Creature Good Dog Training

07/03/2025

I had a conversation about this at a client session yesterday. There's no denying parenting a reactive dog is challenging. It's also totally worth it❤️. I wouldn't have traded in my time with Shadow for anything❤️. That's why my work is dedicated to helping reactive dogs and their people.❤️

Having a reactive dog is incredibly challenging. Some days, it feels like it takes everything out of you. You plan every walk like a military operation, constantly scanning for potential triggers and identifying escape routes. You avoid busy streets, cross the road at the sight of another dog, and b...

02/03/2025

Keeping your anxious/reactive dog happy and occupied can be tough.😊

Here's a way to do it that takes ZERO extra time⏱️ while being great for your dog's🐶 emotional❤️ mental🧠 & physical🐕 well-being.

All you have to do is let your dog "help"🔨🪛 you do something you're going to do anyway.

Here, my client Bertie, is helping me repot a plant.🪴 Earlier he helped me bake a cake.🎂 Tomorrow he's going to help me pull up some old flooring.🧱

Any activity works as long as it doesn't include anything harmful to your dog such as harsh chemicals.☠️

Share something your dog can help you with in the comments!

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02/03/2025

If you parent a reactive dog and still wonder if online training services would actually help, check out my new blog post on why online training is the perfect choice for your reactive dog.

Today, technology is reshaping how we train dogs. It might seem strange not to have your trainer physically in the room with you at first, but when you see the results you’ll be a believer!Working online has been proven to be one of the best ways to change your reactive dog’s behavior. The virtu...

27/02/2025

I've been holding off sharing this information because I'm just so gutted by it but I don't see that changing any time soon. On 2/10 my sweet girl, Shadow Dawn, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly at just 4 years old. She was with me for a bit less than 2 years and I loved her so much. She died in my arms and my home is so empty without her. I'm not ready to share more details and there really isn't a lot to say as her death is a mystery in many ways. Everything just feels awful right now. Thank you to everyone who had been kind to her❤🐕

23/02/2025

Not sure if your dog's behavior means they are reactive? Check this list to know for sure!

Understanding Reactivity in DogsReactive behavior or "reactivity" in dogs is often misunderstood. A reactive dog isn't "bad" or "aggressive"—they're overwhelmed and overreacting to certain stimuli (cars, other dogs, etc.) due to fear, pain, frustration or lack of coping skills. What your dog overr...

22/02/2025

Today may be "Walk Your Dog Day" but think twice before deciding to bring your reactive dog to any dog walking festivities!🐕🚶‍♀️

Why⁉️

Most reactive dogs don't love group dog fun🐕🐩🐕‍🦺 or group activities in general🧑‍🤝‍🧑🧑‍🤝‍🧑

So, avoid busy times🕔, locations🗾, activities⚾

Instead, walk your reactive dog during off hours🕔, lesser populated areas🗺️ or just stay home and play together instead⛹️‍♂️🥎!

Reactive dogs are special❤️‍🩹 and require special treatment♥️

18/02/2025

Excessive barking can be a sign of anxiety and is considered part of the cluster of behaviors we call reactivity. Is your dog a barker?

Why Dogs Bite: 4 Common Reasons and How to Prevent ThemAll dogs are capable of biting. It’s a natural instinct that has helped them survive—whether for self-defense or hunting. While domesticated dogs no longer need to hunt for food or protect themselves in the wild, the ability to bite remains ...

15/02/2025

I've done this for both my dogs🐕 and it totally works! Obviously, it's more about the tone🎵 & cadence🎶 than the words.

What do I do? ➡️➡️I read POETRY to them!🧑‍🎨

In particular, I recite a poem I know by heart called Jenny Kiss'd Me💋 by Leigh Hunt. BUT, instead of "Jenny" I use my dog's name.❤️

So it goes...

Shadow kissed me when we met,
Jumping from the chair she sat in;
Time, you thief, who love to get
Sweets into your list, put that in:
Say I'm weary, say I'm sad,
Say that health and wealth have missed me,
Say I'm growing old, but add,
Shadow kissed me.

