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In this conversation, Cheri Wulff Lucas, a well-known dog behaviorist and trainer specializing in rehabilitating dogs with behavioral issues, discusses the importance of balancing both dogs and their owners. Cheri emphasizes the need for humans to be balanced to help their dogs achieve balance. She explains the significance of creating a plan and visualizing positive outcomes in dog training. Overall, the conversation explores the interconnectedness of human and dog behavior and the role of balance in training. Cheri also talks about her journey from running a no-kill rescue to becoming a trainer and the wake-up call that made her realize the importance of understanding dog behavior. Cheri emphasizes the need to redefine our love for dogs.

Connect with Cheri:
website: https://cheriwulfflucas.com/
instagram: @cheri_wulff_lucas
youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/cherilucas/videos

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Leela, a 10-year-old dog, has issues with anxiety in public and relevance issues on walks. Pally, a foster dog, has separation anxiety, fear of cars, and resource guarding behavior. Leela is more aloof and doesn't care much about other dogs, while Pally is more sociable and fluent in dog language. Leela tends to vibe check other dogs and correct their behavior if they get too excited. Both dogs have had a few fights over food and territorial issues. The owner has established boundaries and control in the house, but needs help with public behavior and preventing fights. The principal themes of the conversation are separation anxiety, claiming behavior, fear of cars, and behavior on walks and during meals. The main takeaways include the importance of setting boundaries and providing structure, while working on building separate relationships with each dog.

Takeaways

• Leela has anxiety in public and needs help with relevance issues on walks
• Pally has separation anxiety, fear of cars, and resource guarding behavior
• The owner has established boundaries and control in the house, but needs help with public behavior and preventing fights
• Set boundaries and provide structure to establish clear expectations
• Build separate relationships with each dog to strengthen their bond with you
• Use the gentle method to address leash reactivity
• Practice the place command to promote independence and reduce following behavior
  
  
  
  
  
  

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In this episode, Millie and Andreia discuss the challenges and considerations of managing a multi-dog household. They emphasize the importance of analyzing the behavior and compatibility of the current dog before introducing a second dog. They also highlight the need for advocating for each dog's needs and setting boundaries to prevent conflicts. The hosts provide tips on introducing a new dog to the resident dog and managing competition for human affection. They stress the importance of realistic expectations and understanding that not all dogs will be best friends. Millie shares the importance of setting clear boundaries and rules in a multi-dog household and suggests using designated places for each dog.  She also advises seeking the guidance of a trainer and considering the compatibility of the dogs when adding a new dog to the household.

Takeaways

• Analyze the behavior and compatibility of your current dog before getting a second dog
• Advocate for each dog's needs and set boundaries to prevent conflicts
• Introduce a new dog to the resident dog gradually and with supervision
• Manage competition for human affection by setting clear rules and boundaries
• Have realistic expectations and understand that not all dogs will be best friends
• Spending one-on-one time with each dog is important to check in with their individual needs and preferences.
• Teaching dogs coping mechanisms and independence is crucial for their well-being.
• Crate rotation, muzzle training, and tethering can be effective management tools for dogs that don't get along.
• Having different rules and boundaries for each dog based on their individual relationships is fair and beneficial. Dogs in a multi-dog household don't have to be best friends; it's okay if they don't like each other.
• Setting clear boundaries and rules is crucial in a multi-dog household.
• Using designated places for each dog can help prevent conflicts and competition.
• Seeking the guidance of a trainer is important when adding a new dog to the household.
• Considering the compatibility of the dogs is essential for a successful multi-dog household.
  
  
  

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Jess Adam, a licensed professional counselor, started Handlers and Humans to offer mental health and emotional support coaching to dog owners and dog trainers. She focuses on the importance of addressing the human's emotional well-being in order to help the dog. Jess emphasizes that dog training should not just be about training the dog, but also about helping the human develop internal resources and resilience. She works with both dog owners and dog trainers, addressing common themes such as expectations and the emotional responses that arise in client relationships. Jess highlights the need for support and supervision in the dog training industry to navigate these challenges. The conversation explores the themes of burnout, feeling under challenged, and the importance of variety in dog training. It also delves into the emotions experienced by dog owners, such as anxiety, shame, and guilt, and how these emotions can be addressed through therapy. The conversation highlights the opportunity for personal growth and self-reflection that comes with owning a reactive dog. It emphasizes the need for self-compassion and the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care.


