Do dogs make you a little nervous – even the friendly ones? Or do you adore your own dog but wish walks or visitors were less stressful? Then today's episode of the Delight in the Limelight Podcast is for you!

I chat with Theresa Kolpakova – certified positive reinforcement dog trainer and canine behavior specialist with more than two decades of experience – about how the relationship we build with dogs isn't about control, it's about respect and clear communication.

Listen in to discover:

- The message a tight leash sends your dog (and what to do instead)
- The three-second greeting rule that keeps on-leash meetups calmHow to train a reliable recall before you need it in the field
- Reading and respecting a dog's "back off" signals
- A simple trick for feeling more confident around dogs – whether they're yours or not

If you've ever felt anxious around a dog, or wished your own pup was easier to live with, this conversation will shift how you think about our canine friends.

Click here to check the full show notes