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.

Brown and white pit bull looking forward with a happy expression, representing confidence and progress

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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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.

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.

Beyond Basic Belly Rubs: A Master Class in Petting Best Practices

Respect your dog’s needs for physical touch, communicate with consent, and build a stronger, more trusting bond with mindful interaction.

Thriving with Multiple Dogs: Best Practices for a Harmonious Home

Learn how to successfully manage multiple dogs with tips on training, mealtime, play, and fostering positive interactions at home.

The Role of Gut Health in Dog Behavior: Insights from a Veterinary Behaviorist

Curious about how your dog’s gut health impacts behavior? I asked a veterinary behaviorist how diet may hold the key to better behavior!

Why Does My Dog Refuse to Walk? Understanding Common Walking Issues

Discover why your dog refuses to walk on leash and learn the underlying causes behind this behavior.

Beyond Fetch: Unleashing the Remarkable Potential of Working Dogs

Discover the remarkable world of working dogs. Learn how training and genetics shape their abilities and contributions to our lives.

Is Your Dog's Growling Putting You On Edge? The Surprising Truth About Resource Guarding

Is your dog's growling over food, toys, or space stressing you out? Resource guarding is a common but often misunderstood canine behavior.

Why Your Dog Chews Everything and How to Stop It

Discover why dogs exhibit destructive behavior and learn effective strategies to address and prevent it for a harmonious home environment.

Understanding Behavior Resurgence in Dogs

Understand extinction and behavior resurgence in dogs.

Reframing Dog Training: A Guide to Building Better Habits

Discover how integrating consistent dog training into daily life leads to better habits, stronger bonds, and happier dogs.

Game of Bones: Elevating Your Pup’s Training to Royal Heights

Discover advanced dog training: Balance, novelty, choice, and problem-solving to unlock your pup’s full potential. 🐾

Combating the Post-Holiday Blues: The Mental Health Benefits of Dogs

As the festive lights dim, our dogs emerge as unsung heroes, significantly boosting our mental health.

Decoding Dog Training: Shifting the Conversation from Quadrants to Practicing 'Do No Harm’

Shifting the conversation from quadrants to ethical training that practices "do no harm." Learn why we must move beyond the 4 quadrants.

When Nature Calls But Rain Falls – End the Rainy Day Potty Panic Now

When dogs dread rain disrupting potty time, it causes distress all around. This guide walks through positive training methods to overcome.

The Dog Who Taught Me Gratitude

This season, appreciate your loyal dog. Read my touching tribute to Finntroll, the remarkable dog who taught deeper lessons about gratitude.

Understanding the Diverse Roots of Reactive Behavior in Dogs

Reactive dog behavior stems from diverse factors like genetics, health, environment, and early life experiences.

Pit Bull Truths Revealed - Their Surprising Qualities Unveiled Nature

In this blog, we will explore the incredible qualities that make pit bulls an awesome breed.

Learning What Counts

Check out my latest over at BayWoof! 🐾💕

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.