Blog — training

Safety First “Safety first” is one of the most commonly used phrases in dog training, but it is often misunderstood. In behavior work, safety is not just about preventing bad things from happening or keeping a dog away from triggers. True safety is about creating the internal and external conditions that allow a dog’s nervous system to learn, adapt, and change. Without safety, there is no learning. There is only survival-based behavior. What Safety Actually Means When we talk about safety in behavior modification, we are not only referring to physical safety or environmental management. We are also referring to...

CalmCalmness gives you the mental steadiness to truly see your dog. If you’re not calm, you can’t learn—and good training is as much about learning your dog as it is teaching anything. A calm state creates space for observation, better timing, and clearer decisions. Just as importantly, your calm nervous system signals safety to your dog. NeutralNeutrality means being unattached to outcomes. When you’re not emotionally hooked on what should happen, you can stay present with what is happening. This allows you to observe without judgment and respond instead of react. Ask questions: What is my dog communicating? What does...

I know this approach can feel a bit abstract at times. It’s natural to want clear “steps” or a recipe for success. But because we take a somatic, individualized approach—meeting each dog as they are—it’s not always possible to apply a one-size-fits-all formula. That said, having a simple framework can be incredibly helpful, so here’s a template to guide you. 1. ObserveStart by truly seeing your dog. Take time to notice what’s actually happening—body language, energy, patterns, and overall state. What is your dog communicating? What situations bring out certain behaviors? Write your observations down if that helps you stay...

The Vagus Nerve: A Shared Biology Dogs are like humans in many ways—including their biology. One of the most important systems we share is the 10th cranial nerve, also known as the vagus nerve. This nerve connects the brain to the body and plays a central role in regulating the autonomic nervous system in both humans and dogs. When everything is going well, the ventral vagal system is in charge. In this state, we feel: Safe Comfortable Social and connected Breathing is easy. Movement feels fluid and joyful. We’re in a state of flow—playful, curious, and open to interaction. But...

Rethinking the Crate: From “Cage” to Safe Haven I want to share some of my recommendations for crate training a puppy—because this is one area where mindset matters just as much as method. Many people feel uncomfortable using a crate because they associate it with putting a dog in a “cage.” But that perspective shifts when you understand something fundamental: Dogs are den animals. A crate, when used properly, is not a place of confinement—it’s a place of safety, comfort, and rest. Think of it less like a cage and more like a bedroom. If you look at images of...