a stray dog on the side of the street if it is safe for me to put my hand in their collar? I look for affiliative behaviours - social cues...