Celebrate Your Success

I’m celebrating Layla and her pet parents today!

They called me because Layla has spent the better portion of 5 years barking and lunging at the TV.

Commercials really rattled her.

The change in sound, pitches, the sudden animal showing up all emotionally flooded her and her pet parents were lost at what to do.

They were struggling with finding outlets in having some peace of mind when they wanted to watch their favorite show.

But more importantly they were heartbroken in knowing how to help Layla feel more comfortable with the tv playing.

Layla alongside her pet parents learned how to do something different.

They were able to teach Layla to make different choices like playing Find It, making the choice to play with her toys, do some puzzle games or even play a little Enagage/Disengage with the tv playing.

These games all made the difference with helping Layla relax when tv shows were on and commercials suddenly appeared.

Her pet parents also have a management practice when they want to watch a show and when they recognize it may be too difficult for Layla, they set her up in her doggie den where she can relax away from the exposure of loud noises or surprising animals showing up on the screen.

Layla has been able to express more choice making and building her confidence through problem solving games and bonding activities like tug of war with her toys.

Layla’s pet parent said it best, “if you’re scared of something, you can’t just get over it in a day. It’ll take time.”

I can’t agree more. Layla is adored by her family and they are laying the ground work to help Layla change her emotional response which they recognize is a marathon not a sprint!

Are you struggling with your dog’s emotional reactions and unsure what to do?

Let’s chat:

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Sometimes You Need a Little Reminder

The Growl to Grow Dog Training and Support Program goes beyond teaching skills.

This program also supports you, the pet parent through the challenges of the training ups and downs.

Learning never happens in a straight line.

Rather the dips in achieving which we perceive as failures are necessary for gains.

Gains in your dog cresting a hill of learning something new.

The gain may also be for you.

Raising your awareness of what is needed everyday living life with your dog.

Having the contrast of progress being accomplished to the stagnation or even perceived regression of a skill is necessary for us to re examine what you need to do to get back into the practice.

As your coach, I’m here to offer you support and guide you in deepening your knowledge of how your dog learns and your role in shaping this too.

Find out how I can support you through teaching your dog more of what you want.

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Don’t Believe What the Gremlins Say

You may not be aware of what to expect when you bring home a dog for the first time.

You may also feel confident in integrating a new dog into your family because you’ve had dogs all your life.

You start noticing behaviors pop up which you never experienced before like barking and lunging at the end of the leash.

Or, nipping at house guests as soon as they walk into your home.

You start becoming more aware of what you may not know of how to help your dog feel safer and more comfortable at home.

You may even resorted in using old skool training approaches which is even making the situation worse.

When you are presented with new information based on modern science which contradicts your outdated beliefs, it’s hard to switch gears.

The little gremlin on your shoulder whispering in your ear, “you can’t do this”, “I feel overwhelmed”, “I’ve tried so many things before and I know this isn’t going to work”.

The gremlin sitting on your shoulder is keeping you from growing if you choose to buy into those messages.

Growth and learning something new requires not only your dog, but you too to do new things.

Growth takes risks which creates stress in our bodies.

Our minds are hard wired to avoid stress, when the edges of your potential are pushed, this is when your gremlin speaks to you.

Your fear shows up.

When the prospect of change signals you will also need to start a new behavior pattern, adjust your routine, switch up your lifestyle a bit to prioritize your dog’s needs, you may be thinking “whoa”.

One client shared with me, “I’ve been frustrated for 4 or 5 years and saying no for all the barking going on, It’s hard for me to stop”.

I respond, “the same time needed for you to make a change is also necessary for your dog too”. Be kind to yourself and have compassion for the change you and your dog are undergoing.

Starting of the practice can seem clunky or confusing. You may even have a misstep here or there and that is ok.

I don’t expect you to be perfect just as I don’t expect your dog to be perfect too.

Perfection is an unattainable expectation.

Rather, progress is made slowly and gradually with making the conscious decision to take the action steps towards your goals and celebrate the small steps you and your dog are achieving together.

As you practice, the gremlin’s voice begins to fade (never goes away) and you become more competent in the skills you’re doing and are even able to fluidly integrate them into your life.

It’s not easy to change, but the courage to show up for you and your dog every day is what sets the stage for your growth and learning.

Schedule a Discovery Call with me to find out more!

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