Reward Your Dog Training

03/16/2025

When your dog barks, lunges, growls and snaps at other dogs, you are concerned. 😨

You’re not sure why it’s happening.

But you know something isn’t right.

When you ask other people, they tell you things like….

❌“Make her stop. She knows better.”

❌ “Tell her no. She just needs to know who’s boss.”

❌ “She’s not afraid. She’s just testing your boundaries.”

❌ “Oh my god, your dog is being SO naughty.”

It hurts to hear these statements.

But deep down inside, you know that these people are WRONG.

Believe your inner voice!

Your dog isn’t naughty, disrespectful, or testing boundaries when she has a reactive outburst.

Instead, she is always honest.

She is expressing what she is feeling at this moment.

She might be saying:

“This other dog is way too close to me. I feel threatened.”

“I have learned that getting really loud makes the scary dog go away. I need to keep doing that to keep myself safe.”

Or she could be saying:

“I’m so annoyed that I’m not allowed to go say hi to this super fun dog over there.”

“I wish I didn’t have a leash on me right now. Let me gooooooo!”

In all of these cases, it’s not helpful to label her as a brat.

What IS helpful is showing her how to navigate seeing another dog.

With kindness and compassion.

Build her skills gradually and see those big feelings change and shift into confidence and relaxation.

And see your own worries dissipate.

Want to know how?

I’m opening up enrollment for my Urban Dog Reactivity Online Program suuuuper soon.

All the magic is right in there. ✨

Will you join me?

03/04/2025

Dream with me for a moment… 💭

A year from now.

Walks with your dog have changed so much.

Dare I use the word… TRANSFORMED? 🦋

🦮 You can walk him past other dogs.

🛹 Skateboards are no longer an issue for him.

🚲 Joggers and bikes? He will calmly watch them zoom by.

That - by itself - is great. Celebration worthy.

But you know what really gets you?

✨ How good he feels. ✨

Walks are so fun for him now. 😁

Instead of scanning his surroundings, barking, lunging and pulling on leash, he’s calmly, happily sniffing.

He comes home relaxed instead of tense.

You can see how much his quality of life has improved.

But not just his.

✨ YOUR experience has changed too. ✨

You no longer dread walks… you look forward to them.

You are confident and relaxed… not hypervigilant and scared.

And both of your worlds have opened up.

You’re thinking about walks in the park, dog sports, and strolls through your neighborhood.

Just like you deserve. 🎉

…

HOW is this possible, you ask?

Using positive, science-backed methods, you can help your dog overcome his big feelings on walks.

And your own too.

I’m beginning enrollment for my Urban Dog Reactivity Online Program very soon.

In this program, I am giving you a proven, effective blueprint for reactivity recovery, combined with personalized, supportive coaching.

LET’S DO THIS! 💪

03/03/2025

You know what I’m talking about:

That feeling of paralysis…

The overwhelm…

The struggle…

You absolutely, definitely, totally *know* that your dog’s behavior is a problem.

Walks stress you out - and her too.

You know that there is a solution out there for you.

But somehow… you’re not able to help her.

Are you failing?

BIG FAT NOPE.

Having a dog with biiiiig feelings is overwhelming, stressful, paralyzing… all the things.

And you don’t have the resources to create your own reactivity treatment program.

You know what?

You don’t need to.

Because I GOT YOU.

I will VERY SOON be launching the Urban Dog Reactivity Online Program (UDROP), my signature 12 week small group coaching program.

Learn how to unlock your dog’s full potential by building a trusting relationship using a PROVEN training system for resolving triggers–without harsh methods that use pain or fear.

You in?

DM or comment to share your struggles with your pup.

02/24/2025

😢 You so wish that your dog could check in with you when things are hard for her.

Not just bark, lunge, pull, and jump.

You want to protect her. 💪

You want to be there for her.

And it hurts your heart that she can’t connect with you when she sees another dog. 💔

Would you like to know the reason why this painful disconnect keeps happening?

*Safety First* 🦺

When she feels threatened by the other dog, she gets worried. Her nervous system goes into overdrive, and she might even forget that you’re near her. Her mind screams “fight or flight”... She is focused on “make this dog go away”.

She can’t think or learn in this state. She needs safety.

What you can do is take her out of the situation so that she can feel safe. This helps her feel that you protect and look out for her.

*Connection Next* 🫂

Once she’s away from danger, connect with her again. You can gently pet, go search for treats together, play games, or simply watch the world go by for a bit.

Get a little silly - and shake off the scary event.

*Healing from a Place of Success* 🎉

Healing can’t happen when your dog’s nervous system is in overdrive.

