Rosie’s Tail Training

What would fixing your dog’s reactivity mean?

The best thing for a reactive dog? Time and space to process. You can tell in this video that this pup is still mildly concerned- but this is a huge improvement from how shut down she was. In the beginning of this session, she had her tail tucked tightly, ears pulled straight back, and was really worried about anything passing us. We took things at her place, only pausing to sit as she was comfortable. Towards the end here, she’s looking to us for some support (so she’s figured out she’s not on her own here), and she’s processing much more of the situation. This isn’t flashy. But good training usually isn’t. Especially for fearful dogs. If you have a dog like this and you want to learn more about supporting them in busy environments, comment “SUPPORT,” and I’ll you our free training on this method. #positivereinforcementdogtraining #reactivedog #forcefreedogtraining #reactivedogtraining #positivereinforcement #LeashReactivity #balancedtraining #obediencetraining #dogbodylanguage101 #dogbehaviorist #trainyourdog #aggressivedogs #fearfreetraining #forcefreetraining #forcefreedogtraining

Know better, do better- it sounds so easy. But if you’re anything like me, then no, no it is not. Maybe you’ve realized that you can, in fact, train your dog to stop barking at the window, or that you don’t need a prong collar for training leash skills. You have the idea. But getting to the promised land? It’s too messy. And so you give up. Unless… you learn about how to implement change, sustainably. To implement something sustainably, there’s a couple of factors I keep in mind: URGENCY- what’s the most helpful thing I can do? What would immediately relieve the most amount of pressure? What would give my dog or myself the largest increase in quality of life? ENERGY- how much energy is it going to take to fulfill action A vs action B vs action C? Would taking that action limit my resources in other ways? Can I do this action even on a low-energy day, or is it reserved for good days? Is that sustainable? Successful implementation lies in the balance of these two concepts. In dog training, the “urgent” thing can almost always be dealt with via management. However, the management plan might become too energy-consuming. A good trainer should help you to walk through this process. No dog can be fixed with a one-size-fits-all approach, and no owner should feel like they’re doomed to fail because they can’t keep up with the training plan. If you’re interested in learning more, DM me “KNOW” and I’ll send you a FREE tool to help you identify your resources and prioritize your goals. #positivereinforcementdogtraining #reactivedog #forcefreedogtraining #reactivedogtraining #positivereinforcement #LeashReactivity #TrainingSimplified #dogs #dogtrainingtip #obediencetraining #balancedtraining #leashtraining #trainyourdog #trainingtip

YOU DON’T NEED TREATS Did you know that it’s possible to train your dog, even if they don’t like treats, even if they don’t like to play, even if they’re low drive? All you need are…natural reinforcers. Natural reinforcers are the REAL thing the dog wants out of the situation. If your dog is pulling, he really wants to go forward. So when he checks in with you, or the leash is loose, you’d continue forward. If your dog gets super excited by other dogs (not fearful), and acts like a donkey- walk your dog away from the other dogs. He learns that acting excited doesn’t work, so he’s less likely to do it. If your dog wants attention, get him to request your attention POLITELY by sitting- when he sits, reward him with your attention. Truly, all training comes down to this 1 trick. If you can show me a video of 1 time you’ve used a natural reinforcer, I’ll send you our free training on how dogs think (so that you never have to hire another trainer again). DM “NATURAL” and I’ll send you the video! #obediencetraining #balancedtraining #dogtrainingtip #aggressivedogs #trainyourdog #enrichmentfordogs #reactivedog #forcefreedogtraining #reactivedogtraining #positivereinforcement #LeashReactivity #positivereinforcementdogtraining #dogs #naturalreinforcers #alternativedogtraining #rosiestailtraining

Your dog’s response to cues will MAKE or BREAK his training. Watch the video and use these tips to guarantee his focus: Comment “CUE” below and I’ll send you a free training on how your dog thinks, which will help you to understand what motivates your dog so that you can get training improvement IMMEDIATELY. #forcefreetraining #positivereinforcement #dogtrainingtips #dogtrainingadvice #reactivedogs #aggressivedogs #poodle #obediencetraining #trainyourdog #balancedtraining #positivereinforcementdogtraining #neurodivergent #neurodivergentdogtraining

