top of page
thick white squiggle design
thin green squiggle design
Pug with tongue out featured on dog behavior blog, representing playful learning and small dog support through training
Pug featured on Sara Scott’s dog behavior blog, offering expert tips for anxious, reactive, and high-energy dogs

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
Goofy pug with tongue out, spotlighting dog behavior insights and positive training stories on Sara Scott’s dog behavior blog

The Counterconditioning Breakthrough: Why Your Reactive Dog Isn’t Responding to Food (And How to Fix It)

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

Learn More

Dog Behavior as Art: A Conversation with SF Veterinary Behaviorist Dr. Alison Gerken

Discover how a San Francisco veterinary behaviorist sees dog behavior as art—and what that means for anxiety, meds, and training.

Learn More

Redefining Progress: Why Your Dog’s Journey Is Their Own

Your dog’s journey is unique. True success starts by redefining progress based on where they began—not where others are.

Learn More

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.

Learn More

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.

Learn More

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.

Learn More
black dog in a yellow rain coat
paw print design grey
paw print design grey
paw print design grey
paw print design grey

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More
bottom of page