Estill Dog Psychology

Structure vs. Routine Structure and routine are both important for a dog’s well-being, but they serve different purposes and have distinct effects on their behavior. Routine involves a set pattern of activities, such as feeding, walks, and playtime at the same time each day, which can create a sense of predictability for dogs. However, strict adherence to a routine can make dogs overly dependent on specific times for these activities, leading to anxiety or stress when there’s any deviation from the norm. On the other hand, structure provides a framework where dogs understand that they will receive what they need—such as exercise, food, and affection—but not always at the same exact times. This flexibility helps dogs adapt to changes more easily and reduces anxiety when their schedule is disrupted, as they still receive the fulfillment they need, just at different times. #estilldogpsychology #dogpsychology #dog #dogs #fortworth #dogtrainer #dfwdogs #dogtraining #dallas #fortworthtx #dogbehavior #dogbehaviourist #dogsofinstagram

Dog owners shouldn’t be afraid of taking their dog home from training, worried about undoing all the progress. Your dog is always going to respond to your energy, so what matters most is your commitment and consistency. If you put in the effort and make adjustments at home, your dog will respond to those changes. It’s not about being perfect but about being intentional and consistent; even small improvements in your approach will lead to positive changes in your dog’s behavior. #estilldogpsychology #dogpsychology #dogtrainer #dogtrainer #dog #dogs #dogsofinstagram #dogbehavior #dfwdogs #dfwdogtrainer #dogsocialization ##dogtraining #fortworth #fortworthdogs #dallas #dallasdogs

When training dogs, it’s crucial to be patient and start with lower behavioral expectations, as this sets a foundation for effective learning. Initially, your dog may not fully understand what is being asked of them, so maintaining realistic expectations helps prevent frustration for both you and your pet. As you consistently practice and reinforce positive behaviors, your dog will gradually learn and improve, allowing you to raise your expectations over time. This approach not only builds a stronger bond between you and your dog but also helps you effectively correct and shape their behavior to achieve the desired outcomes. #estilldogpsychology #dogpsychology #dogtraining #dog #dogs #dogsofinstagram #dfwdogs #dogbehavior #dogbehaviourist #dogsoffortworth #fortworthdogs #fortworthdogtrainer #fortworthdogtraining #fortworth #dallas

EDP kids camp 2024 was by far my most proud, favorite and rewarding moment of my professional career. The endless support and love we received to put on this amazing event left us speechless. So much planning went into this camp and I cannot express how grateful I am for all the help. @kindsey_ Seeing these kids show up elated to work with dogs and the excitement for knowledge was fulfillment of the highest order for me. This is my passion and the reason I believe I’m here on this earth, to educate humans (kids included) about animals. It’s literally my heart. Special thank you to @printedthreads for hosting and Abby Knowles with @xitranch ranch for providing cooked meals for our campers. All the training staff and volunteers that we couldn’t have done this without…..THANK YOU!!!! Can’t wait to grow this idea and make our camps even bigger and better for next year! Excited to see you all there! ❤️🐶 #estilldogpsychology #dogpsychology #dogtrainer #dogs #dog #dogcamp #kidscamp #dfwdogs #dogsofinstagram #dogsandkids #mansbestfriend #fortworth #fortworthtx #fortworthtexas #fortworthdogs

Being a commander in your dog’s life means taking on the role of a leader who directs and protects, fostering a relationship built on trust and respect. This approach emphasizes understanding and meeting your dog’s needs, rather than imposing unreasonable demands based solely on human desires. By establishing clear, consistent guidance and providing a safe, supportive environment, you create a bond where your dog feels secure and valued. This mutual respect encourages positive behavior and cooperation, resulting in a harmonious and fulfilling companionship. #estilldogpsychology #dogpsychology #dogtraining #dogtrainer #dog #dogs #dogsofinstagram #dogrelationship #dogbehavior #dogbehaviorist #dfwdogs #fortworthdogs #fortworthtx #fortworthdog

Teaching a dog that an open door isn’t an invitation to go outside is crucial for their safety. Understanding thresholds and boundaries helps prevent them from running into potentially dangerous situations, such as traffic or unfamiliar environments where they could get lost or injured. By reinforcing these concepts, owners can ensure their pets remain secure within the home, reducing the risk of accidents and enhancing overall peace of mind. This training is essential for creating a safe and controlled environment, where the dog learns to wait for permission before crossing boundaries. #estilldogpsychology #dogpsychology #dogtraining #dogtrainer #dog #dogs #dfwdogs #threshold #dogstay #dogsofinstagram #dogtrainingadvice #dogtrainingtips #fortworthdogs #fortworth