She needs to learn to look towards you without the other dog first. Once she’s learned this skill, she then can learn to find connection with you with another dog around at a safe distance that keeps her nervous system from jumping into fight or flight mode.

And gradually, over time, she will learn to trust you when other dogs are around.

So for the sake of your connection:

Help your dog leave scary situations.

Don’t force her to stay there.

Be her hero…. and her teacher.

02/18/2025

You watched a YouTube video last night.

The trainer in this video told you that you caused your dog to be reactive.

Because you don’t show her who’s boss.

👿 You let her jump up on you.

👿 She sometimes goes through doors before you do.

👿 She lies on the sofa next to you at night while you’re watching TV.

👿 And yes, she does bark at other dogs on walks.

They say it’s because she doesn’t respect you as her alpha.

Because you’re too soft.

You feel terrible when you hear that you caused her barking, growling and lunging.

So much guilt.

What if I told you that you can stop carrying this unnecessary burden RIGHT NOW?

Say it with me:

“I didn’t cause my dog’s reactivity.”

What really causes dog reactivity?

A lot of different factors, and almost all of them are out of your control:

Genetics, maternal stress, early socialization, temperament, health, experiences…

But you know what doesn’t cause reactivity?

❌ Not being “alpha”. ❌

The idea that you need to be the boss, the “alpha” is an outdated approach to dog training.

It’s based on a study on wolves - which has since been debunked.

So let your dog jump on you (if you like that).

Let her walk through the door ahead of you (if that’s safe).

Enjoy sofa time together (if that’s your jam).

You can still teach her how to navigate those other dogs on walks - without fear, pain, or intimidation.

And you will do a better job because you’re so attuned to her needs.

Your softness is your strength. 💪

Have you every felt guilty about being too permissive? Share your story in the comments.

02/13/2025

Those off leash hikes at Sniffspots, nose work games in your living room, toy play in your yard and snuggle sessions on the sofa are IMPORTANT. Here's why...

02/08/2025

You so often feel deeply guilty about your dog’s out of control behavior.

And you feel this driving *need* to do *more*.

You feel like you should work harder, spending every moment meeting your dog’s needs.

Learning everything there is to know about dog behavior.

You feel at a loss, and - what’s worse:

You are on your way to burning yourself out.

I want you to consider this:

YOU also deserve quality of life.

You, right now, are enough.

And you are doing enough on your quest to allow your dog to have the best life she can.

Could you tweak things?

Sure.

I’m here to help you troubleshoot and simplify whenever you’re ready.

But right here, right now, just take a breath in.

And breathe out.

And say to yourself: you are enough.

02/05/2025

Here’s the thing: That stuff ain’t easy.

Especially when you’re out there on your own.

Of course you love your dog. ♥️

You *really* want to help your dog overcome her out of control behavior when you’re walking her on a leash.

💪 And you’re a badass dog parent: You’ve read tons of posts and watched many videos.

But you don’t yet have a clear plan on how to proceed.

And even if you do… actually putting in the work can be difficult.

That’s exactly why you need a coach.

Someone who can help you

⭐ understand the big picture
⭐ create a sustainable plan
⭐ support you in doing the work

I have helped a lot of people whose dogs had the exact same issues as yours overcome reactive behavior and achieved:

⭐ a clear understanding of why reactivity happens and how to overcome it
⭐ less stressful, more relaxing walks
⭐ a better relationship with their dog

Are you ready to claim those things for yourself as well?

Because it IS possible - for you and your dog.

Get in touch by sending me a DM or commenting here and tell me what you’re struggling with - and what you’re hoping to change.

02/03/2025

You’re feeling alone with your barky, lunging, pulling, out of control dog on walks.

And you’ve tried to make things better and more peaceful for both of you.

📖 You’ve read lots of social media posts.

Some of what you’re reading makes sense… but you’re not sure how to apply it to your specific situation.

❓You’ve tried several different strategies.

Some of them have kind of worked… but you’re not sure if things are really changing or if you’re just avoiding the things that trigger your dog now.

😶‍🌫️ You’ve done your best to be consistent with the work.

Some days you’re doing well… but other days it’s really hard to feel motivated.

What you’re feeling is completely normal.

And still… frustrating.

But the thing is:

You do not have to do this all by yourself.

What you need is a coach.

Some who…

🍀 teaches you how to overcome your dog’s leash reactivity

🍀 can guide you when you’re not sure you’re on the right path

🍀 cheers you on when you’re getting closer to your triggers

🍀 helps you troubleshoot when your dog had another reactive outburst

🍀 keeps you going when you’re losing motivation to do the deep work

Coaching is a suuuuper effective way to provide structure, accountability and motivation.

