The Unexpected Gifts Reactive Dogs Bring Into Your Life Dogs give you so much more than companionship—they push you, teach you, and invite you to growth in ways you never saw coming. Parents of reactive dogs especially know how profoundly these pups change lives. The journey isn’t always easy, but the impact is real and lasting. Reactive Dogs: Challenging, Yes - But Also Positive Change Agents Living with a reactive dog can feel overwhelming at times. The big feelings, the t

October is National Pit Bull Awareness Month — and it’s time to challenge the myth that “it’s all in how you raise them.” Trainer Ruth Hegarty shares what her beloved pit bull Shadow Dawn taught her about genetics, trauma, and the truth behind behavior.

If your dog barks, lunges, or freezes on walks, you don’t need to apologize—you need to advocate. Learn how to confidently support your reactive dog with compassion and calm communication.

Many so-called “naughty” dog behaviors are actually signs of unmet needs. Learn how canine enrichment—simple, intentional activities that satisfy your dog’s natural instincts—can transform reactivity, boredom, and anxiety into calm and connection this winter.

As we move through the Fall season, you may notice your dog seems more distracted and “ignores” you on walks . 🍂 Fall especially brings...

Adopting a dog with a traumatic past isn’t for the faint of heart. But for those who do, the rewards run deep. I recently sat down with...

Many dog trainers keep insisting you should never distract your reactive dog when you see one of their triggers. I completely disagree! I...

If you’ve spent any time researching how to help a reactive dog, you’ve probably seen trainers say “don’t distract your dog.”  They...

If your dog barks, lunges, jumps at you or freezes on walks, they're not misbehaving, they're feeling overwhelmed. They could be...