Blog — Holistic Dog Training

Many behaviors that people try to “correct” in dogs are actually completely natural. When we allow dogs appropriate space to express those instincts, they tend to become more stable, balanced companions. Problems often arise not from the behavior itself, but from how we respond to it. For example, I gave my dog a raw bone to enjoy in his kennel. At one point, a client dog ran up to the kennel, clearly interested in the bone. My dog responded by becoming protective—he growled and showed defensive behavior. This is entirely normal. He was in possession of something valuable, in his...

  Understanding Leash Reactivity Through the Nervous System This may be an unpopular perspective, but when I look at leash reactivity, I don’t see a “bad” dog—I see a nervous system under pressure. When your dog reacts on leash, something in the environment has activated their sympathetic nervous system—their “go” state. This could be: Excitement (wanting to chase a squirrel or play with another dog) Social drive (wanting to greet) Fear or uncertainty (feeling unsafe around a dog or person) In all cases, the body is preparing for action. The Problem: Energy Without Movement Off leash, your dog would naturally:...

House Training Your Dog: Simple, Effective Tips for Success No matter your dog’s age, successful house training starts with structure, consistency, and management. One of the most effective tools you can use is a crate or kennel, paired with a reliable feeding and potty schedule. Use a Crate to Support Natural Instincts Dogs naturally avoid soiling their sleeping area. By using a crate or kennel, you’re working with this instinct—not against it. Limiting your dog’s space encourages them to “hold it” until they’re taken outside, helping them learn where it’s appropriate to go. Stick to a Consistent Schedule Routine is...

The Energy Equation One of the most important concepts in dog training is simple: Don’t add energy to a behavior that already represents an energy overload. Many common training mistakes come from doing exactly that—adding more stimulation to a dog who is already overstimulated. What Does “Adding Energy” Look Like? 1. Punishment-based correctionsSo-called “positive punishment” (adding a stimulus to stop behavior) may appear to work in the short term, but it often makes things worse over time. Why? Because you’re adding more intensity to an already heightened state. 2. Overstimulating activitiesPuzzle toys, excessive “mental stimulation,” or constant activity can backfire...

Working with Your Dog’s Drive What does it mean to work with your dog’s drive? First, you want to identify what most motivates your dog. Think about the things that naturally capture their attention—food, movement, prey, toys, or interaction. When your dog encounters one of these stimuli, observe two things: arousal and persistence. Arousal is the level of excitement your dog shows in response to the stimulus. Persistence is how long they stay engaged with it—the “annoying” way they can obsess over something! As you explore different motivators, take note of both. How quickly does your dog light up? And...