And that’s why I’ve created a small group leash reactivity coaching program JUST FOR YOU.

Stay tuned to learn more… SOON!

01/31/2025

Having a dog with out of control behavior can be super lonely. 😪

Especially if you’re choosing kind, positive methods.

When your dog barks, lunges, growls, snaps, or even bites… others don’t get it.

They might even suggest putting a prong, shock or choke collar on your dog to teach him to submit to you.

They say you need to be more alpha.

But that feels wrong…

…and you feel even more lonely.

I want you to know:

I see you.

And I’m here for you.

You’re not alone.

What have you been struggling with lately? I’d love to hear about your challenges and offer you some empathy.

01/27/2025

🦄There are so many myths about dogs who bark, lunge, growl, pull or do backflips on leash when they see another dog, a human, a bike, a skateboard... 🦮

I've collected a few here.

Are there facts about leash reactivity that you're questioning?
Or would you like to debunk a few more common myths?

Hit up the comments! 👇

01/26/2025

Hi, hey, hello! I wanted to do a quick re-introduction in case you didn't know me yet. It's good to meet you. Thanks for being here. ❤️

01/21/2025

❤️‍🔥I see the radical compassion you bring to your relationship with your dog.❤️‍🔥

It might seem like a small thing on a day like today.

But the way you show up in the world matters.

Even when things are dark.

*Especially* when things are dark.

The empathy and kindness you’re giving your dog isn’t soft.

You’re not being a pushover.

You’re a powerful force for good in the world.

The ripples of your actions change the fabric of the universe.

And the universe needs people like you right now.

Keep on loving. 🖤
Keep on fighting. ⚔️
Keep showing up for your dog. 🐕‍🦺

01/20/2025

You’re so conflicted.

You *want* to go on a walk with your dog - because you know she likes it… and sometimes you like walking her too.

BUT.

You’re also scared of taking her on a walk. 😓

Because she lunges at dogs. And you don’t know what she’d do if you dropped the leash by accident.

Because she won’t listen when other dogs are near. Instead, she barks and growls and looks super aggressive.

And worst of all?

Because YOU don’t know what to do. 😭

And it sucks to feel so helpless.

What if I told you that you actually can be better equipped with effective strategies that give you and her something *to do* when another dog appears?

On the edge of your seat?

Watch this space in the next few days. 👀

I’ve got a free resource coming at ya … and I *can’t wait* to help you have better walks with your dog. 💪

01/18/2025

This one goes out to you, amazing reactive dog parent.

🦸You keep your dog safe in this chaotic world - even when he struggles.

🦸You see him as an individual with needs and feelings - even when it’s hard to meet them.

🦸You love him unconditionally - even when things get tough.

The world can sometimes be cruel to your kindness.

People say that you need to be more strict. You need to tell him who’s boss. You need to make him listen.

But I’m here to tell you:

Letting your dog tell you what he can and can’t handle paves the way to his healing.

Asking him if he’s feeling safe makes it possible for his nervous system to regulate.

Being on his team makes you a trusted partner.

So let them talk.

You *know* that your softness is your ultimate strength. 💪

Leave a like or share if this resonated with you. 👇

01/15/2025

01/08/2025

Hot take: Your dog probably isn’t being “aggressive” when she barks & lunges at dogs on the leash 🤯

You’re terrified that your dog is a danger to society with this out of control behavior…

…which is usually mistaken as aggression–but there’s so much more beneath the surface.

Could she really be dog aggressive?

Yes. BUT.

It’s pretty rare for a dog to be outright aggressive to *all* other dogs.

Here are the two reasons your dog is probably behaving in this annoying (and, let’s be real, incredibly embarrassing) way.

🐕‍🦺 She’s excited about other dogs.
She barks and lunges because she wants to get to them. But the leash stops her, so she feels frustrated because she can’t be the social butterfly she is. For her, that leads to frustration about being held back. The underlying emotion for this behavior is excitement mixed with frustration- not aggression.

🐕‍🦺 She’s scared of other dogs.
Because she is on a leash, she has no escape. She barks and lunges to scare other dogs away to protect herself. Her barking is not aggression, but a desperate plea for more distance from the scary dog. The underlying emotion for this behavior is fear.

Fortunately, you don’t have to feel completely out of control, on edge, and hypervigilant forever.

There are proven processes to help your dog feel safe on walks–so you can finally have the relaxing, connected walks you’ve been dreaming of.

Even if your dog IS aggressive towards other dogs?

This kind of training will help her heal, too.

Tell me in the comments what YOU and your dog are struggling with on walks. I’d love to connect with you there.
ً