Waggin' Tails Dog Obedience

12/17/2025

At its core, reactivity is a dog burdened with a role they were never meant to assume.

Most people attempt to reduce reactivity by addressing its outward manifestations—the barking, the lunging, or the panic. However, reactivity doesn’t simply go away when you tell the dog to “stop,” try to comfort them, or offer treats in an attempt to redirect them. True change occurs only when the dog stops believing they are responsible for making sense of or controlling the world around them.

When humans respond with affection—soft voices, reassuring touch—they believe they are providing comfort. But dogs don’t perceive affection as emotional support. To them, it’s just soft energy. When this energy is given at the wrong time, it sends precisely the opposite message:

“I feel it too.”
“I’m uncertain too.”
“You’re right to be on alert.”

While affection can deepen bonds, it does not establish leadership or guidance. Reactivity only diminishes when the dog recognizes a shift in leadership and direction.

11/09/2025

You don’t train off-leash...you earn it.

A dog that walks off leash isn’t just trained — they trust, respect, and love their human. That’s not obedience. That’s a relationship.

You earn that freedom through energy: silence, calmness, confidence, love, and joy. That’s what allows your dog to stay connected to you, even when there’s no leash.

Want that kind of bond? Lead with energy, not just commands.

10/15/2025

FANTASTIC IDEA...Gets the point across!!

The other day I was at the local public park (not a dog park, but dogs are allowed there). We were walking along in a high movement area so I had my dog on a leash. Another dog, off leash, sees us and starts approaching.

My dog needs her space so we start moving away, but the dog got to us before we could leave. My dog was stressing a little so I politely said to the woman, "Sorry, my dog doesn't want to play" and ushered her dog away.
Her dog gets the message and moves on.

Quite good, right? Here comes the juicy part:

As I’m leaving the owner comes to me with a speech more or less like this:

"Hey, if your dog is nervous and doesn’t even want to play with other dogs, go somewhere else! Don’t come to the park and ruin other dogs fun."

I heard this and a wave of fury started taking over, but suddenly I had a lightbulb moment and switched gears completely.

With the biggest, friendliest smile, I opened my arms as wide as I could and said, "Ohhhhh! Come here... I want to give you a BIG hug!"

With panic in her eyes, she backs up, speechless and quickly starts walking away.

I said, "Hey, don’t run, I’m so friendly!! Come on, I only want to give you a hug! I’m friendly I promise... I just want to Hug You!"

Still speechless and backing away with terror now, I then said, "Wait, You don’t want my friendly hug?"

She yelled, "No! Absolutely not!"

To which I responded, "Well neither does my dog! Have a nice day."

As I walked away, I saw her just standing there, speechless...and leashing her dog! 😅

Have fun using this one!!

10/14/2025

A large part of this applies to puppies/dogs, too.

10/12/2025

08/21/2025

Life is best shared with a big sister.

07/27/2025

We now have another choice for our mobile grooming needs. Give Scott a call to see if he's a good fit for you and your pup!

07/23/2025

"So much of what we call “dog training” is really about relationships—how we listen, how we respond, how we co-exist across species.

Dogs are not just learning what we want. They are feeling us. Tracking our tension, our breath, our patterns. And we are doing the same with them—whether we realize it or not.

As mammals, we share the same basic needs: safety, belonging, choice, connection, regulation, rest. Our nervous systems speak a common language, beneath the words.

When a dog pauses, turns away, or sniffs the ground, they may be saying, “I need a moment.”
When they lean in to contact or soften their gaze, they may be saying, “I feel safe here.”

If we slow down enough to notice, our dogs become mirrors, co-regulators, and even teachers. They help us find our way back to grounded presence—not through force, but through relationship.

Understanding behavior means looking beyond obedience or what dogs can do for you.

It means asking:

What does this being need right now?

What is their body telling us?

And what is mine telling me in return?

This is not just about dogs.
It’s about remembering we are alive—together."

Grisha Stewart

06/27/2025

Dogs that display aggressive behavior toward people entering the home—despite remaining calm outside—are often exhibiting a form of resource guarding. They perceive the house and its inhabitants as their possessions, leading to protective reactions when someone arrives. In their view, visitors are perceived as intruders rather than friends, prompting the dog to defend what they believe is theirs.

This behavior frequently arises in households where dogs are granted unrestricted access and few boundaries. Well-meaning owners may hesitate to enforce rules, fearing they might be too harsh or unkind. However, dogs thrive on structure and clarity—they need to understand their role within the household and what is expected of them. Without proper leadership, many dogs assume the role of protector, a role they are not naturally equipped to handle.

Misinterpreting kindness and permissiveness as weakness, dogs may feel compelled to step into a leadership position when they sense a lack of consistent guidance. This often results in them controlling who is welcome in the home and who is not.

The most effective approach for managing such behavior is for the owner to establish themselves as a confident leader. Clearly communicate rules and boundaries, reassuring the dog that they do not need to take on the responsibility of safeguarding the household. By doing so, the dog can relax and relinquish the role of decision-maker, leading to a more harmonious home environment.

06/14/2025

Hi Neighbors! Stuff is flying out the door at my Transition Sale, but there's still soooo much to choose from! I'll be here 6/15, 6/21 & 6/22...10a - 3p. Furnishings (two gorgeous desks, filing cabinets, pantries, storeage benches, dining chairs, and room dividers), dog-themed art, microwave, cleaning equipment, decor, plants, and a whole bunch of incredibly low-priced stuff for your dogs. Located 2 doors down from Village Bagel. Come on by or call 970-331-7570 for more information.

06/01/2025

Hi Neighbors! I'm having a Transitional Sale at my Edwards studio, 6/14 & 6/15 and 6/21 & 6/22. 10a - 3p. Furnishings, art, appliances, decor, plants, and a whole bunch of stuff for your dogs. Call 970-331-7570 for more information, please.