HOW TO STOP ATTENTION BARKING Figuring out why your dog is barking is 50% of the problem. If your dog is barking to get attention, you’ll know- it’s usually done around food, when guests come over, when play gets too rough, or when they want something and don’t think you’ve heard. Here’s how to fix it: 1. Make sure your dog isn’t barking because they actually need something or because they’re in pain 2. Ignore when they bark- teach them that them barking actually causes you to leave. You can even walk away when they start to bark. 3. When they stop barking, immediately return and praise. 4. You can use treats to reinforce when they’re being quiet, too. 5. Remain consistent. Comment “BARKING” below and I’ll send you my guide on training that’s effective and won’t burn you out so that you can remain consistent with your dog without going crazy. #reactivedog #forcefreedogtraining #positivereinforcement #reactivedogtraining #LeashReactivity #behaviormodification #dogtrainingtip #dogbehaviorist #balancedtraining #DogBehaviorTips #neurodivergentdogguardian #dogtraining #neurodivergentdogtrainer #aggressivedog #attentionbarking #dogswhobark

Here’s how to get your dog to IGNORE any distraction in 3 days 1. Say “1” and give him a treat, repeat throughout day 1 2. Say “2”, then say “1”, and only give him a treat on “1.” Repeat throughout day 2 at random. 3. Say “3,” then “2,” then “1,” and only give him a treat on 1. Repeat throughout day 3 at random. 4. Repeat around any distraction- your dog will check in on “1” if you’ve set the situation up correctly. If you want to enjoy going to the brewery, beach, or park with your dog, he needs to know this skill. Use this simple game to guarantee his attention around ANY distraction in 3 days. Comment “GAME” below and I’ll send you the training framework I use with every single client to transform their dog’s behaviors. Absolutely free. #reactivedog #forcefreedogtraining #reactivedogtraining #positivereinforcement #LeashReactivity #dogs #balancedtraining #patterngames #patterngamesfordogs #neurodivergentdogtrainer #neurodivergentdogguardian #neurodivergentdogmom

GET YOUR DOG TO LISTEN (THE FIRST TIME) Your dog is CAPABLE of listening to you. Use these tips ti get a consistent response every time. Comment “TRAINING” below and I’ll send you a free video training to improve your dog’s reactive or rowdy behavior. #reactivedog #forcefreedogtraining #reactivedogtraining #positivereinforcement #dogs #dogbehaviorist #DogBehaviorTips #dogtraining #ProudTrainer #poodle #poodlepuppylove #poodlepuppy

I used to really hate walking my dog. I was either hurrying to get her in and out of the house without her screaming, waiting until it was almost midnight (not the safest where I live), or using that time for behavior modification sessions that inevitably failed. I think I went a solid 3 months without going on a walk I actually enjoyed with my dog. I’m a naturally outdoorsy person, so this was torture. What was extra frustrating was that all the things I’d been told would work were not working. I didn’t have random dogs around to help with exposure therapy. I didn’t have a set schedule so I could attend group classes. I didn’t have the energy to keep doing this. I did, however, have a few really great colleagues, who taught me about methods that actually worked, even with my constraints. A few years on, and I’ve developed my own method, tried and true on hundreds of my own clients. If you would like to start enjoying walks with your dogs again- you should reach out! Drop us a message here. #dogs #reactivedog #forcefreedogtraining #reactivedogtraining #FreakOnALeash🐾 #positivereinforcement #LeashReactivity #TrainingSimplified #dogtrainingtip #dogs #dogtraining #behaviormodification #aggressivedog #ProudTrainer

😡So many people give up on training because it feels frustrating. They think they need hours of training for their dog to listen. 😡🤯Truth is: you can make an incredible difference in just a few minutes, and by using this method, you’re a lot less stressed.“But I don’t have any time.”If you’re drinking coffee, watching Instagram, watching TV…those are valuable minutes you can spend training. ⬇️Here’s how:⬇️ 1. Set realistic goals. Don’t shoot for the moon if you haven’t even learned how to fly yet! Start with the basics. Your confidence will increase so you can tackle your big goals, and you’ll be much less frustrated in the meantime. 2. Make training sessions short. Believe it or not, the most powerful training sessions are less than a half hour long. 3. Focus on only one thing at a time- one behavior, one trigger, one step up in difficulty. You are better off getting clean, consistent practice than you are practicing a lot of things badly. 4. Make training FUN- Pause every few reps to play with your dog, or to take a break to get water. Play chase, play tag. Training should feel like a game- when your dog is enthused about training, they are much more likely to listen to you. 5. Make sure you’re not stressed going into it. Your dog deserves the best you have to offer, and so do you. Put your phone down, clear your mind, maybe even meditate before practicing. Put your worries down before you pick up the leash. Send me 5 ways you’ve reduced stress while training, and I’ll send you my FREE Connection over Control training (including the steps to make training sustainable, easy, and FUN)#servicedogintrainingpuppy #reactivedogtraining #ConnectionOverControl #poodle #poodles #forcefreetraining #positivereinforcement #neurodivergent #balanceddogtraining #doglover #servicedog #servicedogintraini

