WOW BOW WOW-Dog Trainer & Behavior Consultant

26/08/2025

🎉 Celebrating HUGE wins in our "Less Bark, Happy Walks" 8-week group class!

Meet Kronos, Buddy and Charlotte, incredible dogs (and their dedicated humans!) who are well on their way to transforming their walks. Before, seeing another dog often meant an instant barking frenzy. But not so much anymore!

In our sessions, the pups are able to disengage from each other with calm focus, instead of their usual reactive outbursts! This wasn't magic; it was a result of being set up for success with a thoughtful, strategic approach:

🐾 Enough Distance: We carefully managed their proximity to ensure they felt safe and can think & learn.
🐾 Practiced Skills: They consistently worked on the specific behaviors needed to encourage disengagement.
🐾 Human Understanding: Their amazing humans learned to read their dogs' body language, responding effectively to subtle cues.

Every session in "Less Bark, Happy Walks" is a controlled setup. We provide the precise exposure practice each dog needs to gradually feel safe and confident, eventually defaulting to new, calmer behaviors instead of barking, lunging or meltdowns.

And it's not just the dogs who benefit! We also help the humans feel less stressed, so they don't have to white-knuckle their dog's leash every time they step outside. Imagine the relief!

If you're ready to turn stressful walks into enjoyable outings, just like Kronos, Buddy and Charlotte, our "Less Bark, Happy Walks" group classes in Costa Mesa are waiting for you.

Ready for calmer, happier walks? Learn more about the group class here: https://wowbowwowoc.newzenler.com/courses/less-bark-group-class

(If you're searching for private sessions instead, consider this option, Reset Your Reactive Dog: https://wowbowwowoc.newzenler.com/courses/reset-dog-reactivity
)

And don't hesitate to contact me to see if either is the next right step for you and your dog: 714-794-9625.

24/08/2025

Are you tired of your dog's "Nope!" when you call them? Change that with Reliable RECALL Challenge

That moment when you call your dog and they just... don't. We've all been there, and it can be incredibly frustrating—and even terrifying.

Is your heart in your throat because your dog bolted out the front door and won't come back? Are you tired of them ignoring you at the dog park, or getting distracted by every dog and squirrel in the neighborhood?

A reliable recall isn't just about a fun trick; it's about safety and peace of mind.

For dogs that bark at every delivery person or guard the front window, a strong recall can help you redirect their focus and create a calmer home. For a new puppy, building a solid "come" cue now is a foundational skill that will serve them for a lifetime.

If any of this sounds familiar, our September Recall Challenge is for you. We'll work on these exact struggles with just 10 minutes a day to help you build a dog that doesn't just hear you, but responds to you.

Ready to make your dog’s recall reliable? Sign up to join the challenge:

Wouldn't It Be Amazing If Your Dog Came When Called Consistently From Your Backyard or At The Off Leash Dog Park?

22/08/2025

September "Come When Called" (RECALL) Challenge

The Countdown Is ON! 🚀

Can you believe it? We're just about a week away from kicking off our September Recall Challenge!

If you've ever wished your dog had a more reliable "come" — giving you peace of mind and keep them safe — this is your chance. We're talking 10 minutes a day of focused, fun training. That's it!

Remember the motto: SMALL EFFORTS. BIG RESULTS.

This challenge is all about building those consistent habits that lead to a rock-solid recall. And with weekly videos, you'll see your progress, get accountability, and have a shot at winning a special prize!

Don't let this opportunity to transform your dog's recall (and your walks!) slip by. Get ready to commit just 10 minutes a day for major gains.

Who's feeling pumped and ready to make recall rock? Drop a smiley face emoji if you're in! 👇

Update:
The sign up link is now open! Join the challenge here: https://wowbowwowoc.newzenler.com/courses/recall-challenge

21/08/2025

21/08/2025

I teach a “go say hi” release cue for polite greeting (instead of jumping on people in an excited, amped up emotional state). And if the dog doesn’t want to move forward to greet the other dog or human, they don’t have to. I teach their guardian to not force a greeting and say something like: my dog is shy today and move along.

