There are many different personalities within dogs
#NatureNotDogTraining
Bruno's owner worked for two years to rehabilitate their aggressive dog with a board certified vetinarian behaviorist. Before that, he worked with multiple other force-free trainers. He was fully committed to the force-free approach because he works in the science field, and the force-free community constantly promotes their methods as ‘science-based.’
They also had his dog, Bruno, on 95mg of sertraline, and they also tried gabapentin. Despite following every protocol, after two years, euthanasia was recommended as understandable and humane at that point.
After that, he heard about me—but he was extremely skeptical. It took a long time for him to be ready to work with me. He had spent time watching me, meeting my clients, and observing my work before he finally made that decision.
A big reason for his skepticism was that the force-free community had always told him that discipline was harmful and unnecessary.
Now, he is 100% on board with what I do and is actually upset about how misled he was by force-free methods. More importantly, he realized that what I do isn’t just about discipline—it’s much deeper than that.
Bruno is now off all medications and is successfully socializing with both dogs and people—something that force-free methods were never even close to achieving after years of effort.
I am an alternative for people who are not finding success in the force free and balanced dog training approaches. I typically work with people who have already been to multiple trainers and behaviorists and feel like they’ve exhausted all other options before coming to me.
#NatureNotDogTraining
This is shortly after Ace & Archer’s little dispute (see the post before to watch what happened).
Notice how all the dogs have the freedom to leave, yet they choose to stay near me. When I stand up, they follow. This is the kind of trust and stability I aim for.
It’s easy for us as people to jump to conclusions. But when we take a step back and truly observe, we see a bigger picture.
#NatureNotDogTraining
In the animal world, communication isn’t about sit, down, heel, or 'good boys & girls'. It’s about intent, body language, and action.
#NatureNotDogTraining
Charlie: Guest Coming Over; Territorial Dog Pt. 3
"I dream of a day where we do not use dogs as a distraction from reality. But a connection to it" Scott Elliott
#NatureNotDogTraining
#dog
Charlie: Guest Coming Over; Territorial Dog Pt. 2
When working with a pack, I am looking at them as individuals and as a collective.
#NatureNotDogTraining
#dog
Charlie: Guest Coming Over; Territorial Dog Pt. 1
"Dogs can only think like dogs, and they expect us to think like them" - Brandon Fouché
#NatureNotDogTraining
#dog
Meet Charlie!
Charlie is a beautiful 4.5-year-old Great Pyrenees/Lab mix who has come a long way since his rough start in life. He was found as an orphaned puppy, bottle-fed, and later faced several re-homings when traditional and modern dog training methods, along with medication didn’t work.
With us, he’s spent the last 11 months thriving under a natural alternative approach —and is looking to find a forever home that will look to understand and live with him from a dog’s perspective, nature's perspective. Truly understanding Charlie. ❤️
Adoption Support:
To set Charlie up for success, we’ll help transition him to his new adopter and provide one full year of support (included in his adoption fee).
Charlie Needs Someone:
1. Confident and Experienced
Someone who understands the responsibility of owning a large, dominant dog.
2. Not Seeking a Service/Emotional Support Dog
He isn’t suitable for emotional support or service work. Charlie has strong territorial and guarding instincts, and those traits would be amplified in a therapy or service context.
3. Not a “Kids’ Dog”
Charlie isn’t the best choice for families looking for a dog to teach their children responsibilities. He’s not a good “starter dog.” If that’s what you’re seeking, we suggest a more subordinate or submissive dog.
4. Desiring a Deep, Natural Relationship
Someone who truly wants a genuine, respectful bond with a dog—honoring canine instincts and needs.
5. Willing to Follow Our Guidelines
A person committed to learning and continuing the specific approach we recommend (details shared by phone or in person).
Why Adopt Charlie?
With the right approach, Charlie has immense potential to be a devoted companion. He needs an adopter who is assertive, patient, and consistent, and who will continue his rehabilitation journey. If you can provide leadership, routine, and the appropriate type of socialization, he’ll reward you with loyalty and love.
If you beli
Archer Pt. 2: The Journey
Over the years, I’ve seen many people struggle to go through what they and their dog truly need. The moment they see their dog uncomfortable, they assume it's bad—but discomfort isn’t the enemy. Just because something feels unpleasant doesn’t mean it leads to a bad outcome, just like something that feels pleasant doesn’t guarantee a good one.
Growth is a journey. Sometimes, both we and our dogs need to go through discomfort to reach something better.
#NatureNotDogTraining
Archer Pt. 1: Working with a Fearful Dog
Tried everything—dog training, veterinary behaviorists, medication—but still feel stuck?
We offer an alternative—learn to communicate and live with dogs through nature’s perspective, not #dogtraining
#NatureNotDogTraining #DogBehavior
Bruno came in #aggressive toward both people, including his owner, and other #dogs
After multiple trainers, a veterinary behaviorist, and a high dose of medication, things only got worse—to the point where euthanasia was recommended. Now, he's off all medication, and life for him and his owner has completely opened up—less stress, more understanding, and a better way forward.
#NatureNotDogTraining
Charlie Brown Murphy Pt. 8: Conclusion of His Stay
In just six days, Charlie's world expanded. He went from being aggressive toward people and animals to walking calmly and socializing with confidence. His reactivity to dogs, cars, and more faded into calmness. And, of course, he had plenty of time to play and connect with other dogs. Through my leadership, he found clarity and security. It was a pleasure to guide him through this journey.
#NatureNotDogTraining
"Understanding dogs & ourselves through nature"
