Check Out the Amazing Dog Transformations Below!

Marshmallow was found tied to a piece of park equipment and abandoned by his owners. His finders tried finding a new home for him so I reached out and offered a two week board and train so that Marsh didn’t end up in the same predicament. Well, Marshmallow was returned to his finders, who have decided to keep this love bug, with a new lease on life. I am so happy Christian and Alex found this guy because I know they are going to provide this kiddo with the structure and love that this teddy bear so deserves. Not only has Marsh found that calm state of mind through strong leadership, but now he has Furever Family that will continue with the structure this guy needs to remain happy, balanced, and anxiety free.

If you haven’t caught this guy’s story yet, feel free to watch this video... Boy will this Moosh be missed! XXOO Love you Marsh!

Brooks is rejoining his fam tomorrow morning with a whole arsenal of beautiful, new, well behaved habits!

He came to me, never been on a walk, due to his arousal and pulling issues. He had a tendency to grab what’s cookin on the counter and little manners when it came to house rules. Uncontrollable energy had him in the trees and digging trenches in the back yard!

But he’s a new man now! Complete Calm state of mind conditioning due the the non-negotiable rules of the Place command! And his family now has that everywhere dog they’ve always wished for! I know they will continue with the same set of rules and structure that he had here so that he can be his most confident, well balanced self.

I’m gonna miss this gentle, handsome giant!

Love you Brooksey!

Moose will be rejoining his fam tomorrow morning with a whole arsenal of beautiful, new, well behaved habits!

He came to me pulling like a moose (his name suits him well!) on leash, jumping on people as if he were a 5lb Little, and only listening or coming when called when it was in it for him - let me tell you, keep away and chase were his favorite pass-time!

But he’s a new man now! Complete CALM state of mind conditioning due the the non-negotiable rules of the Place command! And his family now has that everywhere dog they’ve always wished for! Complete and total off-leash reliability and a very gentlemanly, well-mannered dog. I know his family will continue with the same set of rules and structure that Moose had here so that he can be his most confident, well balanced self.

So Dubz has headed home!

That once, disobedient, wouldn’t work for anything-booger has made a complete transformation and is well on his way to having a life filled with the structure and accountability needed to be successful and make good choices.

He now knows what has worked for him in the past (resource guarding what he claims as his own) is now met with black and white rules reinforced with immediate accountability.

His Mom has learned that as much as you spoil, you must lead. And that too much of the soft stuff with a stubborn dog can result in Dubz’s regression back to potentially dangerous behavior - guarding his food, refusing to move off the couch, growling when he’s asked to do something, biting under pressure.

We talked about how reversing all of the following:

-Too much Freedom

-Too much unearned affection

-Too much permissiveness

-Too much unintentional encouragement

-Too much excitement

Along with..

-Too little rules,

-Too little boundaries

-Too little Accountability

Will help lead Dubz to a healthier state of mind. And most importantly, how it’s all about BALANCE. Too much of the soft stuff creates behavioral anarchy with a firm dog.

I am so happy that Dubz is reunited with his family with a whole new set of skills that will allow them to really enjoy the true companionship a dog can bring.

Kenny is a new man!

So how did we go from zero impulse control and zero manners - bolting out of the front door, not coming when called, pottying on the dining room table, jumping on people, pulling on walks, and destroying stuff around the house, to a perfectly well mannered dog in a matter of two weeks?

We went hard on changes -

Zero affection.

Zero Free Roaming.

Zero access to the house other than the Place bed.

Black and white, non-negotiable rules.

Tons of structure and routine.

Accountability.

An obscene amount of Duration in Place.

We taught Kenny how to be calm and respectful and that he doesn’t have a million options to choose from on how to act.

ALL of this is made possible by shifting the leadership dynamic through Permission Based Training. Crate exercises, threshold manners, waiting for food, a structured walk. Every instance of every moment is controlled by the dog’s leader, where he looks to you for permission to proceed. THIS always paves the way to a more thoughtful, balanced dog!

Happy Tails!

What will your new puppy learn in our one-week Puppy Program at PAWSitively Calm LLC? This program will lay down the foundation your puppy needs to become that well mannered dog you are dreaming of while be immersed in 24/7 care and management. Training will include walking politely on leash, sit, down, place, potty, crate manners, proper play, no jumping, no counter surfing, waiting for food, and no mouthing. This program includes a 30-minute consultation on day 1, a 2-hour follow-up at the end of the program where we will carry over all of the training techniques needed for your continued success.If you are eager to get your new pup a head start on being that well mannered dog you’ve always wanted, I’d love to help!

