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Mochi, a dog who experienced abuse and trauma, exhibits fearfulness and reactivity towards people and dogs. The lack of socialization during the COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to her behavior. The owners have observed her fear of noises and movements, as well as her tendency to mark during walks. Mochi also displays reactivity towards people entering the home. The owners have implemented crate training and set boundaries, but they are seeking guidance on how to address Mochi's behavior and improve her quality of life. In this conversation, Millie provides guidance on leash drills, the importance of being the leader, allowing smells on walks, using the crate, setting boundaries in the bedroom, place training, tethering, and muzzle training. The main focus is on structure, boundaries, and teaching the dog to look to the owner for guidance and reassurance. The conversation emphasizes the need for consistency and clear communication to help the dog feel safe and secure in various situations.

Takeaways

• Traumatic experiences and lack of socialization can contribute to fearfulness and reactivity in dogs.
• Structured walks and leash training can help establish boundaries and improve behavior.
• Crate training can provide a safe space for dogs and help them feel more secure.
• Owners should set clear rules and boundaries to establish leadership and provide guidance for their dogs. Consistency and clear communication are key in training a dog.
• Leash drills and structured walks help establish the owner as the leader.
• Allowing the dog to smell on walks should be on the owner's terms, not the dog's.
• Using the crate as a safe space and feeding the dog in the crate can reinforce positive associations.
• Setting boundaries in the bedroom helps establish the owner's personal space.
• Place training and tethering can help the dog learn to relax and stay in one place.
• Muzzle training can be beneficial for safety and confidence-building.
• Regular practice and reinforcement are essential for successful training.

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In this episode, Millie and Andreia come together to explore a diverse range of dog training topics and provide answers to listener questions.  They offer invaluable insights to help you establish a harmonious relationship with your dog. Discover effective strategies for managing separation anxiety, creating boundaries and structure to reduce reactivity and anxiety, and understanding the root causes of insecurity and reactivity in dogs. Millie, drawing from her extensive experience in the dog training industry, she highlights the valuable lessons learned and offers practical advice for transforming canine behavior. In addition to their expertise in training, Millie and Andreia also share their personal journeys as devoted dog owners and active participants in rescue efforts. Tune in and unlock the keys to eliminating reactivity, fostering a different relationship with your dog, and cultivating a deeper understanding of their needs. Get ready for an episode filled with invaluable advice to help you create a more fulfilling and harmonious bond with your furry friend.

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In this episode of "Think Like a Dog," Millie sits down with her client, Riley, to delve into the challenges she faces with Mookie, Riley's pup. The primary focus is helping Mookie overcome dog reactivity during walks while also enhancing his overall behavior. Living in an apartment complex poses unique challenges, and Millie and Riley explore how to navigate these challenges. They emphasize the vital role of connection between the dog and owner, highlighting its significance in curbing reactive behaviors. Throughout the episode, Millie covers various important topics, including teaching the 'Place' command, employing the Gentle Method for leash walking, addressing leash reactivity and pressure release, building believability and leadership, crate training, structuring meals, and tackling marking behavior. Listeners will gain practical tips and techniques that can be applied to their own dogs. Join Millie and Riley as they share their knowledge, experiences, and the journey of helping Mookie become a well-behaved and content canine companion.

Tune in to this enlightening episode of "Think Like a Dog" to gain valuable insights into training and behavior modification, and help your furry friend thrive.

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In this episode, Andreia is joined by Jill, a Mirror Image K9 Trainer and puppy expert, to discuss various topics related to raising and training puppies. Jill emphasizes the importance of confidence building and the role it plays in a puppy's development. Jill also provides guidance on addressing fear phases, resource guarding, and biting in puppies. She advises on the appropriate amount of play and socialization with other dogs, as well as the recommended sleeping hours for puppies. Jill highlights the significance of crate training, the no furniture rule, and building a strong relationship with your puppy. She concludes by discussing the timing for taking puppies out in public and the importance of ongoing training and lifestyle with your puppy. The conversation emphasizes the need for early training and socialization to ensure a well-behaved and happy dog. 