Connect with Jess:
website - https://www.handlersandhumans.com/
instagram - https://www.instagram.com/handlersandhumans/

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The conversation cover topics such as conditioning the crate, exploring resource guarding, food motivation and boundaries, resource guarding at the farm, and setting boundaries with other dogs. The conversation also delves into the balance between structure and freedom, establishing leadership, and the responsibility and control the owner has in different environments. Overall, this episode provides insights into managing separation anxiety and resource guarding. The conversation revolves around living with a dog with unique needs and the adjustments required to ensure a safe and fulfilling life for both the dog and the owner.

Takeaways

• Conditioning the crate can help address separation anxiety and create a safe space for the dog.
• Resource guarding can be managed by setting boundaries and teaching the dog appropriate behavior.
• Balancing structure and freedom is important to ensure the dog understands its responsibilities.
• Establishing leadership and providing clear direction can help address resource guarding and other behavioral issues. 
• Establishing clear boundaries and practicing recall are essential for safety and the success of off-leash activities.
• The place command should be practiced in a calm and consistent manner, with a designated spot away from the owner.
• Balancing freedom and safety requires being realistic about what can be enforced and expected in different environments.
  
  

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In this episode, Bianca from Mindful Dog Co. discusses the importance of co-regulation in dog training. She explains that being cool, calm, and collected is not enough if the client and the dog have dysregulated nervous systems. Bianca emphasizes the need for fluidity in emotions and the ability to come back to a regulated state. She also highlights the role of somatic experiencing in dog training and how dogs pick up on subtle changes in our nervous system. Bianca shares strategies for working with reactive dogs and the importance of checking in with ourselves and our dogs during training sessions. The conversation explores the importance of boundaries and emotional regulation in dog training. It emphasizes the need for dog owners to understand their own feelings and how they impact their dogs. 

Takeaways

• Co-regulation is important in dog training, as both the client and the dog need to have regulated nervous systems.
• Calmness is a byproduct of nervous system regulation, which allows for fluidity in emotions.
• Dogs pick up on subtle changes in our nervous system, so it's important to be aware of our own emotions during training.
• Checking in with ourselves and our dogs during training sessions is crucial for building a strong connection and understanding. 
• Setting boundaries and practicing emotional regulation are crucial in dog training.
• Body language plays a significant role in communicating with dogs.
• Dogs should be treated as individuals with their own emotions and needs.
• It is important to recognize and respect a dog's boundaries.
• Projection of one's needs onto a dog can hinder the development of a healthy relationship. 
• Understanding and meeting the emotional needs of dogs is crucial for their well-being.
• Creating a routine and setting boundaries can help dogs feel more comfortable and secure.
• Engaging in activities that dogs instinctually enjoy, such as sniffing, can strengthen the bond between dogs and their owners.
• Mindful Dog Co. offers a range of services, including board and train programs, workshops on boundaries and somatic experiencing, and virtual sessions.
  
  

Connect with Bianca:
Website: https://mindfuldog.co/
Instagram: @Mindfuldogco.bianca

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Yogi, a five-month-old Australian Shepherd, is experiencing reactivity and fearfulness towards strangers and objects. The issue started when he was around three months old. Yogi was obtained from a breeder who had multiple puppies at the same time, so individual socialization may have been lacking. Yogi's leash walking is good, but he becomes reactive when he sees triggers. He spends time in a crate or playpen when not supervised and is tethered when out in the house. Yogi has a short attention span on place and tends to hop off after a few minutes. He reacts to people carrying objects and changes in appearance. Yogi's reactions are milder towards family members and he can be redirected with treats.  In this part of the conversation, Abbi and Millie discuss Yogi's reactive behavior and how to address it. They talk about how Yogi hides under objects when he feels threatened and barks at people or objects that approach him. They also discuss the use of leash corrections and the importance of teaching Yogi alternative ways to cope with his feelings of insecurity. Millie emphasizes the need for Yogi to connect back to Abbi in moments of reactivity and suggests leash drills to practice this.

Takeaways

• Reactivity and fearfulness in puppies can be a result of inadequate socialization.
• Tethering and using a crate can help manage a puppy's behavior when not supervised.
• Building a strong place command can help a puppy learn to be calm and observe the environment without reacting.
• Using place work can create a safe space for a reactive dog and help them understand that they don't need to react to everything.
• It's important for a reactive dog to connect back to their owner in moments of reactivity.
• Leash drills can help a dog practice connecting back to their owner and staying calm in the presence of triggers.
• Advocating for a reactive dog by using place and managing their environment can help reduce their reactions. 
• Use the pressure and release method to help a reactive dog calm down and learn that nothing will happen to them while on place.
• Practice place work in different environments and gradually introduce triggers to help the dog build confidence.
• Use a tether to teach the dog how to handle their reactions and self-soothe.
  