Sadie is back home with her owners and equipped to live her most balanced self in the years to come!

This little one came to me frantic, flakey, anxious, and stubborn beyond words! Not only a flight risk, but also incredibly impulsive to her surroundings, Sadie needed help, and fast!

She now has a whole new perspective on how to control her impulses!

There are typically 3 things that can factor into a dog’s bad behavior - genetics (a compromised bloodline will contribute to skittishness and fear related issues), under-exposure to new experiences (this will cause a fearful dog to overreact to their world and anything in it), and a lack of Leadership (instead of addressing the manic behavior and guiding the dog through a fearful situation, she is coddled and babied which then reinforces and amplifies the very behavior you’re trying to soothe away).

Living in a perpetual state of excitement, Sadie was constantly stressed and anxious. Many owners think this type of behavior is either puppy related, or a dog that is actually REALLY happy and excited. However, the opposite is true. Dogs that live in constant motion and can’t access calm or relaxation are often dogs in trouble mentally.

So how did we turn this flaky, insecure, reactive pup around?

Right out of the gate I could not let myself feel sorry for her even though she had a rough start to life, but instead I resolved to train, lead, and guide her through her new experiences. I let Sadie know that I’d be handling the big stuff from here on out - not every sound or sight is a reason for meltdown.

Zero affection.

Zero baby talk.

No eye contact.

Rules. Structure. Boundaries. Accountability.

Permission Based Training.

Slowing this kid’s mind down by teaching her impulse control - think before act - with all of the Permission Based Training exercises. At no point was Sadie allowed to make a choice on her own.

Sadie was always in command. This little floof needed a job to focus on so that her mind didn’t have a chance to worry about any external stimuli whatsoever. The Place command is by far the MOST valuable skill Sadie has learned. Putting this kiddo in Place allowed her to drift away into puppy zen. Why? Because the rules are non-negotiable. She cannot come off her cot without me recalling her, or giving a release command. This also removed her dependency to always be near or close. While she can still be a part of my world, at the same time she was learning to be independent.

Without a believable authority figure that enforces consistent rules and structure, stress and anxiety can go through the roof, creating a highly insecure, stressed and anxious pup that acts impulsively to find comfort.

You see, the soft stuff is easy to do. Showering our pets with love and affection because it feels good to us, while withholding discipline because it’s much harder, can leave our pets worried, scared, and figuring things out on their own. Instead, we need to find that healthy balance of sharing rules and consequences for bad behavior, THEN showering them with affection when they abide by the rules set out for them.

Sometimes our good intentions end up hurting our dogs more than helping. The BEST way to care for our dogs is by creating a safe, dependable environment where they have someone in control that can believably make the big decisions for them.

Sadie’s owners are fully committed to giving this girl the structure and routine this girl needs to thrive and I couldn’t be happier for all of them!

Check out the new skill set Jodi acquired during her stay with me!

Crate Manners
Threshold Manners
Immaculate Heel (Auto-Sits)
Sit
Down-Stay
Recall
Impulse Control
Waiting for Food
State of Mind Passive Training (Duration)

In just 6 days this little mamma went from holy terror, to a calm and focused pup with a new set of skills to set her on her path towards being that everywhere dog we all want when bringing a new pup home! We will be transferring all of her newfound knowledge over to her owner tomorrow morning while we talk about what will be needed to continue shaping Jodi’s behavior through her next fear period and teenage-dom!

With a dog of this breed, it is imperative that there are strict rules and boundaries, along with a ton of structure, as well as accountability for really bratty behavior, or this little one can spiral out of control quickly and you can quickly realize that this was more than you ever bargained for. We got her young! The standard has been set! And now it’s time for the owner to maintain it;)

The Fuzzy Oz has left the building! With a whole new perspective on how to control his impulses!

There are typically 3 things that can factor into a dog’s bad behavior - genetics (a compromised bloodline will contribute to skittishness and fear related issues), under-exposure to new experiences (this will cause a fearful dog to overreact to their world and anything in it), and a lack of Leadership (instead of addressing the manic behavior and guiding the dog through a fearful situation, he is coddled and babied which then reinforces and amplifies the very behavior you’re trying to soothe away).

Living in a perpetual state of excitement, Ozzie was constantly stressed and anxious. Many owners think this type of behavior is either puppy related, or a dog that is actually REALLY happy and excited. However, the opposite is true. Dogs that live in constant motion and can’t access calm or relaxation are often dogs in trouble mentally.