Takeaways

• Confidence building is crucial for puppies to develop into well-adjusted dogs.
• Address fear phases in puppies by providing guidance and avoiding coddling.
• Use a leash to give direction and avoid background noise when training puppies.
• Teach puppies to relax and establish a routine for sleeping and crate time.
• Introduce puppies to other dogs gradually and focus on teaching boundaries.
• Take puppies out in public after they have received their initial vaccinations.
• Building a strong relationship and lifestyle with your puppy is essential for their development. Early puppy training is crucial for a well-behaved dog.
• Positive reinforcement training methods are effective and recommended.
• Socialization and exposure to different environments and stimuli are essential for a confident and well-adjusted dog.
• Building a strong bond with your puppy through trust and communication is key.

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In this episode, the hosts interview Xavier and Nicki from Everyday Pack Leader, a dog training business. They discuss the importance of relationship-based training and understanding the dog's needs. They emphasize the need for owners to be the pack leader and provide guidance and safety for their dogs. They also address the misconception around dominance and alpha theory, highlighting the importance of word choices in dog training. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the need for a strong connection between humans and dogs and the importance of fulfilling the dog's needs. In this conversation, Xavier and Millie from Everyday Pack Leader discuss the importance of changing our perspective from being mean to being the best friend for our dogs. They emphasize the need to create a safe and trusting relationship with our dogs, providing them with guidance and support. They also discuss the importance of dealing with discomfort and anxiety in both dogs and humans, and the need to find the balance between feeling better and getting better. The conversation highlights the significance of understanding the individual needs of each dog and the importance of patience in dog training.

Takeaways

• Relationship-based training is crucial for effective dog training.
• Understanding the dog's needs and providing guidance and safety is essential for a healthy relationship.
• Word choices in dog training can impact the perception and effectiveness of training methods.
• Being a pack leader means providing structure, boundaries, and fulfilling the dog's needs. Change your perspective from being mean to being the best friend for your dog.
• Create a safe and trusting relationship with your dog by providing guidance and support.
• Deal with discomfort and anxiety in both dogs and humans to promote growth and learning.
• Understand the individual needs of each dog and find the right balance between feeling better and getting better.

Connect with Everyday Pack Leader: 
website - https://linktr.ee/Everydaypackleader
instagram - @everyday_pack_leader

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In this episode of "Think Like a Dog Podcast," Andreia and Millie  discuss pack positions in detail. They explain the roles of the front, middle, and back of the pack and how these positions affect a dog's behavior. They also explore the behavioral problems commonly associated with each pack position. The hosts emphasize the importance of understanding and guiding your dog based on their pack position. They discuss how pack positions can vary in different environments and how they can change over time. Additionally, they highlight the need to avoid putting dogs in boxes and instead focus on their individual personalities and needs. Millie and Andreia also discuss the importance of giving humans the tools they need to be with their dogs for a lifetime. They emphasize that dog ownership is a fluid journey and that it's essential to understand the psychology of dogs and how they respond to different situations. The hosts also address a listener's question about handling reactivity and provide techniques for managing reactions. They highlight the significance of setting boundaries and being the front of the pack for your dog. Additionally, Millie and Andreia discuss the use of leashes as a communication tool and how it can help in training and managing dogs' behavior.  

Takeaways

• Dog ownership is a lifelong journey that requires understanding the psychology of dogs and their responses to different situations.
• Setting boundaries and being the front of the pack for your dog is crucial in managing reactivity and creating a balanced relationship.
• Using leashes as a communication tool can help in training and managing dogs' behavior.
• Listeners are encouraged to reach out with questions and feedback, and upcoming episodes will feature guest appearances and real-life training sessions.

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In this episode of "Think Like a Dog Podcast," Andreia and Millie are joined by Molly Avrin, founder of Pete's Adventure Pack, an expert dog trainer, and an avid outdoors enthusiast to discuss the importance of fulfillment in a dog's life. Molly shares her passion for teaching people how to safely adventure outdoors with their dogs and emphasizes the need to find a dog that fits your natural lifestyle. She addresses common misconceptions about fulfillment and highlights the importance of creating an off switch for dogs. She also discusses the role of affection in a dog's life and emphasizes the need for intentional and mutual affection. Overall, Molly emphasizes the importance of understanding and fulfilling the unique needs of individual dogs.