It’s family time!!!!! What a perfect way to mix our human and animal family together working towards a productive goal and spending some quality time together. Here are a few tips to help with teaching your dog how to walk with a stroller and some of the methods that I use and have been successful with. Hope this helps enjoy your time together. 🐶❤️👶🏼 #estilldogpsychology #dogpsychology #dogtraining #dog #dogs #dogtrainingtips #dfwdogs #dogwalking #dogwalk #stroller #nuna #fortworth #fortworthtexas #dogsoffortworth

EDP Kids Camp 2024!!!! Register at www.estilldogpsycholoy.com If you have a child between the ages of 6-18 and interested in dogs, dog training or dog psychology…this is a camp for them! This one day camp allows kids to be in groups with very well known/experienced dog trainers from across the DFW area. With the main focus on teaching kids how to read body language, proper petting techniques, how to walk dogs and much much more!!! EDP has partnered with XIT ranch who will provided meals for our campers and Printed Threads who will host our camp and print all camp related gear. We would love to see you there! So join us for a day for fun and learning! #estilldogpsychology #dogtrainer #dogtraining #doglover #kidscamp #kidscamps #kidsanddogs #dogpsychology #dogs #dog #fortworth #fortworthtx #fortworthtexas #dallas #dallastx #fortworthdogs #dfwdogs #dallasdogs

If you’re unable to manage your dog on a leash, it’s a clear indication that you might not be prepared to handle them off-leash. Effective leash handling is foundational to building trust and communication with your dog. It demonstrates your ability to guide and direct them, which is crucial when they’re off-leash and potentially facing more distractions and risks. #estilldogpsychology #dogpsychology #dogtraining #dogtrainer #dog #dogsofinstagram #dogwalking #dogsofinstagram #dfwdogs #fortworth #fortworthtx #fortworthtexas #dogsoffortworth #dallas #dallasdogs

More choices = More stress When we think about life, we often think bigger is better or the more we have the happier we will be. But often less is more. When we aren’t clear with our dogs and the specific rolls that we have in the house, it can create the dog having more stress. The more freedom, the more space, the more choices can create more uncertainty in the dog’s mind. So if you want our dog’s life to be easier and become the follower that we want. Be present, be alert and make sure you’re making choices to help guide the dog to make their life easier. #estilldogpsychology #dogpsychology #dogtraining #dogtrainer #dog #dogs #dogsofinstagram #dfwdogs #dfw #fortworth #fortworthtx #fortworthdogs #dogsoffortworth #dallasdogs #dogsofdallas

Do you approach every dog the same? When we talk about training, and the reality of all dog’s temperament not being the same, that means we have to adjust our approach. Just like our kids, some kids are good with the firm approach and can go out and flourish. Where that same exact style of approach, could shut down the next kid to where they can can’t function at a high-level. It’s the same with our dogs being able to dissect and diagnose quickly how a dog feels, and what approach will help them the most the quickest. That can be the difference between a smooth ride or a challenging experience. #estilldogpsychology #dogpsychology #dogtraining #dogtrainer #dog #dogs #dogsofinstagram #dfwdogs #dfwdogtrainer #fortworth #fortworthdogs #fortworthtx #fortworthtexas #dallas #dallastx #dogsofdallas

Puppy pads, while often marketed as a solution for potty training, can actually hinder a dog’s progress in learning where to relieve themselves. By providing an alternative indoor spot to eliminate, puppy pads can confuse dogs and delay the process of learning to go outside. Dogs may develop a preference for using the pads indoors, leading to accidents in the house even when the pads are removed. Additionally, the scent of urine on the pads can attract dogs to continue using them, perpetuating the cycle of indoor elimination. Ultimately, relying solely on puppy pads can undermine the goal of teaching dogs to potty outside consistently. On the other hand, human-led exercises such as consistent supervision, positive reinforcement, and establishing a routine are crucial elements in successful potty training. Through regular observation and timely outdoor trips, owners can catch their dog in the act and immediately guide them to the appropriate outdoor area, reinforcing the desired behavior. Positive reinforcement techniques, such as praising and rewarding the dog for eliminating outside, further reinforce the association between outdoor pottying and positive outcomes. By creating a structured routine that aligns with the dog’s natural elimination patterns, owners can effectively communicate expectations and facilitate the learning process, leading to long-term success in potty training. #estilldogpsychology #dogpsychology #dogtrainer #dogtraining #pottytraining #dog #dogs #dogofinstagram #dfwdogsofinstagram #fortworth #fortworthtx #fortworthtexas #fortworthdogtraining #dallas #dallasdogs #dfwdogtrainer #dfwdogs

