Join us in a gripping episode as we delve into dog separation anxiety.   How do you determine if your dog's separation-related issues are severe enough to warrant intervention and formal dog training?   "When it comes to treating separation issues in dogs, the answer isn't black or white; it's in understanding the shades of your dog’s stress."   From dogs excessively following you around the house to meltdowns upon leaving, our exploration uncovers various scenarios, including stress when deviating from routine or the absence of another dog.   We also discuss the nuances of ..read more

When your dog starts demonstrating reactivity to triggers, a trainer says, “Just walk him around the park. Expose him to the triggers. And he’ll get over it.”   So you’ve been doing this ‘exposure to the triggers’ method for some time, only to realize it’s still not working.   This episode breaks down why not.   "Exposing your dog to triggers without a strategic approach is like expecting a[n artwork] masterpiece  without understanding the brush strokes."   In this episode, we delve into the common misconception around exposing your dog to triggers and why it might not ..read more

Did you know that dogs waking up to triggers in the middle of the night can impact their sleep quality? In a recent discussion by Team Tilly, it was revealed that dogs exhibiting this behavior, especially reactive ones, may experience disrupted sleep patterns up to 3, 4, 6, or even 7 times a night.   In this insightful discussion from Team Tilly and the Recover Rover guardians, the spotlight is on a crucial question about being a protector for your reactive aggressive dog, particularly when they wake up to triggers in the middle of the night. The conversation delves into the nuances of wh ..read more

Ever seem like your dog is scared or anxious about a trigger, but still going up to them and sniffing? In other words, does it seem like your dog is anxious or worried about an event, but still demonstrating brave signals?   This episode talks about dogs who experience anxiety attacks while simultaneously demonstrating behaviors associated with bravery. The discussion originated from a coaching call where Team Lola and Mater's interactions sparked curiosity about the complex interplay between anxious and brave behaviors in dogs.   "You must train your eye to look objectively, to get ..read more

Is your dog barking at the window when neighbors, dogs, and triggers go by?   Kaylee from Team Marnie shares her experiences and challenges in managing her one-and-a-half-year-old German Shepherd and Golden Retriever mix, Marnie, who exhibits window barking behavior.   "The dog will tell us what it needs if we allow it to acknowledge and process feelings. Decoding these needs becomes crucial… for understanding the dog's [window barking]."   We talk about the distinction between ACTUAL dog training techniques - not just trigger avoidance recommendations - and the limitations of u ..read more

How can I manage my dog's reactive behavior?   Today, we have a listener, Lorena, who reached out with a question about her dog, Scooby. A curious and social pup, Scooby still faced reactivity during his puppy training days. In fact, he ultimately got kicked out of Puppy School for his overwhelming desire to play with other dogs.   "In dog training, tackling every issue at once is like deciding to play every position in a basketball game. Start with one, master it, then move on."   As Scooby has grown, he's become more reactive towards other dogs, leaving Lorena puzzled about wh ..read more

Is there a real difference between prey drive activation and reactivity, and how do emotions play a role in this distinction? Distinguishing between prey drive activation and reactivity in dogs, especially around small animals triggering their instincts is the question for today that comes from Christine with Team Gigi.   "Behavior is always tied back to the essential needs of any animal—finding and hunting for food and ensuring safety. Understanding this link is crucial in distinguishing between prey drive activation and reactivity in dogs."   If we pretend for a moment that dogs ar ..read more

"In this episode, Jenna coaches dog guardian, Jo, through how to navigate her dog's hyperarousal towards other dogs and his resource guarding. We'll meet Tanner, a three-year-old small breed dog, who has big reactions towards other dogs when he feels threatened."   Jo talks about Tanner's playful, intelligent, and communicative nature, yet his journey is marked by anxiety-driven behaviors. Tanner exhibits resource-guarding towards unexpected treasures like a picnic blanket.   “The problem is not that he doesn't like certain dogs. The problem is that he has a compulsive reaction when ..read more

Let’s dive into the story of Tara and Sully, a one-year-old dog who, after a traumatic attack at 13 weeks old, now exhibits fear and anxiety during walks. Sully freezes up, whines, pulls, and refuses food, making walks a challenging experience for both Sully and his mom.   Our live coaching session with Tara troubleshoots the issues Sully faces and establishes an actionable training plan. If you have a dog reluctant to go outside or exhibits inconsistent behavior during walks, this episode is a must-listen.   "It's really taxing to have to move at that snail's pace, and just as in hu ..read more

Discover the importance of setting realistic goals and expectations for both yourself and your canine companion during the recovery process. Jenna breaks down the concept of reasonable expectations into short-term, medium-term, and long-term goals, emphasizing the significance of prioritizing learning and resource-building in the initial stages.   “Setting reasonable expectations and goals for your dog involves a dual responsibility – one on you to establish realistic objectives and another on the trainer or coach to guide you through the process."   Tune in to understand why a well ..read more