That intense, emotional hour still resonates deeply with me. I recall the virtual coaching session I had with this student a month prior, and how eager she was to dive into private coaching. Life had thrown them a curveball, bringing anxiety to the forefront for both her and her dog. The tension was palpable, and it broke my heart to see them struggling.
As she arrived for our session, I could see the distress etched on her face. Her dog, sensing her anxiety, had nipped someone earlier, and the weight of that incident hung in the air. We didn't waste any time; we dove headfirst into tackling the issues at hand. Together, we worked on strategies to manage and advocate for her dog's needs, ensuring they both felt seen and heard.
Muzzle training and a customized plan were also put in place to provide them with the tools they needed to navigate these challenging times. What struck me most was her unwavering love for her dog; she felt every ounce of her dog's struggles, and it was clear that their bond was unbreakable.
As I reflect on that powerful hour, I'm reminded that my role is to empower. It's a privilege to help this incredible duo build a more harmonious life together, and I'm committed to supporting them every step of the way.
#sacramentodogs #reactivedog #dogtrainingisfun #dogtrainingadvice #mentalhealthmatters #kindnessmatters
I just wrapped up an incredible private coaching session today, and I'm still buzzing from the excitement! I have to admit, every time I prep for one of these sessions, I get a bad case of the nerves. I mean, who doesn't want to make a paw-some impression, right? But seriously, I'm driven by a desire to make a real difference in the lives of my furry students and their humans.
Here's a little secret: this isn't my first rodeo. I own another business, which I started when I was 25. Let's just say it was a real grind. I was all about making that dough, but I was miserable, my marriage was suffering, and I was losing myself in the process. I was stuck in a deep funk, and the pandemic was the wake-up call I needed. It was then that I decided to take the leap and pursue my true passion: dog training full time. I was only training part time from 2012 til 2020.
It's been a wild ride ever since, with its fair share of ups and downs. There are times when the bookings are slow, and I'm like, "Oh no, am I really cut out for this?" But then I look around at my amazing community of students and supporters, and I'm reminded of just how lucky I am. I get to wake up every morning and do what I love – and that's the best feeling in the world!
Meet Matty, a lovable pup who came to me with a big problem: fear-based defensive reactivity that looked a lot like aggression. My mission? To help him flip the script and respond to triggers in a whole new way.
Here's the thing: changing Matty's emotional response wasn't going to be easy. We're talking systematic exposure to triggers, utilizing space, and pairing unpleasant stimuli (people and loud noises) with something pleasant. Sounds simple, but trust me, it's not.
One major hurdle? Food. Yep, you read that right. Food was actually hiding some deep-seated issues. Matty would take the food, and then instantly revert to his unwanted behavior. Sneaky, right?
So, I had to get creative. For the first couple of weeks, I ditched the food altogether and focused on exposing Matty to triggers in a controlled environment. I managed the space, built his confidence, and voilà! Progress. I want to be very clear here that you cannot use punishment either.
Now, here's what's amazing about board-and-train programs: they allow for frequent, consistent progress. The key is not to flood your dog with too much, too soon.
But what was behind Matty's issues in the first place? In my expert opinion, it's a mix of genetic makeup, maternal influence, and potentially even a fear period. Yep, you heard that right – a fear period. It's like a puppy adolescence, and it can be a real challenge.
Matty's family was savvy, though. They recognized the signs of a fear period and jumped into action, booking a board-and-train program. And let me tell you, it's been a game-changer.
Now, I want to be very clear about something: although you might notice an e-collar remote hanging from my hip, we are not using e-collar work in this particular treatment plan. I want to stress that immensely, precisely because it's visible. Here's why: e-collar work would only suppress the emotion, not address the root cause. And trust me, that emotion will come out somewhere else, potentially causing even mo
Let's be real, folks! 'Place' is like my happy corner on the couch... it's great for chillin', but it's not gonna teach me how to adult
Place work It's a useful tool for addressing behavioral issues, such as anxiety, hyperactivity, or impulsivity.
While "place work" can be helpful in managing these issues, it's not a complete solution. Dogs also need to learn how to navigate the world, make good choices, and interact with their environment and the people in it.
In other words, dogs need to learn how to be calm, focused, and well-behaved in various situations, not just when they're in their designated "place." They need to develop agency or the ability to make good decisions in order to thrive in a human-dominated world.
#dogtraining #dogtrainer #dogtrainingtips
Welcome to my ridiculously small house, where the kitchen, living room, creating space, and classroom all blend together in a beautiful mess! As a dog trainer, I've learned to get creative with the space I have! And I love sharing these tips with other dog owners, because not everybody has access to an inside training building.