In a world where everything happens so quickly and fast it’s very easy to get sucked into that lifestyle and believe that the faster we do something the better. But there is an intangible value in slowing down, practicing patience and teaching at a speed that our dogs can learn at. Confusion is not a bad thing. Confusion is actually the mind opening up to gain knowledge. We must take the time to observe and take the environment in with an open mind. There is no finish line or prize for getting there the quickest. So take your time and teach the dogs at a speed that they can have the best chance for success. #estilldogpsychology #dogpsychology #dogtraining #dogtrainer #dfwdogs #dfwdogtraining #dog #dogs #dogsofinstagram #fortworth #fortworthtx #fortworthdogs #fortworthdogtraining #dogsoffortworth #dallas #dallasdogs

Should I let my dogs play? Play is a form of communication, and is also a way dogs gauge their social hierarchy. The main key is making sure the energies of the two dogs playing are compatible, controlling the intensity of the play and also making sure we try to limit play to no more than two dogs at a time. Also recognizing that when one dog is done with play, not allowing the other dog to continue to overwhelm the dog that is done. If you have the ability to turn it off when needed and it doesn’t create any friction between the dogs down the road then this can be a great form of social activity for our dogs. #estilldogpsychology #dogpsychology #dogtraining #dogtrainer #dogplaying #dogplay #dogs #dog #dogsofinstagram #fortworthdogs #fortworthdog #fortworth #fortworthtx #fortworthtexas #dallas #dallastexas

How to create space around your food!!! Remember, dogs communicate through: * Energy * Body language * Space * Touch * Sound Watch out we can practically use it to communicate so the dogs understand what we want. #estilldogpsychology #dogpsychology #dogtraining #dogtrainer #dog #dogs #dogsofinstagram ##dogbodylanguage #fortworth #fortworthtx #fortworthdogs #dogsoffortworth #dallas #dallasdogs

Are the body in mind aligned? Too often, we try and rush through things and it’s easy to look at the body and believe we have calmness. But do we give the chance for the mind to settle and relax? Taking that extra moment or two to make sure the mind relaxes can be the difference between information being understood are not received at all. #estilldogpsychology #dogpsychology #dogtraining #dogtrainer #dog #dogs #dogsofinstagram #dogbehavior #fortworth #fortworthdogs #fortworthtx #fortworthtexas #dallas #dallasdogs

Some bad weather is in your area, what can you do with your dogs to fulfill them? When it comes to dogs, it doesn’t matter the weather, our personal lives, or time. Dogs have specific fulfillment needs that have to be met and addressed no matter the situation. We want to make sure that we’re practicing these tips in the video all year long so when this day comes you’re prepared and it’s just like any normal day. Disclaimer: if your dog has not been trained on the treadmill properly, please seek professional help. Do not try at home. #estilldogpsychology #dogpsychology #dogtraining #dogtrainer #dog #dogs #dogsofinstagram #dogtrainingtips #fortworth #fortworthdogs #fortworthtexas #fortworthtx #dallas #dallasdogs #dallasdogsofinstagram #packofdogs #dogtreadmill

Dog behavior converted into human behavior… An easy tip to tell if your dog’s behavior is balanced or not is convert that behavior from dog form into human form. Even though the concept can seem funny, it can be a very telling sign of how your dog is feeling and how your dogs view the world and the associations they’ve created. The same way as us as humans strive for balance in our life. We should expect and try to create the same thing for our dogs. #estilldogpsychology #dogpsychology #dogtraining #dogtrainer #dogs #dogs #dogsofinstagram #dogbehavior #fortworthdogs #fortworthdogtraining #fortworth #fortworthtx #fortworthtexas #fortworthdogsofinstagram #dallas #dallasdogs

Treats can be a fantastic tool for training. But it cannot become the only reason the dog looks to the human being for instruction. If dogs are only performing for reward, it can become harder and harder to get the behaviors that you’re needing when treats are not present. Starting a dog out on treats, is a fantastic way to motivate and teach, but with practice behaviors should become more and more expected and treat less and less. Not saying, you should never use treats. It just can’t be the only reason your dog wants to be connected to you. #estilldogpsychology #dogpsychology #dogtraining #dogtrainer #dog #dogs #dogsofinstagram #dogbehavior #dogtreats #fortworthdog #fortworthdogs #fortworth #fortworthtexas #fortworthtx #dallas #dallasdogs

It’s the holiday season again! Just because your life get busy doesn’t mean the dogs fulfillment plans need to take a backseat. Here’s some tips to try and help to coexisting with your dog during these times. Happy holidays!!! #estilldogpsychology #dogpsychology #dogtraining #dogtrainer #dog #dogs #dogsofinstagram #dogtrainingtips #fortworthdog #fortworthdogs #fortworth #fortworthtexas #fortworthtx #dallas #dallasdogs