Dog Behavior Explained

Discover practical insights into why dogs behave the way they do and learn effective training solutions for common challenges. From reactivity and anxiety to breed-specific topics, my evidence-based articles help you and your dog navigate complex behaviors with confidence and compassion.

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NewsletterReactivitySeparation AnxietyBehavior AdviceDog Trainer WorldManners and SkillsBreeds and QuirksDogs are Fun!Aggressive BehaviorAnxious Dogs

Your Reactive Dog Still Has to Pee: Surviving Potty Walks Without a Yard

No yard, reactive dog, and four potty breaks a day. Here’s how to make every trip outside less stressful for both of you.

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Why Does My Reactive Dog Get Zoomies After Walks?

Post-walk zoomies aren’t cute—they’re your reactive dog telling you the walk was too stressful. Here’s what to do instead.

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Managing Visitors with Your Reactive Dog

Does your reactive dog bark, lunge, or hide when people come over? Four practical strategies to help them feel calmer around guests.

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You’re Already Doing Clicker Training (Whether You Know It or Not)

Even without a clicker, you’re doing clicker training. Learn why markers matter and how to use them intentionally with your dog.

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The Staggered Exit Strategy: Training Separation Anxiety as a Couple

Separation anxiety better with one partner but not the other? Use the staggered exit strategy to train departures together.

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Why Most People Get Desensitization Wrong

Most people think they’re doing desensitization—but they’re actually making their dog worse. Here’s what true desensitization looks like.

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Anxious Dogs
Aggressive Behavior
Dogs are Fun!
Breeds and Quirks
Manners and Skills
Dog Trainer World
Behavior Advice
Separation Anxiety
Reactivity
Newsletter

Your Reactive Dog Still Has to Pee: Surviving Potty Walks Without a Yard

No yard, reactive dog, and four potty breaks a day. Here’s how to make every trip outside less stressful for both of you.

The Staggered Exit Strategy: Training Separation Anxiety as a Couple

Separation anxiety better with one partner but not the other? Use the staggered exit strategy to train departures together.

Your Dog Doesn’t Need a Job (They Need a Nap)

Your anxious dog doesn’t need more work - they need help calming down. Here’s why ‘give them a job’ often makes things worse.

Why Your Dog's Separation Anxiety Training Isn't Working (And What to Do Instead)

Think you’re doing everything right? One common mistake can make your dog’s separation anxiety worse — here’s the fix.

The Right Way: How to Actually Help Your Fearful Dog (Food Edition)

Using food the wrong way can make your fearful dog worse. Here’s how to turn treats into real healing tools.

When Good Intentions Go Wrong: Why Food Lures Fail Fearful Dogs

That treat trick everyone uses with scared dogs? It’s creating the opposite effect. Why food luring fails and what’s really happening.

Aggressive or Just Reacting? Why Labels Don’t Tell the Whole Story

Think your dog is aggressive—or reactive? You’re not alone. This blog breaks down why those labels don’t tell the full story.

Helping Your Dog Recover After Fireworks: What to Do Now

Dog scared after fireworks? Learn how to support with walks, games, and decomprssion after July 4th noise stress.

How to Help Your Dog Cope with Fireworks Season

Fireworks season is tough on dogs. Learn how to help your dog with fireworks anxiety using practical prep, training, and coping tools.

3 Surprising Signs Your Dog Has Anxiety That Most Owners Miss

Is your dog’s anxiety hiding in plain sight? Learn 3 subtle signs you might be missing.

Understanding Counterconditioning: Why Your Reactive Dog Isn’t Responding

Why food fails in reactivity training: Learn 3 science-backed strategies to improve reactive dog behavior with expert tips.

Chill Pill for Canines: Adding Relaxation to Your Dog's Decompression Walk

Take your dog’s decompression walk to the next level by adding relaxation protocols. Turn walks into opportunities for emotional regulation.

The Departure Cue Myth: Why Your Vet's Separation Anxiety Advice May Be Making Things Worse

Vet says to desensitize your dog to keys? That’s wrong. Learn why focusing on departure cues fails— discover what cures separation anxiety.

Sniffing for Success: How Nose Work Boosts Dog Sport Performance

Discover how sniffing boosts performance, focus, and recovery in sport and reactive dogs—trusted advice from Oakland’s top dog trainer.

Why Every Dog Needs Decompression Walks (And How to Do Them Right)

Discover how decompression walks help dogs relax, reduce stress, and boost well-being. Learn how to set up the perfect sniff-filled outing!

Canine Stress Explained: What Happens in Your Dog’s Body & How to Help

Learn how stress affects your dog & how to help them recover. Learn about cortisol, sniffing, & decompression walks for better well-being!

The Science of Dog Sniffing: How It Reduces Stress and Improves Behavior

Did you know sniffing lowers stress, boosts confidence, and improves behavior? Learn why sniffing is essential for your dog’s well-being!

How to Calm an Anxious Dog: 5 Immediate Solutions That Work

Discover 5 effective and easy strategies to help your anxious dog feel calmer today. Reduce stress with these actionable tips!

Why Does My Dog React to Other Dogs on Walks? How the Hurry Away Cue Supports Reactivity Training in Busy Urban Environments

Why does my dog react to other dogs on walks? Learn how the ‘hurry away’ cue supports reactivity training, even in busy urban environments.

Why My Chihuahua Was Hiding His Poop (And How I Fixed It)

Discover how to help a dog who secretly poops in the house due to fear. Learn potty training techniques that rebuild trust & stop accidents.

Featured Publications

Explore my collection of published work sharing advice and lessons discovered through dog relationships, wisdom gained from loving and training dogs, and life insights alongside practical dog behavior and training advice.

Managing Dog Reactivity in Shared Spaces: Practical Strategies for Stress-Free Living

Does your dog tense up at every hallway encounter? Living in a 'reactive building' can turn daily walks into a battlefield. Here's why reactivity spreads in apartments—and what you can do to stop it.

Loving Leroy: My First Heart Dog

A heart dog changes you forever. Leroy taught me about love, resilience, and the unexpected gifts life brings—like a small dog who carried his spirit forward in ways I never imagined.

When Goodbye Means A Meltdown: Solving Your Dog's Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety isn't just stress—it’s full-blown panic. With patience, the right approach, and modern tools, you can help your dog go from meltdown mode to mastering alone time with confidence.