Good Human Dog Training

19/06/2025

Your dog isn’t being rude, difficult, or stubborn.
They’re just overwhelmed.

🐾 For shy or socially awkward dogs, every person they meet feels like a potential threat. Each time, they have to figure out:
➡️ Is this person going to touch me?
➡️ Can I get away?
➡️ Do I need to defend myself?

Imagine how exhausting that is—especially when we expect them to be friendly with everyone.

If your dog backs away, hides, growls, or avoids eye contact, they’re not misbehaving. They’re communicating.

🧠 What they need most is your help creating space and a sense of safety.

It’s not about fixing your dog. It’s about understanding them. 💛

17/06/2025

Your dog just snapped. Or bit. Or growled in a way that shook you.
You’re not overreacting.
You’re not alone.
And you don’t have to wait weeks for answers.

Introducing our Behavior Helpline—a 30-minute virtual consult designed for those what do I do now? moments.

✔️ Perfect for sudden behavior issues
✔️ Immediate strategies to manage safety and stress
✔️ Honest, nonjudgmental guidance from a certified behavior consultant
✔️ Just $55

This isn’t a long-term training plan, it’s a lifeline to help you respond calmly and effectively right now. If more support is needed, we’ll guide you from there.

If your dog just had a moment—and you’re having one too—we’re here.

📲 Book your Behavior Helpline session today. https://goodhumandogtraining.com/schedule-dog-training-services-near-you/

13/06/2025

Planning a trip to the beach or a local park with your dog this summer? While these outings can be enjoyable, it's crucial to ensure your dog is comfortable and well-behaved in public spaces.

Remember to keep your dog on a leash, provide plenty of water, and be mindful of their interactions with other dogs and people.

Positive reinforcement training can help your dog navigate these environments confidently.

Let's make this summer safe and fun for everyone!

12/06/2025

Not every behavior issue needs a big plan. Sometimes, you just need a plan that works right now. Our Behavior Helpline is a 30-minute virtual session designed to quickly troubleshoot your dog’s behavior challenges—whether it’s barking, counter-surfing, or something that’s just started to spiral.

✔️ We’ll pinpoint the issue
✔️ Outline immediate management strategies
✔️ Help you feel more in control again

$55 for focused, actionable support.

If your pup needs deeper support or an in-person session, we’ll guide you into a full behavior consultation. No pressure—just clarity and compassion.

📞 Book your Behavior Helpline consult today and get unstuck.
https://goodhumandogtraining.com/schedule-dog-training-services-near-you/

Expert dog training in Winston-Salem. Certified behaviorist specialist offering service dog, aggression, obedience training using science-based methods.

11/06/2025

Summer in Winston-Salem means more outings with our canine companions—be it to parks, patios, or local events.

But with increased activity comes the need for heightened awareness of our dogs' comfort and behavior.

Recent studies indicate that over 99% of dogs in the U.S. exhibit behaviors that could be considered problematic, with aggression and anxiety being among the most common.

It's essential to recognize signs of stress or discomfort in our dogs during these outings. If your dog shows signs of anxiety or reactivity, consider shorter visits or choosing quieter times for outings.

Remember, positive reinforcement and understanding go a long way in ensuring enjoyable experiences for both you and your dog

Need help getting ready for summer? Schedule a consult!
https://goodhumandogtraining.com/schedule-dog-training-services-near-you/

10/06/2025

Did you know that a recent study found that 55.6% of dogs in the U.S. exhibit aggression-related behaviors?

Aggression in dogs often stems from fear or anxiety rather than inherent hostility.

At Good Human Dog Training, we focus on humane, science-based methods to address these behaviors. By understanding the root causes and using positive reinforcement, we can help your dog feel more secure and reduce aggressive responses.

If you're noticing signs of aggression in your dog, reach out. We're here to help you navigate these challenges with empathy and expertise.

06/06/2025

Ever seen your dog’s “NO” face? Dogs communicate clearly if we pay attention! Ignoring subtle signals can escalate anxiety and frustration, sometimes leading to aggression.

Watch for:
Avoidance behaviors (head turns, whale eyes)
Tense body language
Low growls or lip curls
Respecting their signals builds trust, strengthens bonds, and prevents escalation.

Have a dog whose body language puzzles you? Let's chat—Jen’s behavior consults help you speak fluent dog!

Expert dog training in Winston-Salem. Certified behaviorist specialist offering service dog, aggression, obedience training using science-based methods.

05/06/2025

Integrating a new puppy (or adult dog!) into your existing dog family can be incredibly joyful—AND surprisingly tricky! Here’s the thing: even the friendliest dogs appreciate introductions done thoughtfully and gradually.

Three big tips for success:

✅ Neutral Ground First:
Let dogs meet outside on neutral territory (not at home) for a relaxed, pressure-free introduction.

✅ Short and Sweet:
Keep initial interactions brief and positive. End meetings before either dog feels stressed or overwhelmed.

✅ Equality:
Ensure both dogs have separate spaces, resources (toys, food bowls, beds), and plenty of individual attention to avoid resource guarding and jealousy.

