Positive Dog

💥 Reactivity 101: The One Habit That Makes a Big Difference

Want to prevent reactivity before it starts? Here’s one of the most overlooked skills—learning to watch without staring. Here’s how to tell the difference: 🔹 Watching = relaxed, checking in, less than 3 seconds of direct eye contact, able to disengage 🔹 Staring = stiff, tense, frozen in position, locked-in eye contact, unable to look around, sniff, or connect with you So, why does this become a problem? Because we often miss the early warning signs. 🚩 We confuse "socialization" with letting...

3 days ago • 1 min read

⚠️ The Cues We Don’t Notice

What's the Real Trigger? Have you ever been told that your anxiety is the reason your dog is reactive? Let me be clear: that’s not true. Reactivity stems from a combination of learning history and genetics—not your emotions. That said, our dogs do pick up on patterns and cues in ways we often don’t notice. After losing both Maxi and Enzo last winter, I noticed something surprising. I had always assumed I fed the dogs breakfast simply because it was morning. But in reality, it was Maxi and...

10 days ago • 1 min read

🐰 Be the Prey, not the Predator!

Are you a predator stalking your dog? Or the prey your dog wants to chase? When people practice recall or engage their dogs in play, they often face the dog and move in toward them. Cues are typically reduced to a single word like “come” or the dog’s name, with the tone becoming more forceful if there’s no immediate response. Let’s clear something up right away: a reliable recall doesn’t happen just because you said so. Really. 😊 Your dog doesn't come when called because you’re the boss or...

13 days ago • 1 min read

Your dog doesn't want to be “bad”

One of the biggest reasons people end up in conflict with their dogs is because they believe the dog knows exactly what’s being asked—and is simply choosing not to do it. “She’s just stubborn.” “He knows better.” “This breed needs a heavier hand.” Labels like these turn your dog into the villain. And once we decide they’re being “bad,” it suddenly feels justified to correct harshly—or punish. But here’s the truth: More often than not, the dog is confused, overwhelmed, uncertain, or simply...

17 days ago • 1 min read

🎉 It’s Here! Real Life Solutions for Dog Aggression

I’m SO excited to finally share this with you… the Real Life Solutions course is officially live! 🎉 I’ve joined forces with four incredible experts—Michael Shikashio CDBC, Jessica Wheatcraft CDBC, Amelie Martel CPDT-KA, and Jacqueline Drake CDBC, FFCP—to create the most comprehensive course available for dog guardians navigating aggression. And yes, I’m diving deep into the dog-dog aggression section. If you’re living with a dog who growls, lunges, bites, or just struggles to feel safe in the...

20 days ago • 1 min read

More Than Just the Relaxation Protocol

Relaxation Protocol is just one piece... The Relaxation Protocol is a powerful tool in helping our dogs learn to settle, find their “off switch,” and become easier to live with. It’s also incredibly helpful when working through reactivity. But here’s the thing—it's just one part of the puzzle. In the latest podcast episode, I’m diving into what else we need to be teaching our dogs: 🐾 How to raise and lower their arousal 🐾 How to hold it together—even when they’re a little excited or a little...

21 days ago • 1 min read

🎧 Behaviour Mod - New Podcast series begins!

Foundations for Behaviour Modification A few years ago, I created a free Facebook group to support dog guardians navigating reactivity. Back then, it was the best way to get helpful info out quickly. But times have changed—and it’s time for an upgrade. I’ve taken the most important insights from that group and turned them into a brand-new podcast series! 🎉 The very first episode is live now, and it’s all about the foundations of behaviour modification—the key pieces that set your dog (and...

24 days ago • 1 min read

😌 Imagine Relaxing and Enjoying a Walk…

Let’s Make Walks Easier—for Both of You Do you ever watch people walking their dogs—coffee in hand, chatting away, looking like they don’t have a care in the world—and feel a little jealous? And then, when it’s time to walk your own dog… your body tenses. Your heart races. Maybe your hands grip the leash tight at your waist or chest. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. And here’s something really important: Your dog isn’t reactive because you’re anxious. Their reactivity is not your fault. But...

about 1 month ago • 1 min read

⚡Group Coaching is better than 1:1

Rethinking Your Dog Training? You’re Not Alone. You’ve probably heard it before (maybe even from me!):“One-on-one training is the gold standard.” And sure—it makes sense. All eyes on you and your dog. More attention. More personalization. More results. But after running lots of programs, here’s what I’ve seen again and again:Small group training can actually be even more powerful. Every time I teach a Deep Dive, it proves itself. Let me show you why. Yes—individual support matters. And yes,...

about 1 month ago • 1 min read

🍪 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...

about 1 month ago • 1 min read