If you live with a reactive or anxious dog, you’ve probably noticed something curious: in moments when you  feel tense, rushed, or overwhelmed, your dog seems more on edge too. Some trainers will tell you that’s coincidence — that your dog doesn’t care about your stress scent and is only responding to learned cues or external triggers. I strongly disagree. And science is on my side. Dogs Are Exceptional at Detecting Emotional Scent Dogs experience the world primarily through

For reactive dogs, focus isn’t about manners or control. It’s about where safety lives. When your dog can briefly turn their attention toward you — even for a second — it creates a pause in the chaos. A tiny window where their nervous system can breathe.

There’s a moment every reactive dog parent knows. It’s the split second when you realize your dog is about to flip the "F" out . Their body stiffens. Their breathing changes. You feel it in your body before anything even happens. In that moment, the panic hits: Oh No!What do I do now? If you’ve ever frozen, fumbled for treats, or tried to remember a technique that completely vanishes from your brain under stress—you’re not failing. You’re human. And your dog isn't being "bad

If walking your reactive dog is stressful, take a break from walks and use play instead to exercise, entertain and relax your dog.

This quick-start guide is designed to help you take immediate, clear action—without getting overwhelmed. 3 Small Changes That Create Big Relief for Reactive Dogs and Their People.

Dog parents want more collaboration than ever — here’s how I’m evolving to meet that need. I’ve heard a lot of people say they’re relieved to see 2025 in the rearview mirror. It was a tough year for many. No matter what the past twelve months brought, I always step into a new year with optimism, fresh energy, and some big goals — and 2026 is no exception. This year, Creature Good Dog Training  is evolving. I’m refining and expanding my services to match what clients are cravi

From losing Shadow Dawn to welcoming Archie, this year changed me deeply. As I wrap up another year at Creature Good Dog Training , I wanted to take a moment to reflect on everything that unfolded in 2025. Personally, the year brought both joy and heartbreak — adopting sweet Archie in August was such a bright spot, and losing Shadow Dawn so suddenly in February was one of the toughest moments of my life. Professionally, 2025 had its ups and downs too, but in the best possible

The week before the holidays tends to be pure chaos — last-minute shopping, gifts that need assembing, torn wrapping paper, and packages that need to be mailed to far away friends and family. For reactive dogs, all this upheaval to their usual schedule is more terrifying than exciting. Let’s make sure this celebratory week stays fun, safe, and low-stress for your anxious or easily overwhelmed pup. Gift & Toy Safety Every Dog Owner Should Know Dogs, especially high-arousal or

Help your reactive or anxious dog stay calm during holiday guests and gatherings. Learn practical strategies for managing visitors, reducing stress, and creating emotional safety for sensitive dogs during the busy December season.