  
  
  
  

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Join hosts Millie and Andreia as they welcome Victoria, the founder of From The Heart Dog Services and director of Boxer Haven Rescue.  Victoria shares her journey into dog training and her passion for helping dogs. She discusses the challenges of working with dogs with behavioral issues and the importance of building a strong relationship with your dog. 

Victoria emphasizes the need for education and research in order to provide the best care for dogs and important factors to consider before getting a dog, such as the cost of ownership and matching dog breeds to lifestyle. She discusses the challenges of reactivity and insecurity in dogs, and sheds light on how setting boundaries and rules can help them thrive. 

Tune in as Victoria reveals her proven approach to setting training goals, drawing from her vast expertise. Don't miss out on this enlightening episode, where you'll gain profound insights into understanding, training, and building a stronger connection with your dog. 

Takeaways

• Building a strong relationship with your dog is key to successful training.
• Dog ownership requires commitment, education, and a willingness to adapt.
• Rescue organizations play a vital role in finding homes for dogs and providing support to adopters.
• Education and research are essential for understanding and meeting the needs of your dog. Consider the cost of owning a dog, including vetting, training, and boarding expenses.
• Match the breed and energy level of a dog to your lifestyle and activity level.
• Understand that owning multiple dogs requires additional training, care, and consideration.
• Recognize that behavior change requires setting boundaries and rules, and may be uncomfortable but necessary for long-term success.

Connect With Victoria:
Website: https://fromtheheartdogservices.com/
Instagram: @VictoriaLifeWithDogs

Connect With Boxer Haven Dog Rescue:
https://boxerhaven.org/

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In this conversation, Kat discusses her experiences with her dog Piper, who exhibits reactivity and fear-based behaviors. Kat shares the challenges she faces in managing Piper's behavior in a shared house environment and with guests. They discuss the importance of structure and boundaries, as well as the use of crate training and place training. Kat seeks advice on how to improve Piper's behavior on walks and reduce her reactivity towards other dogs. The conversation concludes with a recap of the strategies discussed.

Takeaways

• Establishing structure and boundaries can help manage a dog's reactivity and fear-based behaviors.
• Crate training and place training can provide a safe and structured environment for a fearful dog.
• Managing a dog's behavior in a shared house environment requires open communication and consideration for housemates.
• Understanding a dog's body language and triggers can help in addressing their fear and anxiety.
• Consistency and patience are key in improving a dog's behavior and building their confidence.
  
  
  
  
  

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Work with Mirror Image K9 here:

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Learn More About The Best Chance Program:

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Join hosts Millie and Andreia as they welcome Victoria, the founder of From The Heart Dog Services and director of Boxer Haven Rescue.  Victoria shares her journey into dog training and her passion for helping dogs. She discusses the challenges of working with dogs with behavioral issues and the importance of building a strong relationship with your dog. 

Victoria emphasizes the need for education and research in order to provide the best care for dogs and important factors to consider before getting a dog, such as the cost of ownership and matching dog breeds to lifestyle. She discusses the challenges of reactivity and insecurity in dogs, and sheds light on how setting boundaries and rules can help them thrive. 

Tune in as Victoria reveals her proven approach to setting training goals, drawing from her vast expertise. Don't miss out on this enlightening episode, where you'll gain profound insights into understanding, training, and building a stronger connection with your dog. 

Takeaways

• Building a strong relationship with your dog is key to successful training.
• Dog ownership requires commitment, education, and a willingness to adapt.
• Rescue organizations play a vital role in finding homes for dogs and providing support to adopters.
• Education and research are essential for understanding and meeting the needs of your dog. Consider the cost of owning a dog, including vetting, training, and boarding expenses.
• Match the breed and energy level of a dog to your lifestyle and activity level.
• Understand that owning multiple dogs requires additional training, care, and consideration.
• Recognize that behavior change requires setting boundaries and rules, and may be uncomfortable but necessary for long-term success.

Connect With Victoria:
Website: https://fromtheheartdogservices.com/
Instagram: @VictoriaLifeWithDogs

Connect With Boxer Haven Dog Rescue:
https://boxerhaven.org/

Work with Millie here: https://www.mirrorimagek9.com/contactus

Instagram:

@thinklikeadogpodcast

@Mirrorimagek9

@OzzieAlbiesFoundation