😡So many people give up on training because it feels frustrating. They think they need hours of training for their dog to listen. 😡 🤯Truth is: you can make an incredible difference in just a few minutes, and by using this method, you’re a lot less stressed. “But I don’t have any time.” If you’re drinking coffee, watching Instagram, watching TV…those are valuable minutes you can spend training. ⬇️Here’s how:⬇️ 1. Set realistic goals. Don’t shoot for the moon if you haven’t even learned how to fly yet! Start with the basics. Your confidence will increase so you can tackle your big goals, and you’ll be much less frustrated in the meantime. 2. Make training sessions short. Believe it or not, the most powerful training sessions are less than a half hour long. 3. Focus on only one thing at a time- one behavior, one trigger, one step up in difficulty. You are better off getting clean, consistent practice than you are practicing a lot of things badly. 4. Make training FUN- Pause every few reps to play with your dog, or to take a break to get water. Play chase, play tag. Training should feel like a game- when your dog is enthused about training, they are much more likely to listen to you. 5. Make sure you’re not stressed going into it. Your dog deserves the best you have to offer, and so do you. Put your phone down, clear your mind, maybe even meditate before practicing. Put your worries down before you pick up the leash. Send me 5 ways you’ve reduced stress while training, and I’ll send you my FREE Connection over Control training (including the steps to make training sustainable, easy, and FUN) #servicedogintrainingpuppy #reactivedogtraining #ConnectionOverControl #poodle #poodles #forcefreetraining #positivereinforcement #neurodivergent #balanceddogtraining #doglover #servicedog #servicedogintraining #sdit #puppytraining #obediencetraining

🤯So many people give up on training because it feels frustrating. They think they need hours of training for their dog to listen. Truth is: you can make an incredible difference in just a few minutes, and by using this method, you’re a lot less stressed. “But I don’t have any time.” If you’re drinking coffee, watching Instagram, watching TV…those are valuable minutes you can spend training. 🤯 ⬇️Here’s how to use them: ⬇️ 1. Set realistic goals. Don’t shoot for the moon if you haven’t even learned how to fly yet! 2. Start with the basics. Your confidence will increase so you can tackle your big goals, and you’ll be much less frustrated in the meantime. 3. Make training sessions short. Believe it or not, the most powerful training sessions are less than a half hour long. 4. Focus on only one thing at a time- one behavior, one trigger, one step up in difficulty. You are better off getting clean, consistent practice than you are practicing a lot of things badly. 5. Make training FUN- Pause every few reps to play with your dog, or to take a break to get water. Play chase, play tag. Training should feel like a game- when your dog is enthused about training, they are much more likely to listen to you. 6. Make sure you’re not stressed going into it. Your dog deserves the best you have to offer, and so do you. Put your phone down, clear your mind, maybe even meditate before practicing. Put your worries down before you pick up the leash. Send me 5 ways you’ve reduced stress while training, and I’ll send you my FREE Connection over Control training (including the steps to make training sustainable, easy, and FUN) #forcefreedogtraining #reactivedogtraining #balanceddogtraining #aggressivedogtraining #neurodiversity #dogsofinsta #puppytraining #obediencetraining #dogtrainingtips #dogtrainerlife #poodlesofinstagram #servicedog #servicedogintrainingpuppy #onlinedogtraining #ConnectionOverControl