So how did we turn this flaky, insecure, reactive pup around?

Right out of the gate I could not let myself feel sorry for him, but instead I resolved to train, lead, and guide him through his new experiences. I let him know that I’d be handing the big stuff from here on out - not every sound or sight is a reason for meltdown.

Zero affection.

Zero baby talk.

No eye contact.

Rules. Structure. Boundaries. Accountability.

Permission Based Training.

Slowing this kid’s mind down by teaching him impulse control - think before act - with all of the Permission Based Training exercises. At no point was Ozzie allowed to make a choice on his own.

Ozzie was always in command. This little guy needed a job to focus on so that his mind didn’t have a chance to worry about any external stimuli whatsoever. The Place command is by far the MOST valuable skill Ozzie has learned. Putting this kiddo in Place allowed him to drift away into puppy zen. Why? Because the rules are non-negotiable. He cannot come off his cot without me recalling him, or giving a release command. This also removed Ozzie’s dependency to always be near or close. While he can still be a part of my world, at the same time he was learning to be independent.

Without a believable authority figure that enforces consistent rules and structure, stress and anxiety can go through the roof, creating a highly insecure, stressed and anxious pup that acts impulsively to find comfort.

You see, the soft stuff is easy to do. Showering our pets with love and affection because it feels good to us, while withholding discipline because it’s much harder, can leave our pets worried, scared, and figuring things out on their own. Instead, we need to find that healthy balance of sharing rules and consequences for bad behavior, THEN showering them with affection when they abide by the rules set out for them.

Sometimes our good intentions end up hurting our dogs more than helping. The BEST way to care for our dogs is by creating a safe, dependable environment where they have someone in control that can believably make the big decisions for them.

What will your dog learn in a One-Week Board and Train at PAWStively Calm?

Check out this video to find out!

Feel free to visit Services and PRicing tab for more information!

Xena came to me a rather insecure, impulsive, yet pushy girl, highly reactive to anything unfamiliar. Underneath the layers of reactivity I knew were feelings of insecurity and fear of the unknown. Being that she is a 2-time rescue, it would be easy to assume that Xena just needed someone to dote on her, sweet talking with a ton of verbal and physical assurances. When in reality, all Xena needs is someone to take control and let her know that she doesn’t need to worry about a thing other than focusing on her handler’s lead.

Dogs with anxiety need MORE structure, rules, and routine than your average dog. Predictability creates security. Anxiety and stress sky rocket when a dog doesn’t know what’s happening next. If a fearful dog’s leader can’t provide a blueprint that gives them this security, the dog will draw up the plan themselves. This is where panicked reactions come to a head, usually in the form of growling, lunging, or biting.

As sweet and loving as Xena is, she can also be quite overbearing without any boundaries or rules in place. Being the occasional listener, Xena only took direction when there was something in it for her. Xena is the type of dog that will pick up on hesitancy, insecurity, inhibition, guilt, or wish-washy rules. In order for her to truly respect and trust her handler, we need to move from soft and doting to confident and resolute.

The most important part of Xena’s training came from slowing this big girl down Every action Xena took was because I gave her permission to do it. No more impulsive decisions for a dog who gets excited easily or feels anxious. One of the greatest benefits of teaching state of mind training is cultivating Calm On Command. Your off switch for fun and goofy, to calm and relaxed, in one word...

In this video you meet Simpson, a 3yro Pointer who was out of control, had very little manners, and who was a maniac at home! He jumped on house guests, pulled so bad on leash his owners couldn't take him on walks, ate food of the counter, wouldn't come when called, had massive arousal issues around new people and dogs, and didn't listen when distracted. In tow weeks at PAWSitively Calm, Simpson was off-leash trained and totally tuned in. His owners are now able to include the handsome devil in their lives more. If you have  a dog that acts like Simpson did, please visit my website, www.pawsitivelycalm.com, and fill out the form on the Join My Pack page. I would love to help you!

Boomer and Rylee have headed home to their new lives in a much calmer state of mind and a Permission Based Relationship with their owners! We’ve been able to cultivate a better state of mind for both these beauties so that their owners feel confident in extending their family unit while always being able to keep these kiddos under control. And the most rewarding part of all... both dogs are now able to be taken everywhere their owners wish to have them! How awesome is that!

Well Peeps! Sadie has headed home and is back with her owner with an unbelievable obedience foundation built on respect, impulse control, and a calm state of mind.