It's winter, and let's face it: sometimes it's just plain miserable outside. But that doesn't mean you can skip leash work with your dog! In fact, some of the best leash training happens in the comfort of your own home (or, in my case, the kitchen).
You don't need a sprawling backyard or a hiking trail to teach your dog to heel or walk nicely on a leash. All you need is a bit of imagination and some circle work (yes, you read that right - circle work!).
So, grab a cup of coffee, get cozy, and dive into the world of indoor leash training because, after all, summer leash skills are created in the winter
#dogtraining #dogtrainingisfun #dogtrainingtips
Let's get real - one of the top reasons rescue dogs end up back in shelters isn't because they're hugely flawed, but because we humans have sky-high expectations. Newsflash: your new dog isn't going to transform into a perfect pup overnight!
And yeah, I know what you're thinking... 'if only my dog could talk!' Well, here's the thing: they ARE talking - you just need to learn their language! Pay attention to those subtle (okay, sometimes not-so-subtle) cues, and you'll start to understand what they're really saying.
Now, about that nervous system reset... Think of it like a doggy reboot! When your rescue dog comes home, their nervous system is like a computer that's been running on high alert for years. It needs a serious restart. With patience, love, and the right approach, you can help your dog's nervous system reset and find a sense of calm and peace. It's like hitting the refresh button on their whole world!
So, what are three things that you can do to help your rescue dog reset their nervous system?
Slow and gentle introductions: When introducing your dog to new people, places, or things, do it slowly and gently to avoid overwhelming them.
Provide a safe space: Create a cozy, quiet space where your dog can retreat when feeling overwhelmed, such as a crate or quiet room.
Positive reinforcement training: Focus on building trust and confidence through rewards-based training, which can help calm your dog's nervous system and reduce stress.
By incorporating these simple yet powerful strategies, you can help your rescue dog feel more calm, centered, and connected. Happy rebooting!
#rescuedog #apbt #dogtraining #dogtrainer
Ever had a pup that's simultaneously trying to eat a new toy and run away from it?
Yeah, that's not them being dramatic (okay, maybe a little), it's actually their brain going through "approach-avoidance conflict"!
As a trainer, I see this all the time - their amygdala is screaming 'FEAR!' while their dopamine is whispering 'REWARD!'... and they're just stuck in this adorable, confusing loop. Anyone else have a pup that's like 'I WANT TO PLAY, BUT ALSO I'M SCARED... BUT ALSO I LOVE IT...'?
When your dog is experiencing an approach-avoidance conflict, here are some tips to help them feel more comfortable and confident:
1. Stay Calm and Patient
Maintain a calm and composed demeanor to help your dog regulate their emotions.
2. Give Space and Time
Allow your dog to approach the stimulus at their own pace. Don't force them to interact if they're not ready.
3. Use Positive Reinforcement
Reward your dog with treats, praise, and affection when they exhibit calm or confident behavior around the stimulus.
4. Gradual Exposure
Gradually increase your dog's exposure to the stimulus, starting from a safe distance or with a low-level intensity.
5. Watch Body Language
Monitor your dog's body language, and if you notice signs of stress or fear (e.g., tail tucking, panting, or avoidance), it's best to slow down the exposure process.
6. Desensitize and Countercondition
Desensitize your dog to the stimulus by repeating the exposure process in a controlled and safe environment. Counterconditioning involves associating the stimulus with positive outcomes, helping your dog develop a more positive emotional response.
7. Seek Professional Help
If your dog's approach-avoidance conflict is severe or persistent, consult with a professional dog trainer or behaviorist for personalized guidance and support.
Remember, every dog is unique, and it's essential to tailor your approach to your dog's individual needs and personality
#dogtrainingadvice #freedogtraining #sacramentodogtrainer
As a dog trainer with over a decade of experience, I've noticed that our industry can be a bit like a bad game of fetch – everyone's running around, growling, and refusing to drop the ball. It seems like you're either a "Force-Free" trainer or a "Balanced" trainer, with no middle ground in sight. But, as a trainer who's all about finding common ground (and treats), I'm here to tell you that there's a happy medium.
Force-Free trainers focus on positive reinforcement techniques, avoiding any methods that might be perceived as punitive or aversive. Think of it like a doggy playdate, where everyone gets a participation trophy and a belly rub.
Balanced trainers, on the other hand, use a combination of positive reinforcement and, in some cases, gentle corrections to achieve desired behaviors. It's like having a firm but fair dog coach that holds you accountable, where treats and praise are earned, not given.
Me? I'm a Bit of a Rebel
So, where do I fit in? Well, if I had to choose a label, I'd be considered Balanced trainer. But, truthfully, I'm all about collaboration and finding what works best for each dog and their human. I've got clients from both the Force-Free and Balanced camps, and we all get along swimmingly. My focus is on helping you and your dog achieve your goals, not on adhering to a particular ideology.