🚩 Common Mistakes to Avoid:

❌ Forced interactions ("Let them work it out!")
❌ Overwhelming excitement (too many toys or treats too soon)
❌ Ignoring subtle signs of stress (stiffness, lip licking, whale eyes)

Feeling unsure or encountering snags in the integration process? Reach out! Jen Thornburg, our Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, can help guide you through this important transition with calmness, compassion, and clear communication.

We're here to make every canine friendship a successful one.

Expert dog training in Winston-Salem. Certified behaviorist specialist offering service dog, aggression, obedience training using science-based methods.

04/06/2025

Dogs experiencing reactivity or aggression are often struggling with fear or uncertainty. Fun, low-pressure confidence-building exercises like simple agility jumps help your dog realize “new” doesn't mean scary.

Key benefits:
Builds trust between you and your dog.
Encourages problem-solving and boosts confidence.
Redirects anxious energy positively.

Curious about more confidence-building games? Schedule a one-on-one session today!

30/05/2025

Day 3 of our OMG IT WILL NEVER STOP RAINING AND I SWEAR WE’RE OKAY series, we bring you our Indoor Enrichment Extravaganza! Five Brain-Games for Soggy Days!

Picture it: Sicily, 1931. It’s been raining for days, and you’ve mopped paw marks off the floor countless times. Your dog refuses to walk in this mess, and has shifted from zoomies to questioning the meaning of life. You need enrichment games ASAP! Dogs need mental enrichment just as much as exercise! Let’s break down five easy games to give everyone a little peace.

1. Snuffle Mat Safari: Scatter kibble deep in the fleece; release dog to forage! This mimics natural sniff-and-search.
2. Muffin-Tin Meal: Drop kibble in tin cups, cover some with tennis balls. This adds problem-solving variety. Maybe skip this one if your dog does math in their spare time, stole your wallet, or is a jail break expert.
3. Treat-Towel Burrito: Roll treats into a towel; dog unrolls. Cheap, washable puzzle FTW.
4. Cardboard Box “Smash & Grab”: Toss recyclables + treats into a box. Encourages shredding approved items, not your shoes.
5. Scent-ed Hide-&-Seek: Hide a lavender-scented toy; cue “Find it!” This builds nose work skills indoors!

Session Tips
Rotate puzzles to keep novelty high.
End before frustration—success boosts confidence.
Use part of your dog’s daily kibble to prevent calorie creep.

29/05/2025

Day Two of the Rainy Day Series! Let's talk about barking triggers and how to turn them into a positive association!
Picture it, Sicily 1945. The mail carrier strolls by, and your dog sends out an alarm bark that can peel paint off the walls. You jump a foot off the floor every single time. Let’s channel that energy with Leslie McDevitt’s legendary LAT game, or Look At That. LAT helps dogs manage reactivity by teaching them to calmly acknowledge and look at their triggers before reacting. This positive association can change a dog’s emotional response to a trigger from negative (scary or frustrating) to positive.

Game Plan
In short, stand, spot trigger, mark, feed. Each glance at the trigger earns a click/“Yes!” + high-value treat, before your dog escalates. For instance, stand at the window, when your dog looks at another dog (that would normally trigger a bark), click or say, "yes!" and then feed a treat. Again, crumbled-up treats work. Small treats still equal big rewards.

Keep distance easy, start with a neutral household object if needed.
After a dozen reps, cue “Look!” just before the glance and watch your dog ping-pong back for pay.

Why It Rocks Indoors
Front-window squirrels, toys hitching a ride on a Roomba, even the mixer in the kitchen = perfect safe “triggers.” Short sets (5-10 treats) prevent threshold creep.

Troubleshooting
Dog fixates? You’re too close, shuffle back. They need other things to look at so they can look back. Toss a treat to reset. Won’t take treats? Upgrade to turkey or cheese.

Need more help? Schedule a training session, and we can walk through LAT together.

28/05/2025

It's never going to stop raining this week, but you can still train inside! This week, we'll focus on bite-size training exercises, which you can do while staying dry.

Picture it: Sicily, 1973. Rain’s tapping on the windows, your coffee’s steaming, and your dog is doing zoomies across the couch. Enter: Mat Training!
Settle-on-mat behavior gives restless pups a clear “place to relax” during dinner, doorbell drama, or Zoom calls. Laurie Luck’s KPA tutorial lays out the gold-standard shaping plan.

3-Step Starter Plan
1. Capture one paw: Find a mat, towel, etc. Something your dog can stand on without worry. Stand behind the mat, click/treat the instant a paw lands. Toss the treat off to the side to reset. Be patient. Your dog is learning that an action results in a reward.
2. Build to four paws, then a sit, then a down. Raise criteria only when the previous step is solid.
3. Add duration & distance. Feed a slow treat stream while your dog stays put; take one step away, return, treat. Gradually lengthen the “you stay, I wander” interval.
Pro Tips
- Keep sessions snack-sized: two-minute bursts.
- Mat travels! Fold it up for breweries or vet lobbies.
- If the dog freezes or wanders, toss a treat to get movement rather than luring.
- If you don't have a clicker, a sharp, happy, "yes" will do the trick.
- If you're worried about too many treats, use their food as a reward, or crush treats into small pieces. It doesn't take much to result in a well-rewarded dog.