🐶 Your dog needs more than space

🌟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 this idea come from? Unfortunately, too many trainers have used force and coercion to make dogs sit—when they were scared, overwhelmed, or already over threshold. That is never the right choice.

But that doesn’t mean obedience is the problem.
(If you prefer, call it “tricks” instead of “obedience.”)

The truth is, obedience can be one of the most valuable tools we have. It can:

Provide mental challenges and stimulation that many dogs are lacking
Offer structure and predictability
Give dogs a way to “opt out” of interactions or scenarios
Build communication skills and trust between you and your dog
Give us a way to ASK if our dog can think in the moment

Here’s the thing: many dogs are actively seeking stimulation. And when we don’t provide it in healthy, structured ways, sometimes the only outlet they find is focusing on their triggers.

Obedience isn’t about control—it’s about giving our dogs the engagement, connection, and challenge they need to thrive.

So if you’ve got a dog who thrives on learning and thinking, who enjoys challenge and activity, don’t sell them short by taking the “easy way out.” Don't just watch, put the time into training.

The right kind of structure can transform your training results and deepen your bond.

Don't forget to sign up for my free training on September 24.

🎯 Sign up now to save your spot

If you are ready to commit, to make real progress, I'm here to help!

Talk soon,

– Christina

P.S. At the end of the workshop, I will be opening the doors to my signature 8 week reactivity training & coaching program: Leash Reactivity Deep Dive.