I understand the passion that trainers from both camps have, and they express it with such enthusiasm through social media. Which, to be honest, can be very overwhelming and off-putting for regular dog owners. They're left feeling guilty for choosing one method over the other, and unsure of what to do. As for me, I've learned that engaging in those heated social media debates only gets you views and comments, but doesn't necessarily attract students who are genuinely interested in learning.
Part of being a good teacher is recognizing the unique skill set and lifestyle vision of each student. If I limit myself to only one approach, whether it's Force
As a dog trainer, I've heard it all: "My dog walks in front of me, so they must be the boss!"
Newsflash: your pup isn't plotting to overthrow you just because they like to lead the way. In this video my dog was given a clear cue to not only go in front but to pull!
The old-school idea of "pack leadership" – where the alpha dog leads and the rest follow – has been largely discredited by science. So, what's really going on when your dog walks in front?
Lack of training: Let's face it, if your dog isn't taught to walk on a loose leash, they'll probably pull ahead. It's not dominance, it's just enthusiasm!
Squirrel!: Dogs are easily distracted by interesting smells, sights, and sounds. It's not a power play, it's just their curiosity getting the best of them.
Breed characteristics: Some breeds are bred to forge ahead and investigate. It's in their DNA, not a plot to overthrow you.
So, what does make a good leader in dog ownership?
Clear guidance: Set those boundaries and provide clear instructions. Your dog will thank you.
Trust and communication: Build a strong relationship with your dog based on trust, communication, and reinforcement.
Meeting their needs: Make sure your dog's physical and emotional needs are met. A happy dog is a well-behaved dog!
By focusing on these aspects, you can develop a strong, loving relationship with your dog – regardless of who walks in front.
#dogtrainingadvice #puppytraining #sacramentodogtrainer #looseleashwalking #sacramentodogs #reactivedog #freedogtraining
The age-old trainer mantra: 'Consistency is key!' And while that's true, let's be real – busy lives can make it tough to commit to 5 weeks of back-to-back sessions.
I've seen it time and time again: people stretching out packages over months, with little progress to show for it due to the gaps between sessions.
That's why I flip the script. By putting ownership of their training curriculum in their hands, clients take responsibility for their own progress – not me. No more relying on a rigid package schedule; just a personalized, self-paced approach that actually delivers results
1.) Every dog is unique: Packages assume a one-size-fits-all approach, but every dog has distinct needs, temperaments, and challenges. Some dogs we address the issue in one session.
2.) Lack of flexibility: Packages can be inflexible, making it difficult to adjust the training plan as the dog's needs change. I have had many dogs who with the guidance of their owners only needed a couple sessions which left me refunding a portion of my packages
3.) Overemphasis on quantity over quality: In some cases Packages focus on the number of sessions rather than the quality of the training and the results achieved.
4.) What if we're just not a match?
Let's face it: you need to love your coach. And I mean really love them. If you don't click, it's game over. I've seen it happen time and time again - people investing in 10 sessions with a trainer they don't vibe with only to quit after 2. That's why I say: don't commit to a long-term relationship if you're not feeling it. You should have the freedom to say no to a second 'date' if it's just not working out.
5.) Budget-Friendly Flexibility
Let's face it: budgets are tight, and financial uncertainty is real. That's why locking into a pricey training package can be daunting. With one-time sessions, you can budget more easily, pay as you go, and avoid breaking the bank. No more hefty upfront payments or financial stress. Just flexible, affordabl
I'm constantly amazed at how many humans are in a rush to get from point A to point B without teaching their furry friends the fundamentals of walking on a leash. Newsflash: dogs don't come with a built-in "heel" button!
Here's the thing: dogs are naturally faster than humans, and walking in a straight line is NOT their jam. They're designed to zigzag, sniff, and collect odors – not march in lockstep with their humans. So, when we expect them to walk by our side without any training, we're setting ourselves up for a whole lot of pulling and frustration.
So, how do I tackle leash training with my students? We start with circles – lots and lots of circles! I don't leave my property until we've mastered walking in a circle and a straight line. Why? Because if we can't do it in the comfort of our own yard, we're not ready for the great outdoors!
And let's get real – no fancy equipment or magic wand can replace good ol' fashioned practice and quality time with your dog. Whether you're using a harness, collar, or head halter, if your dog isn't taught where to be, they'll pull on anything!
So, take a deep breath, grab some treats, and let's get walking – in circles, of course!
#looseleashwalk #Sacramentodogs #dogwalking #dogtrainer
Real-life training tailored specifically to your family's needs and goals. Specializing in Best Friends!
