Spirit Dog Training Podcast

Before you add another dog, there's a hard truth I want you to hear: your first dog may need you more than a new puppy ever could. In this episode, I talk about why adding a second or third dog too early often creates stress, behavior issues, and guilt, even when the decision comes from a place of love. I share what I see repeatedly as a trainer: dogs whose needs multiply, not disappear, when anot...

We talk a lot about "adopt, don't shop," but rarely about the unseen cost when a rescue dog's needs exceed a family's capacity. And that mismatch can break hearts on both sides. In this episode, I explore why rescue dogs with unknown backgrounds are not the right fit for every household, and why acknowledging that truth is an act of responsibility, not selfishness. I share the real patterns I've s...

In today's episode I share the core skills that make reactivity training easier and safer, starting where your dog can succeed, not in the middle of a trigger storm. I explain why these foundations reduce stress, build patience, and set you up for faster progress around real-world triggers with step-by-step ideas you can apply today, and tips to avoid overwhelm. Take the first step toward calmer w...

In this episode, I share the seven most important shortcuts I've learned after coaching thousands of students, both online and in person, to help you get real results from the training you're already paying for. You'll hear why being honest with your trainer matters more than you think, how to stop getting stuck in "thinking instead of doing," and why jumping from one quick fix to another slows pr...

If you've been told that "confidence-building games" at home will magically fix your dog's fear or reactivity, this episode may change everything. I'm unpacking one of the most common misunderstandings in modern positive training: the idea that confidence works like experience points you can collect anywhere. I explain why emotional confidence is always context-specific, and how well-intentioned s...

In this episode, I look closely at the growing claim that "dogs don't need control, only connection," and why it can unintentionally leave dogs confused and unprepared for real life. I talk about why love and relationship cannot replace teaching the actual skills our dogs need to stay safe and thrive in our human world, and why training when done kindly expands your dog's freedom rather than takin...

Some days, training your dog feels impossible, especially when the couch and a new Netflix episode is calling your name! In this episode, I talk about the simple mindset shift that makes it easier to show up on the days you'd rather not. I share how to reconnect with your "why," and how small, low-effort sessions can keep you moving forward without overwhelm. By the end, you'll know how to make tr...

Most multi-dog homes make the same mistake, trying to meet every dog's needs with the same routine. In this episode, I share how to recognize and fulfill each dog's unique needs, avoid frustration, and create harmony in your household. You'll also hear how I balance life with my own very different dogs. Start building a calmer, happier multi-dog home at  spiritdogtraining.com/free .

In this episode we talk about some common signs that your dog may be too stressed to get the most out of your training session.  Want to get started with our training programs for free? Visit  spiritdogtraining.com/free

In this episode we discuss what is one of the most controllable types of reactivity in my opinion- as a matter of fact, you literally have a remote control for it! Want to get started with our training programs for free? Visit spiritdogtraining.com/free

In this episode I talk about things that may be making your dog's reactivity worse, and you might be completely unaware!  Want to get started with our training programs for free? Visit spiritdogtraining.com/free

In today's episode I discuss ten things that I think are must-haves for all reactive dog owners to have as a part of their training toolkit to make both their and their dog's life easier and more fulfilled! Want to get started with our training programs for free? Visit  spiritdogtraining.com/free

In this episode I talk about how to get the most success out of your training sessions!    Want to get started with our training programs for free? Visit  spiritdogtraining.com/free

Sometimes it can be hard for us to recognize when our dogs are, in fact, making progress in their reactivity training. In today's episode I highlight ten of the signs you may be missing that show your reactivity training is paying off! Want to get started with our training programs for free? Visit  spiritdogtraining.com/free

In this episode I discuss why ending training "On A High Note" may not be in the best interest of your dog or training.    Want to get started with our training programs for free? Visit  spiritdogtraining.com/free

So often I have students reaching out confused because they feel that their dog has been regressing in their reactivity training. They've been doing everything right- so why does it feel like it's getting worse? In today's episode I dive into six of the main causes you may be seeing regression in your reactivity training. Want to get started with our training programs for free? Visit  spiritdogtra...

In this episode I discuss why we might not always want to tire our dogs out before a training session, and when it is appropriate to do so!   Want to get started with our training programs for free? Visit  spiritdogtraining.com/free

Our students often ask what they should do once their dog is already 'flipping out'. Today we're going to look into exactly what you should do when your dog goes over threshold! Want to get started with our training programs for free? Visit  spiritdogtraining.com/free

In this episode I discuss when and how to use food and toys in training!   Want to get started with our training programs for free? Visit  spiritdogtraining.com/free

Many people struggle with the fact their dog can do so well at home, but really struggle in public. Today we're diving into why distractions out in public can be so tricky and how to work through it! Want to get started with our training programs for free? Visit  spiritdogtraining.com/free

In this episode I discuss if we need to take rest or break days in reactivity training.    Want to get started with our training programs for free? Visit  spiritdogtraining.com/free

Today we are going to talk about something that I see come up in +R training all the time- and that is actually OVERUSING food in training situations. Want to get started with our training programs for free? Visit spiritdogtraining.com/free

In this episode I deep dive into my views on some of the most commonly used training tools when working with reactive dogs.    Want to get started with our training programs for free? Visit  spiritdogtraining.com/free

After a break from podcasting I wanted to come back to discuss a topic that is always highly requested- Reactivity. As a trainer I share some of my top insights into successful reactivity training and discuss how you can adjust your set ups to make even more progress in your journey.  Want to get started with our training programs for free? Visit  spiritdogtraining.com/free  

Lack of progress in training is very frustrating for every dog. But do you even assess progress the right way? As a dog trainer, I evaluate progress through two key parameters. In this episode I share why it doesn't matter at all if your dog has a bad training session, how you need to help your dog succeed during every single moment of training, and what you should do to reflect on how far you hav...