Since I memorized🧠 it I can use it anywhere, like at the vet's office.🏥

Share a special way you calm your dog🐶 in the comments!✍️

11/02/2025

This is an interesting read whether you have a blind pup or not. Enjoy!

Dogs and humans are both very visual species. We rely on body language so much to understand the context and communication of the world around us.

07/02/2025

Get more from training practice with your dog with these tips!

Positive training is the humane, science-based approach to training dogs I use with clients and recommend to everyone. Positive training rewards wanted dog behavior and ignores or redirects unwanted behavior. This encourages your dog to repeat the desirable (i.e. rewarded) behaviors and abandon the....

28/01/2025

If you have a reactive dog, I've created a free course that helps you and your dog enjoy more peaceful walks using positive energy and small actions. You can check it out at https://creaturegood.thinkific.com/courses/peacefulwalks

26/01/2025

With just a few changes you can have a much more satisfying - and fun - experience training your dog & get better results at the same time.

Training your dog is a journey that strengthens your bond and fosters mutual understanding. To make this process smoother and get better results, consider these three essential tips:1. Facilitate Smooth TransitionsIntroducing your dog to new environments or tools can be challenging. When you start o...

18/01/2025

Try these simple activities to help you and your dog stay calm, cool and collected on walks with your reactive dog.

Parenting a barking, lunging reactive dog is tough!Their behavior causes you stress, anxiety & even embarrassment, which makes walks feel like a chore.😠The thing is, your dog isn’t acting this way on purpose. Reactive behaviors like barking and lunging during walks stem from frustration, fear a...

07/01/2025

Lots of anxious dog (& easily excitable dogs) grab roughly at treats which is tough on the fingers!🩹🩹

This game helps dogs🐶 learn to take food gently🖐️🍖 - no grabbing or lunging.

There are 5️⃣ Easy Steps:

1️⃣ Prepare the Right Food:

Use low-value treats to start 🥕- like kibble - to reduce temptation.

2️⃣ Begin the Process:

Slowly move the food ➡️🐶toward your dog’s mouth.

If your dog lunges or moves toward the food, pull it back to your starting point.🎬

🔄Try again.

3️⃣ Make it Interesting:

Slowly increase the challenge by moving food toward your dog's mouth from different angles -
↔️↩️↪️↕️
Try from above, below, curly-cues

4️⃣ Reward Self-Control:

Your dog will "get" that patience 🟰 treat.

When they wait for the food to come to them, give them the treat as a reward.🍪🐶

5️⃣ Time to Go Pro:🐐

As your dog gets better at the game, use higher-value treats.🥩🥩

If your dog struggles, go back to low value treats & practice some more.
🔄🔄
Be patient & focus on having fun together.🧘

Every dog learns at their own pace.❤️

05/01/2025

I'd posted briefly about this idea and got a ton of great feedback so I've expanded it into this blog post. What are your thoughts about the rights dogs should - or shouldn't - have?

🐶Dogs are sensitive sentient beings who deserve far more protections than currently exist. Dogs deserve to be seen as more than mere property in the eyes of the law and society.As humans, we want to rethink our attitudes & actions toward dogs (and all animals) so we can build a more compassionate...

26/12/2024

A strong bond of trust and understanding is important for helping your reactive dog feel safe. Check out this week's newsletter to explore more about the human-dog bond. - https://mailchi.mp/481de8fed96b/mistakeimade-17654770

23/12/2024

Confidence is an important piece of the puzzle for solving dog reactivity.

Try this super simple, fun trick to teach your dog that will:

🐶 impress your friends
🐶 provide enrichment
🐶 deepen your relationship
🐶 grow your dog's confidence

Comment how many toy names your dog ends up learning!

22/12/2024

New blog post on having a great relationship with your dog.

The American Veterinary Medical Association defines the Human-Animal Bond as a "mutually beneficial and dynamic relationship between people and animals that is influenced by behaviors that are essential to the health and well-being of both."What a beautiful world it would be if all dogs and their hu...