Where behavior meets real life and dogs get to be dogs.
This is where I share insights from the trail, stories from the training room, and real-world behavior advice for dogs who don’t always fit in the box. Whether you’re navigating reactivity, diving into decompression walks, or just trying to understand what your dog’s really telling you—I’ve got you.
Science-backed, judgment-free, and a little muddy. Just how we like it.
What Does “Impulse Control” Really Mean for Dogs?
"Impulse control" gets thrown around a lot in dog training, but what does it really mean? In this post, we break down the difference between obedience and emotional regulation, explore the science behind arousal, and share real-life strategies to help dogs become more thoughtful and resilient, not just compliant.
Understanding Drive, Arousal, Motivation, and High Energy in Dogs: What They Are and Why It Matters
Drive, arousal, motivation, and energy are often used interchangeably in dog training, but they mean very different things. In this post, I break down what each one really looks like in practice, and share how my dog Roulette embodies all four while staying responsive, clear-headed, and successful in high-arousal environments like IGP.
Obedience Training Won’t Fix a Welfare Problem
Teaching your dog to sit and stay won’t solve fear, pain, or unmet needs. In this post, I share why true behavior change starts with welfare, not obedience, and what to do instead.
Not All Reactive Dogs Bark and Lunge: Understanding Fight, Flight, Freeze, and Fawn
Learn how reactivity shows up in dogs through fight, flight, freeze, and fawn responses. Not all reactive dogs bark or lunge. Some shut down or appease.