Believe it or not, I run across potential clients that I can not help. Their dogs are barking, pulling on the leash, jumping, biting and holding the humans hostage in their own home. And I have to walk away.
WHY…you ask?
Because I can’t help those that don’t want to be helped.
Sometimes I have clients who ask me to help their dogs stop lunging on the leash, barking at other dogs and people, stop stealing food right out of guest’s hands, and multiple other bad behaviors.
And yet when I show them how to stop the bad behavior in a matter of seconds they refuse to implement the training I showed them. They refuse to stop a life-threatening behavior because they don’t want to correct their dog.
Not stopping your dog’s bad behavior because you “love” them is the equivalent of getting rid of all traffic lights to try and make driving easier.
What about all the traffic accidents and killed pedestrians because there are no rules on the road? What about the collateral damage to your car, and maybe even physical therapy for years?
Getting rid of all traffic lights SOUNDS nice and fluffy… But when you actually take a look at the reality?…there’s nothing but chaos, damage and pain.
Getting rid of rules for your dog SOUNDS nice and fluffy… But when you actually take a look at the reality?… You are risking your dog getting mowed down by a car because they ran away, or getting cut open by a vet to remove something they should not have eaten.
Teach your dog not to grab stuff out of the trash, run away, and jump on people.
More Tips
Check out our other posts

The Hidden Downside of Hand-Feeding Your Dog
Hand-feeding can be a great training tool—but what happens when your dog starts depending on it?
Learn how too much hand-feeding can create unwanted habits, the difference between rewarding and bribing, and how to raise a confident dog who listens even when there’s no treat in your hand.

How Too Much Visual Access Fuels Dog Reactivity
Is your dog constantly barking at people, delivery drivers, dogs, or squirrels outside?
Too much visual access could be fueling their reactivity.
Learn how windows, open floor plans, and neighborhood “watch duty” can encourage barking—and discover simple changes that can help your dog settle down and give you a quieter, more peaceful home.

Why Clear Communication Changes Everything
Think your dog is stubborn, ignoring you, or deliberately testing your patience?
The truth might be simpler: your dog is constantly reading your body language, tone, timing, consistency, and follow-through. When those signals don’t match what you’re saying, your dog can become confused about what you actually want.
Discover why your dog may listen perfectly to a trainer but struggle with you, why repeating commands can make things worse, and how clearer communication can lead to less frustration, better behavior, and a stronger relationship with your dog.

Stop Negotiating With Your Dog: Make Your First “No” Count
Your dog isn’t ignoring you by accident—they may have learned that if they wait long enough, you’ll give in.
From leash pulling and jumping to selective listening and treat bribery, inconsistent boundaries can accidentally reinforce the behaviors driving you crazy.
Learn how calm, consistent follow-through can help you stop repeating yourself, communicate more clearly, and build a dog that actually listens the first time.