In one week we were able to accomplish tasks with this pup that would normally be reserved for a two week board and train! We talked about how Sadie will continue to need further shaping until she is completely trustworthy around all of her former triggers. The key to all of this is in rewarding the behavior we want her to display, and holding her accountable for any brattiness or shenanigans she was privy to in the past.

We discussed how micromanaging all of Sadie’s choices until they become habitual is the goal for the next couple of months until she starts defaulting into making good choices on her own. At no point should a puppy be allowed to make its own choices. You wouldn’t leave a four year old child home alone to make decisions on their own now would you?

Sadie is well on her way to having that amazing bond all of us dog owners crave with our pets! I am so thriller for her owner to experience the true nature of this sweet little nugget!

George is back home with his owner!

How did we get from point A: total defiance and aggression when asked to do something, to point B: a happy, balanced, respectful pup?

By demanding respect right off the bat with black and white rules, concrete boundaries, a ton of structure, and yes, consequences for being nasty.

We micromanaged EVERY opportunity that came up to reinforce the tone of permission only activity (crate, thresholds, waiting for food, structured walk, basic obedience). Polite manners and good choices were George’s only option.

We implemented a rigorous routine that had little deviation day to day other than our off-campus excursions. This allowed George to cultivate new habits that relieved him of the stress and worry of what was to come. Every movement and action was controlled so that new thought processes and choices could be implanted. These daily repetitions became habit. Habits form behavior. Soon your dog defaults into the behavior you’ve been shaping and it becomes natural.

We also used tools that empowered us to correct for any negative state of mind or bad decision making (growling at other dogs, stank eyeing humans, guarding food or toys, non-compliance for basic obedience).

And finally we rewarded and reinforced ALL of the good choices and positive behavior George offered us. Tons of kisses and belly rubs once he gave us REALLY good behavior on a consistent basis. Put all of these things in a mixing pot, and voila, you have a recipe for a self-aware, well mannered, more enjoyable dog! I’m gonna miss this little nugget!

Ollie is back with his owner and ready for his travels across country! He will have the test of his life later today as his owner walks him through airport security to board a trip to Cali!

Because Ollie has been conditioned to follow his handler rather than impulsively assuming what she wants, there is no doubt in my mind that this kiddo is going to kill it later this afternoon at the airport!

Making sure we keep Ollie’s excitement and anxiety level at a low by using all of our Permission Based Training Exercises leading up to that point (Crate manners, Threshold Manners, Structured Heel, and most importantly, accountability for making their wrong choice), is key in helping this kiddo process his environment and stay focused on his handler.

I am so proud of this floof and thrilled for his owner to have that everywhere dog we all want from our furry companions!

Finley has headed home with an arsenal of tools and education to help this little lady live the best life imaginable.

She came to me a frantic, impulsive, anxious girl, and left with confidence, stability, and having the ability to create calm on command.

She has been able to overcome her anxiety through strong, leadership matched with black and white rules, a ton of structure, and accountability for over reacting to the world around her.

This is the magic of the e-collar! It has an uncanny ability to level the anxious, fearful dogs out unlike any other tool on the market. Feeling like a light tap on the shoulder Finley’s owner is able to communicate to Finley that she has nothing to worry about other than paying attention to her handler, and trust that she will lead the way and always advocate for her best interest. ⠀

⠀

Sure am going to miss this sweet girl! But I have a feeling I’ll be seeing more from her as all graduates qualify for my daycare and boarding options.

Bojangles is back home with his family and well on his way to becoming that well mannered, self composed pooch we all knew he had the potential to be. During his stat we focused mainly on his impulse control and listening skills! He's a super friendly guy, but lives life by Bo’s rules - using his size and strength to bulldoze his way to get what he wants.

With e-collar training, and by using the lifestlye obedience program, we taught Bo manners and how to live calmly and politely in everyday life! That means knowing how to be around activity without reacting, and listening/staying calm when his owners need him to settle down! On Bo’s journey to become a children’s service dog, impulse control and manners are so important!

Well Peeps... Kona has headed home!

Kona came to us with and inability to listen, had very little manners, was hyper-reactive, counter-surfed, dug holes, and bulldozed over his handler whenever he picked up a scent more interesting, even after being formerly trained.

He is now going home with a balanced state of mind, self awareness, and the ability to be calm on command - ANYWHERE, no matter what is happening all around him.

We talked about how how his behavior is all formed by what is allowed, and how the tools he’s been trained on now empower his owners to hold him accountable when he chooses to disrespect their wishes. There is one essential ingredient in transferring all of this leadership stuff from a trainer to the owner just after their dog has been through training - sharing valuable consequences.

