12/28/2025
Hi, I’m Harley. Golden Retriever. Professional feeler of big feelings.
So… groomers, pet stores, automatic doors…yeah, those used to make my brain go nope! When my paws said “I’m not ready” outside PetCo today, my human and trainer actually listened. No forcing. No dragging. No “just go in.”
Instead, we went on a really nice walk. Fresh air. Snow-capped mountains. Sniffing the shopping center like it was my job (because it is). We walked into lots of doorways. Peeked into stores. Walked right back out. No pressure. Just information.
And then—plot twist—we circled back to Petco.
This time? I walked in like I owned the place. I sniffed everything. Made some friends. Explored all the corners. Picked out a toy (10/10).
Turns out, when you give a dog space, time, and calm leadership… we get brave and confident. Best. Day. Ever.
NoPressureTraining FromFearToFun DogPerspective TakeTheLead RelationshipBasedTraining