19/08/2025

Raising a Paw: Learning to Read Your Dog's Signals

Imagine you're in the dentist's chair. Before they start, they tell you: "If you feel pain or need a break, just raise your hand." It's a simple, clear signal that tells your dentist to stop and give you a moment.

What if we gave our dogs the same courtesy?

A while back, I was observing a dog guardian walking their dog. As they approached another dog on the path, I noticed the dog began checking in with their human in rapid succession—a quick glance up, then back at the other dog, then back at their human, almost like a frantic question. Their body language was clearly saying, "Are we really doing this? I need a break. I need some space."

The human, however, didn't recognize these signals and continued walking straight toward the other dog. In a split second, the dog's stance changed. Their body stiffened, they leaned forward, and their ears went up. The dog's unspoken request for space was ignored, so their alternative was to become assertive to "protect" themselves and began to bark.

This is a powerful lesson. They may not be able to raise a paw, but our dogs communicate with us all the time through their body language:
🐾 Lip licking or yawning (when not tired)
🐾 Turning their head away or avoiding eye contact or trying to move away
🐾 A stiffening of their body
🐾 Rapid blinking
🐾 Panting (when not hot) . . . just to name a few types of signals

These are all your dog's ways of saying, "I'm stressed, and I need a break." When we learn to see and respect these signals, we build a deeper, more trusting relationship. We stop pushing them into situations they can't handle and start giving them the support they need to feel safe.

Learning to be your dog's advocate is one of the most powerful things you can do. It's not about being a "perfect" dog guardian; it's about being the one who listens.

Ready to learn to read your dog better?

Call/text me: 714-794-9625 or
check out my Reset Your Reactive Dog Program: https://wowbowwowoc.newzenler.com/courses/reset-dog-reactivity

15/08/2025

Rewarding the Bark? Let's Talk Training!

I get this question a lot, and it's a great one: "Aren't you rewarding the dog for barking?"

It often comes up when I'm working with a reactive dog. The dog starts to bark at a trigger (like another dog), and the guardian tries to redirect their attention with a treat or a toy. It seems logical to think, "I'm giving them a reward right after they bark, so they're going to think barking gets them a treat."

Here's the crucial distinction: we're not rewarding the bark. We're rewarding the quiet.

Indeed, one of the first goals when working with a reactive dog is to interrupt the behavior before it escalates. The moment the dog stops barking to look at the treat in my hand, I'm rewarding that choice to disengage from the trigger and re-engage with their person. It's about shifting their emotional state from one of high arousal and stress to one of calmer focus.

We're not just giving out a free treat. We're asking the dog to make a different choice in a difficult situation. It’s about teaching them that looking at us is far more rewarding than fixating on a trigger.

If you're struggling with this, remember that the timing of your reward is crucial. Don't be stingy with your rewards!

And the more consistently you practice with your dog, you will see faster results.

What's a training question you've always wanted to ask? Let me know in the comments!

14/08/2025

Successful dog training requires a two-way conversation.

Ever feel like you're just yelling commands at a brick wall?

You say "sit," they sniff the floor. You say "stay," they wander off. It's a one-sided conversation, and you're left with that nagging feeling that you just can't get through to them. That your dog is being stubborn, defiant, or maybe just... not that smart.

What if the problem isn't that your dog isn't listening, but that you're not listening to them?

The real breakthrough in dog training isn't about getting your dog to hear you. It's about you learning to hear them. Every "mistake" isn't a sign of disobedience; it's a vital piece of communication:
✔️ When they hesitate, they're saying, "I don't understand."
✔️ When they get distracted, they're saying, "I'm not ready to listen yet. I'm focused elsewhere."
✔️ And when they get it wrong, they're giving you feedback: "Your message wasn't clear."

Training isn't a lecture you give; it's a conversation you have.

When you start listening to your dog's replies—their body language, their hesitations, their successes—that's when everything changes. That's when you stop feeling like you're giving orders and start having a real dialogue.

Ready to start listening to your dog so that you finally experience success in training your dog?

If you've ever struggled training with your dog, drop "STRUGGLED" in the comments below!

13/08/2025

What if your dog's golden years could be more comfortable?