Connect with Molly:
website - https://www.petesadventurepack.com/
instagram - @petesadventurepack

Takeaways

• Find a dog that fits your natural lifestyle to ensure fulfillment for both you and your dog.
• Fulfillment for dogs goes beyond physical exercise and includes mental exercise and understanding the dog's pack position and confidence level.
• Affection should be intentional, mutual, and tailored to the individual dog's preferences.
• Creating an off switch is crucial to allow dogs to rest and process information.
• Adjust your expectations and understand that each dog is unique and may have different needs and preferences.
  
  
  

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In this episode of "Think Like a Dog Podcast," Millie is joined by her client Abigail to talk about the challenges she's facing with her dog's behavior. Abigail expresses her desire to establish boundaries and improve their relationship. Millie emphasizes the importance of setting realistic expectations and creating a healthier dynamic.

They discuss the benefits of crate training and structured feeding, along with the need for consistency and patience. They also address the importance of not being too worried about the dog's initial resistance to change. Abigail seeks guidance on how to train her dog and how to teach him healthy ways to deal with his anxiety.

Millie encourages Abigail to shift her perspective and build confidence in implementing the training. This episode will give you practical solutions and a new perspective on building a stronger bond with your anxious dog. Join Millie and Abigail as they talk about the keys to success in a harmonious dog-human relationship.

Key Points:

• Establishing boundaries is crucial for a healthy relationship with your dog.
• Setting realistic expectations and being consistent are key to behavior change.
• Crate training and structured feeding can help create a sense of security and routine for your dog.
• Gradually introducing the crate and using a cover can help your dog feel safe and calm.
• Don't be overly concerned about initial resistance to change; it takes time for both you and your dog to adjust.
• Choose the living room as the location for the crate toallow the dog to rest and observe the surroundings.
• The main goals of training are to help the dog cope with being alone and not feel responsible for the owner.
• Teach the dog the skill of doing nothing and resting in the crate or on the place bed.
• Shift your perspective and build confidence in implementing the training.

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In this episode of the Think Like a Dog Podcast, hosts Andreia and Millie are joined by special guest Easton Carver, Assistant Trainer at Mirror Image K9. Get ready to dive into the world of productive play with your dog!

Join us as we explore the power of playtime and how it can strengthen the bond between you and your dog. Easton shares invaluable insights on how structured play can be a game-changer in building a better relationship with your dog.

Tune in to discover why incorporating structured playtime into your dog's routine is essential for their mental and physical well-being. Andreia, Millie, and Easton delve into the reasons why productive play can be an effective training tool, giving you easy tips and techniques to make the most out of your play sessions while also using them as valuable training opportunities.

Get ready to unleash your dog's true potential through productive play! Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation that will leave you inspired and equipped with the knowledge to create a stronger connection with your four-legged friend. 

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Welcome to another engaging episode of the Think Like a Dog Podcast! In this episode, hosts Andreia and Millie tackle some common questions and concerns from listeners about their dogs.

First up, they delve into the concept of pack positions and how it can help pet parents better understand their dog's unique personality. They also explore how pack positions can impact the dynamics between dogs in a household, and what to look for to determine compatibility.

Next, they discuss healthy play behavior between dogs and the significance of behaviors like zoomies. While many dogs enjoy running around and playing, excessive zoomies can be problematic. Andreia and Millie explain the reasons behind this and how to spot unhealthy play behaviors.

Moving on, they assist listeners with preparing for a new baby in the household, encouraging pet parents not to feel guilty about providing structure for their dogs during times of major upheaval. They offer tips and insights into the transition process to ensure that both pets and new family members can adjust with minimal stress.

Finally, they look at why some dogs may be reactive to certain dogs and not others. They explain the potential causes and offer suggestions on how to manage this behavior.

As always, Andreia and Millie bring their expertise, humor, and compassion to the discussion, making this episode a must-listen for all dog lovers. Tune in now to catch all the valuable insights and advice!

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