Dog Talk Training MN

11/09/2025

Try to see things from your dogs perspective.

When we have a dog who is reactive or fearful, oftentimes it's hard to understand why the dog is afraid. They can be scared of things that make no sense to us, which means people often ignore that fear. But: It doesn’t matter if the fear seems stupid; the point is that the dog is afraid. We should acknowledge that and figure out what to do about it. Ignoring it just because the fear seems daft is not a solution.

You can get more tips on how to help dogs with their fears and anxieties in my book Bark! The Science of Helping Your Anxious, Fearful, or Reactive Dog. Bark! is available from all good bookstores, including Amazon https://amzn.to/43hufJm

11/09/2025

Of course our actions often have an impact on the way our dogs behave. But just because they act differently with a friend, family, dog walker, day care, does not mean it’s a reflection on you.

More often than not we are seeing suppression, the same way we might see children behave better around someone they don’t know well or even us as adults. It takes confidence and a feeling of safety to truly be ourselves. So once we are comfortable we are seeing our dogs feel safe enough to show us their true behaviours, then we can address them if necessary.

10/23/2025

If you can train a gorilla to enjoy getting an ultrasound with grapes and a clicker you don't need to use pain, force or fear to train your dog.

10/21/2025

Here is another post for our spotlight on commitment series. Matilda has big feelings about things due to her past, but with the love and dedication from her pet parents she is much more confident. She's had many milestones and our last hurdle of feeling safe with guests is well on its way!

Matilda’s Story

Matilda first came into our lives when we decided to foster her. She was being surrendered by her owner — the second one she’d had in just four years. When Matilda arrived at our home, she was in rough shape both physically and emotionally. She had several untreated health issues and was clearly struggling to feel safe or settled around anyone other than us.

If Matilda saw a person or dog outside, she would lunge into the window blinds and bark nonstop. When someone came to the door, she’d jump up, scratch at it, and bark uncontrollably. Having guests over was stressful too — Matilda would charge toward them, barking loudly, unsure how to react. There were times if she thought she was in trouble, she would roll onto her back and cower in fear. It was heartbreaking to see how anxious and uncertain she felt.

Despite her struggles, we quickly realized that Matilda had a wonderful spirit underneath it all. When she feels safe, she is incredibly affectionate and full of love. She adores snuggling and belly rubs, going for walks, and is deeply attuned to people’s emotions. She also has a playful, goofy side that makes us laugh every day. Those glimpses of her true personality are what led us to adopt her after fostering her for four months.

Over the past year, we’ve worked hard to help Matilda become the best version of herself — meeting her where she was and celebrating every bit of progress along the way. Today, she handles situations on walks that once caused her tremendous fear and stress. She’s grown more confident and comfortable around other people and dogs, and because of it now attends doggie daycare every week and can be boarded overnight when needed. While we’re still helping Matilda feel completely at ease with guests in our home, she’s made remarkable strides in this area too.

We couldn’t have achieved this level of success without the incredible support and coaching from Barb. Her training sessions and guidance have been instrumental in helping Matilda live a happier, healthier life. We’re so proud of how far Matilda has come and so grateful to have her as part of our family!

10/15/2025

Hey! You can use my code “DTTMN10” at checkout to get 10% off your entire purchase at Pupford! Use it on:

Pupford

10/11/2025

This is an excellent read and worth your time!

A new study links stressful puppyhood events to adult dog behavior, such as fear and aggression. Early care and training are crucial.

10/01/2025

Thankfully this isn't forever! But, how you work with your dog through this developmental stage does play a role in the shaping the dog you'll have at the end of this development stage.

09/29/2025

Susan reminds us to look at the whole picture, not just the reactive behavior.

09/29/2025

All of this!!

If you want drama, stream Netflix. 🍿
If you want to help your learner, start observing behavior and the environment, then analyse the contingencies.”

09/29/2025

A strong bond with a pet can teach kids empathy, responsibility, and even patience. But it all starts with safe, age-appropriate involvement. Here are some ideas to help you guide them and ways they can all have fun together! 🧒🐶

🌟 Get your kiddos involved with meal and enrichment preparation - mealtimes, scatter feeding, and making puzzle feeders or other frozen enrichment activities.

🌟 Involve your kids in training sessions and bring them along on walks! Kids can and do train dogs, with the right guidance. (Children should not be the sole leash-holder. If they want to help walk the dog, attach a second leash to your pup for you to hold.)

🌟 Teach your children what games are appropriate to play with dogs, and how to play! Hide and seek and recall games are great fun, without teaching your child to chase the dog or vice versa. Scent games, like nosework, and other "find it" games can also be a blast!

Of course, all of these activities should be done with active adult supervision and participation. Children should not be left unattended with dogs (or any pet). Not all of these activities will be suitable for every household, but get your kids involved where you can! 🙂

For more resources and support for those of you with kids and pets, check out Family Paws Parent Education https://www.familypaws.com/

09/25/2025

Follow the Science!