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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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.

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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.

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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!

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The Emotional Toll of Reactivity – Why It’s Not Just Your Dog Struggling

Struggling with a reactive dog in an apartment or shared space? Learn how reactivity affects both you and your dog—plus strategies to manage

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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!

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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!

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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.

The Emotional Toll of Reactivity – Why It’s Not Just Your Dog Struggling

Struggling with a reactive dog in an apartment or shared space? Learn how reactivity affects both you and your dog—plus strategies to manage

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!

The Crate and Rotate System: How to Manage Multiple Dogs Without Stress

Struggling with multi-dog management? Learn how to use the crate and rotate method for a peaceful home—expert tips inside!

Using a Dragline for Dogs: Training, Safety, and Practical Use

A dog dragline allows your dog more freedom while keeping training on track. Learn how to use it safely for recall, structure, and control.

A Behaviorist's Perspective: How Dogs Shape Who We Become

A reflection on how dogs change us - from the unexpected ways they adapt to our lives, to the profound lessons they teach us.

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!

From Self-Serve Snacker to Potty Pro: A Poop-Eating Success Story

Transform your poop-eating pup from self-serve snacker to potty pro! This humorous case study shows how one dog kicked the 💩habit.

The 10-Minute Promise: Why Your Dog Training Resolution Keeps Failing (And How to Fix It)

Transform your dog’s behavior this year by focusing on you—learn why 10-minute daily training sessions beat out hour-long visits.

Naughty, Nice, or Just Living Their Best Life? A Holiday WTF Guide to Dog Behavior

Struggling with dog behavior? Discover why asking 'What's The Function?' beats outdated 'good dog/bad dog' labels.

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.

Separation Anxiety Training Through the Holiday Season

Help your dog handle separation anxiety this holiday season with expert tips on training, routines, and managing seasonal stress.

When Your Dog Resource Guards People: Understanding Resource Guarding in the Home

Learn how to manage dogs who guard one person from others in the home. Discover strategies for behavior modification and training.

3 Common Dog Training Myths You Can Stop Believing Today

Rethink common dog training myths and learn practical, evidence-based strategies to support your dog’s unique needs and behavior.

From Reacting to Responding: Practical Tips for Hyperarousal in Dogs

Learn practical steps to manage your dog’s hyperarousal. Prevent jumping, mouthing, and biting with proactive strategies to keep them calm.

Lessons from Dogs: Finding Healing Through Compassion and Connection

Discover how working with anxious dogs became a mirror to my own healing journey. Read about empathy, growth, and transformation.

Out-of-Control Dog? Understanding Jumping, Biting, and Mouthing Behavior

Discover what hyperarousal looks like in dogs and how to prevent behaviors like jumping and mouthing.

Essential Dog Training Tools: A Professional Trainer's Must-Haves

Discover three game-changing tools professional trainers use daily—including one you already have!

Preparing Your Dog for Emergency Evacuations: A Comprehensive Guide

Preparing your dog for emergency evacuations is crucial — their safety in a crisis depends on you.

Confronting Aggression in Dogs: Five Critical Steps for Effective Intervention

Discover the top five tips to address your dog’s aggression.

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.