Here’s my secret strategy: 1. From the first day you bring your dog home, reward them for being around you. 2. Reward them when they check in. Make it very clear to your dog that YOU are the most valubale thing in the room. 3. Say the word “come,” and give your dog a treatIncrease distance while doing this. You can play “hide and seek,” so that you hide and your dog comes to find you 4. Add in distractions- start with something basic left on the ground between you and the dog, like a piece of paper or a pen. Nothing interesting. Up the ante to more distracting things- empty plates, a cup, and eventually, something with food in it. 5. Practice frequently. Increase difficulty as your dog is able to handle it. 6. ALWAYS reward with enthusiasm. Food is important, but so too is your reaction. Act like you’ve just won the lottery, and share that enthusiasm with your dog. If you want to learn the insights on how the world’s most successful dog trainers are getting results with their dogs…Simply follow me + comment “SECRET” and I’ll send you the Guide absolutely free.#forcefreetraining #recallyourdog #recalldogfromadistance #dog #dogtrainertips #dogtrainer #dogtrainingtips #howtotrainyourdog #recalltraining #recalltraininginprogress #positivereinforcement #balancedtraining

Maybe you’re not ready for a HUGE change in your dog’s behavior…maybe you’re looking for a smaller solution with big impact. If so, you’ve come to the right place. I have a minicourse dropping that’s going to change the way you walk your dog FOR THE BETTER. I want to hear from you! If you’re ready to change your dog’s #FreakOnALeash behavior, message me ASAP! #reactivedog #reactivedogtraining #forcefreedogtraining #behaviormodification #positivereinforcement #aggressivedog

The hardest part of training a reactive dog is trying to figure out how on earth you’re getting from reactive to manageable to relaxed. Honestly, I think a lot of the people I work with could learn the training skills well enough. It’s the goal setting and implementation that gets people. So, here’s a little secret: the key is in learning pattern recognition. Seriously, everything I teach people boils down the ABCs- A: Antecedent- what causes the behavior B: behavior- what actions the dog takes in response to the situation C: consequence- what happens immediately after behavior, and does it increase or decrease the likelihood that behavior occurs again? The important thing is to learn what patterns of behavior your dog exhibits around what triggers, and from there, you can figure out the why. That’s how you develop training plans that actually make a difference. (Fun fact- the weirdest pattern of behavior I ever found was a dog who would startle mid-sleep, realize her brother was close to her humans, and redirect that frustration onto her brother, resulting in pretty intense dog fights. Between treatment for dog aggression, learning how to emotionally regulate, and teaching “rules of conduct” for access to the humans in the house, she’s a different dog!)

Why settling is so important

Yesterday, Lewis and I did the very exciting thing of (drumroll please) sitting at a coffee shop and doing nothing for 4 hours. Why is this a huge win? Well, service dogs need to accompany their handlers to really boring things. And teaching a reliable off switch is a big part of that. We started working on this the day I brought him home. We started by teaching neutrality at home first. For example, each time I settled in to read or watch a movie, I’d pull his mat out and lure him into laying on it. In the beginning, this was a 5 minute affair. Then, it was 10 minutes, then 30. Finally, we started taking this into public. We backed it off a few steps from how long we’d been doing at home, and yes, I made time just to go into public with him and spend the time. I.E., no errand running, no answering emails, no writing training plans. We built up duration again until Lewis started to get so bored he’d fall asleep. And today, we made it to 3 hours in a busy coffee shop, and Lewis didn’t miss a beat. Good boy Lewis :)

Lewis Learns About Place, Day 1

Lewis learned about place training today! At this stage, we’re keeping it super simple but here are the two things I do from the beginning: 1. Have a release word, and use that to reset them for each repetition so that they start to associate that word with moving off the mat (plus, easier to chain in now than after the behavior’s learned) 2. Focus on interest in the mat over sitting/laying down. If they offer to get on the mat, you can mark for that, but don’t have your criteria that high at the outset.

Place Training Day 1

Don’t wait until your puppy has all their vaccines to start socializing them! That crucial window of development closes at about 16 weeks. Lewis demonstrates how to do it safely: 1. In stores, keep a blanket in a cart and let them sit in there instead of walking on the floor 2. Take them on car rides and let them hear and see the world around them 3. Take them into public, just hold them so they’re off the ground. 4. If both the puppy and the stranger want it (and the stranger’s hands are clean) let them say hi to the pup! 5. Carry wet wipes with you to clean paws 6. Let them sit on you while you people watch at a park #SocializationTraining #puppylife #standardpoodle