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 they want.

Before we can ask our dog to be calm with our strange human world, we need to teach them how to regulate emotions and how to think clearly even when afraid, excited, or frustrated.

Regulating emotions is a skill. We can teach this skill through strategic games and play.

It's ok if your dog is struggling.

It’s ok if you don’t understand.

Your dog simply doesn’t have the emotional regulation skills to learn about all these things yet.

If your dog is struggling, it doesn't mean you failed as an owner.

You likely never learned how to teach these skills in a standard puppy class. Maybe your last dog had less ‘big feelings’ and these skills came naturally to them.
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Training dogs with Big Feelings is not about stopping unwanted behaviours, but about giving our dogs the skills they need to think through problems.

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If you are thinking about Dream Dog, but have questions or aren't sure if it is for you, please book a call to discuss what your plan inside the program could look like.

Dream Dog

A 6 month program to unlock
a fuller, happier life with your dog.

⏰ Registration is open!

Struggling with your dog’s big feelings and reactivity?
​You aren't alone.