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.

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 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!

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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.

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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.

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Transforming Hyper-Arousal: How to Calm Your Overexcited Dog When Guests Arrive

Calming excited dogs: Use counter conditioning to teach dogs calmness when guests arrive, fostering positive, relaxed greetings.

Demand Barking in Dogs: Understanding and Addressing Unmet Needs

Discover how to understand & address your dog's demand barking by reframing it as an expression of unmet needs & using proactive strategies.

From Growls to Grins: The Key to Understanding and Resolving Dog Aggression

Discover how to transform your dog’s aggression into calm behavior with counterconditioning. Learn the secrets to a happier pet! 🐾

Winging It: The Chicken Time Protocol for Harmonious Dog and Cat Introductions

Introducing a cat to a dog-ruled home? Discover the Chicken Time Protocol: a step-by-step guide for peaceful pet introductions.

Journey with Fernando: A Deep Dive into Canine Needs

In January, I met Fernando, a dog with a story of survival on the streets, leading me to explore the canine hierarchy of needs.

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.

Tug of War with Your Dog: More than Just a Game

Explore the joys of tug of war with your dog! Learn how this fun game enhances training and strengthens your bond.

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. 🐾

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.

Dog Bites 101 - What You Need to Know

This post offers a comprehensive guide on constructive responses to of bites - from incident handling to prevention methods.

What Makes a Dog Trainer Truly Effective? The Research Tells All

The research says it all - truly effective dog training fuses scientifically-validated methods with real-world clinical expertise.

From Meltdowns to Breakthroughs: Understanding Thresholds

Get practical guidance on utilizing emotional thresholds to structure effective dog training scenarios for your reactive dog.

Using an Indoor Drag Line for Your Dog

A drag line for dogs helps manage behavior indoors safely, giving you control without force. Learn how to use one effectively.

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.

A Science-Based Guide to Counterconditioning: How to Effectively Use Learning Theory With Your Dog.

Counterconditioning uses learning theory to reshape a dog's automatic unwanted responses. Retrain your dog's mind with new associations.

Living in a Reactive Building: Navigating Communal Dog Reactivity

This post explores dog reactivity in condo buildings. Learn how stressful encounters in shared spaces negatively condition dogs to react.

The Power of Partnering with a Pro Dog Trainer

Certified dog trainer leveraging decades of canine behavior expertise to help dogs and owners thrive. Science-based tailored solutions.

The Art of Strategic Reward Placement in Dog Training

This professional dog trainer explains why mastering strategic reward placement - not just timing - takes training fluency to new levels.

The Role of Consent in Our Relationships With Dogs

Consent isn't just for humans. This article explores how we can integrate more empowering choices into our dogs' lives.

Management Strategies for Handling Leash Reactivity in the City

Living in a city brings challenges for reactive dogs. Let's explore practical management techniques to prevent reactions during walks.

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.