It’s easy to love on, dote, snuggle, play, and treat your dog! But if you’re worried about hurting your dog’s feeling, ruining your relationship, or you just plain feel bad about punishing your dog for bad behavior, then you will continue to struggle.

If you are unable to make your dog uncomfortable for making a really bad choice, he will quickly learn there is no reason to have to listen to your soft rules. A dog’s behavior only changes when the environment that was once filled with allowances changes.

Kona is headed on his first off-leash excursion with his owners tomorrow as they head to Tennessee! I couldn’t be happier for all of them - this is what we all want from our hairy companions - total, off-leash freedom to experience the world around us, together!

Well Peeps... the Nuggets have set sail and are back home living a CALM life with a whole a new set of rules and boundaries.

Although Artie has lived a long, 12 years, without being held accountable, he’s proven to us all that a dog is never too old to learn something new and to start over with a new set of rules. Every moment counts. Every moment is a learning opportunity. You can start now, or wait until the pain is too much to endure.

Every singular moment and interaction holds meaning for your dog. Your are either feeding into his misbehavior by ignoring it, or stopping it in its tracks. It is in that moment, the Now, right NOW, that you make the choice to live in misery with your dog’s delinquency, or to choose to take back the lead.

Artie and Mia now have the reset and mindset to live their most inclusive lives with their owners. No longer allowed to be terrors within the home, we have cultivated an OFF switch for excitement and play time as well as calm and relaxation. Working on State if Mind Conditioning will be integral to finding balance with both dogs! And they are well on their way to continuing to live their most balanced selves!

Slate is back home with a whole new perspective and an owner that is now equipped with he tools and knowledge to lead this beautiful boy through his insecurities!

Remember peeps, your dog doesn’t have to like all humans approaching for a quick pet! I personally equate this selfish act to face talkers (of which I am not a fan) or touchy-feely people I barely know all up in my bubble of self-preservation.

Kinda kakes you uncomfortable... right?

But your dog DOES need to learn how to peacefully exist without over-reacting! Barking and growling are unacceptable behaviors and are punishable offenses no matter if they are fear based or not.

Slate came to us a ginormous ball of nerves and anxiety laden - getting pretty gnarly with his reactivity to the point of being kicked out of the groomers! He was constantly on edge, always stressed out, and terrified of literally anything unfamiliar.

He learned over the course of 3 weeks to co-exist with the cohabiting beings on this planet. This doesn’t at all mean that he will be entirely comfortable with a complete stranger lurking over him for some feels. It just means he is learned that his fear-based reaction is no longer tolerated.

How did we get this beautiful boy to the balanced state of mind you see walking leash free?

It all started with Permission Based Training, Basic Obedience, which then moved to exposure therapy - flooding him with the very experiences that used to trigger him to be auto-reactive. It’s not only imperative to hold Slate accountable for any bad choices, but we also need to provide him with the leadership and guidance through the circumstances that typically elicit his bad reactivity.

I made ALL of Slate’s decisions for him from the moment he was left with me. Every singular choice was based in Permission only. This slowed Slate’s processing down. He started leaning more and more on me to manage every situation. After weeks of pattering and habitual routine, Slate defaulted into being the well mannered dog we all knew he was capable of!

The important thing to remember through all of this is - fearful, highly anxious dogs need MORE leadership and structure than your average dog. Free-roaming with loosey-goosey rules create more stress. When leadership is provided through structure, boundaries and accountability, a dog really learns to settle into themselves and not worry about the world around them.

Well peeps - another success story! Koda is now back home with his owners and living the life they always wanted for him - calm, balanced, obedient, self-aware, and fully capable of anything they ask.

Once out of control with excitement, leash reactive toward other dogs, and impossible to communicate with, we were able to cultivate a more balanced state of mind through calm on command, permission based training, and he’s now capable of going everywhere his owners wish to take him!

Well Peeps! Ariana has headed home and is back with her owner with an unbelievable obedience foundation built on respect for her handler.

In one week we were able to accomplish tasks with this pup that would normally be reserved for a two week board and train! We talked about how Ari will continue to need further shaping until she is completely trustworthy around all of her triggers. The key to all of this is in rewarding the behavior we want her to display, and holding her accountable for any brattiness or shenanigans she was privy to in the past.

We discussed how micromanaging all of Ariana’s choices until they become habitual is the goal for now until she comes back for full off leash ecollar training. At no point should a puppy be allowed to make its own choices. You wouldn’t leave a four year old child home alone to make decisions on their own now would you?