The last few months were hard on Jill. About 13 years old, her left back leg had a noticeable limp, diagnosed by our vet as a luxating patella. We reduced her walks, knowing that too much movement caused her pain. It was tough watching her slow down, and I knew she missed our adventures.

We started adding the Green Paw Hip & Joint Supplement to her daily wet food—it mixed in easily, so there was no fuss. After about a month, I noticed the limp was less frequent. By the second month, it was almost completely gone.

Now, we're back to our regular walks around the neighborhood, and she's even up for some new outings! Seeing her trot with that easy gait again is the best feeling.

If you have a senior dog, you know how much a little comfort can mean.

Ready to see if Green Paw Wellness can help your pup too? The folks there have kindly offered a 15% discount just for you!

Scan the QR code in the video or click on this link to order yours and watch your dog move with more ease:
https://greenpawwellness.com/coupon/wbw15

p.s. I recommend visiting your veterinarian for a diagnosis first.

11/08/2025

Does your dog’s training actually work outside the living room?

You've taught "sit" and "stay," but how does that hold up when the doorbell rings, a stranger appears, or distractions hit?

The uncomfortable truth: without building a deep foundation of trust, "good behavior" is often just suppression—not genuine comfort.

That’s where we're different. We go beyond basic commands to build real life skills that empower your dog and create unbreakable trust between you both.

Imagine:
⭐ A rock-solid recall (they come back, every time).
⭐ Calmness in chaos (no more barking/lunging).
⭐ Confident, focused walks (they enjoy every outing).
⭐ Polite greetings (no more jumping).

Ready to move past frustration and build a truly joyful partnership?

Check out our "From Rambunctious to Well-Mannered Pup" group classes in Costa Mesa here: https://wowbowwowoc.newzenler.com/courses/rambunctious-pup-training-program

11/08/2025

Social Media Post: Perfect Sunday morning with a cup of coffee & a peacefully sleeping dog.

Reality: Sunday morning with a cup of coffee & a dog nudging my hand until I accidentally spill it on the couch.

Scrolling through social media, it's easy to feel like every dog is a perfectly behaved angel, walking on a perfectly loose leash and always listening.

But what about your reality? The leash pulling, the "selective hearing," the moments of chaotic joy that just don't make the highlight reel. It’s okay to admit that your dog isn't perfect.

Because here’s a secret: THEY'RE NOT SUPPOSED TO BE PERFECT

Just like us, our dogs are living, breathing learners who have good days and bad days. The real magic isn’t about forcing your dog to be a flawless performer; it's about accepting that you are both on a journey of growth. It’s about building communication that works for your family, not for a social media post.

We don't just train dogs—we train the human on how to understand them. Our program is for both of you, because the real magic happens when you learn together.

Forget the highlight reel. Let's focus on real life. Because a truly happy, compatible life is built on genuine communication, not perfection.

Ready to stop comparing and start communicating?

Link to my programs that help the human and their dog build better communication and real life skills: https://wowbowwowoc.newzenler.com/home-page-costamesa

10/08/2025

That's an 'Off' not a 'Down"! We've all been there

I had a hilarious moment yesterday that I have to share. I was meeting a potential client who sought me out to help with his dog's reactivity to other dogs. The pup was clearly a herding breed—smart, focused, and ready to work.

The dog guardian was telling me all about him, and I just couldn't remember the type of breed to save my life.

My brain was running through all the classics: "Okay, it's a herding dog... Border Collie? No. Aussie? Nope, not that either." It was one of those moments where the word is right on the tip of your tongue, but it just won't come out!

It reminded me that just like we sometimes struggle to find the right word out of our brain, . . .
we can also get our training cues mixed up in the heat of the moment!

How many times have you meant to say "OFF" but "DOWN" came out instead? It happens to the best of us as we're both learning and trying to communicate clearly.

Finally, the owner chuckled at my struggle and saved me, "He's an Australian Cattle Dog."

We both had a good laugh! It was a great reminder that as much as I know about dogs, we all have those moments.

It also confirmed that even with a brain fart, I'm always looking at the dog's behavior and traits first. Because each dog is an individual and you have to figure out how they learn best.

Need help getting your dog to understand your cues? Let's work on clear communication. Reach out to get started! Call/text 714-794-9625