Ari is well on her way to having that amazing bond all of us dog owners crave with our pets!

Well Peeps... Riley is back home with his owner after spending two weeks with learning how to control his impulses and cultivate a calmer state of mind.

You see, Riley came to us with one main issue - over arousal. Calm and obedient when alone with his owner, but manic rambunctiousness when a guest or stranger came into the equation! All bets were off! Jumping, pawing, mouthing, and not listening to commands were his forte.

But now he equipped with the ability self regulate and make better choices when distractions are at their highest. His owner now has the knowledge and experience to follow through with his obedience, and continue to shape Riley into the everywhere dog he’s always wanted! He’s got an amazing dog on his hands and they are going to have an amazing life together!

I’m gonna miss you gorgeous!

Slate is back home with a whole new perspective and an owner that is now equipped with he tools and knowledge to lead this beautiful boy through his insecurities!

Remember peeps, your dog doesn’t have to like all humans approaching for a quick pet! I personally equate this selfish act to face talkers (of which I am not a fan) or touchy-feely people I barely know all up in my bubble of self-preservation.

Kinda kakes you uncomfortable... right?

But your dog DOES need to learn how to peacefully exist without over-reacting! Barking and growling are unacceptable behaviors and are punishable offenses no matter if they are fear based or not.

Slate came to us a ginormous ball of nerves and anxiety laden - getting pretty gnarly with his reactivity to the point of being kicked out of the groomers! He was constantly on edge, always stressed out, and terrified of literally anything unfamiliar.

He learned over the course of 3 weeks to co-exist with the cohabiting beings on this planet. This doesn’t at all mean that he will be entirely comfortable with a complete stranger lurking over him for some feels. It just means he is learned that his fear-based reaction is no longer tolerated.

How did we get this beautiful boy to the balanced state of mind you see walking leash free?

It all started with Permission Based Training, Basic Obedience, which then moved to exposure therapy - flooding him with the very experiences that used to trigger him to be auto-reactive. It’s not only imperative to hold Slate accountable for any bad choices, but we also need to provide him with the leadership and guidance through the circumstances that typically elicit his bad reactivity.

I made ALL of Slate’s decisions for him from the moment he was left with me. Every singular choice was based in Permission only. This slowed Slate’s processing down. He started leaning more and more on me to manage every situation. After weeks of pattering and habitual routine, Slate defaulted into being the well mannered dog we all knew he was capable of!

The important thing to remember through all of this is - fearful, highly anxious dogs need MORE leadership and structure than your average dog. Free-roaming with loosey-goosey rules create more stress. When leadership is provided through structure, boundaries and accountability, a dog really learns to settle into themselves and not worry about the world around them.

Gallagher is back home with a whole new perspective and owners now equipped with the tools and knowledge to lead this beautiful boy through his insecurities!

Remember peeps, your dog doesn’t have to like all humans approaching for a quick pet! But your dog DOES need to learn how to peacefully exist without over-reacting! Barking and growling are unacceptable behaviors and are punishable offenses no matter if they are fear based or not.

Gallagher came to us a ginormous ball of nerves and anxiety laden - getting pretty gnarly with his barking to the point of being kicked out of the groomers! He was constantly on edge, always stressed out, and terrified of literally anything unfamiliar.

He learned over the course of 2 weeks to co-exist with unfamiliar humans. This doesn’t at all mean that he will be entirely comfortable with a complete stranger lurking over him for some feels. It just means he has learned that his fear-based reaction is no longer tolerated.

How did we get this beautiful boy to the balanced state of mind you see walking leash free?

It all started with Permission Based Training, Basic Obedience, which then moved to exposure therapy - flooding him with the very experiences that used to trigger him to be auto-reactive. It’s not only imperative to hold Gallagher accountable for any bad choices, but we also need to provide him with the leadership and guidance through the circumstances that typically elicit his bad reactivity.

I made ALL of Gallagher’s decisions for him from the moment he was left with me. Every singular choice was based in Permission only. This slowed his processing down. He started leaning more and more on me to manage every situation. After weeks of pattering and habitual routine, Gallagher defaulted into being the well mannered dog we all knew he was capable of!

The important thing to remember through all of this is - fearful, highly anxious dogs need MORE leadership and structure than your average dog. Free-roaming with loosey-goosey rules create more stress. When leadership is provided through structure, boundaries and accountability, a dog really learns to settle into themselves and not worry about the world around them.