Mindset is the main course

When I’m working with a dog, our priority is always her mindset and making sure that she calm and tuned in by always correcting the mental arousal that leads her down the naughty path of reactivity.

Obedience is about what the dog is doing with her body... sit, stay, down, recall, etc.

Mindset is about what the dog is doing with her mind... calm, tuned in, or over excited, reactive, aggressive.

A dog can have perfect obedience but still be reactive, aggressive or over excited… and so many of them are!!!

A dog can know zero obedience, but if her mind is calm and tuned into the handler then she can tolerate situations that used to trigger her… for example, ignore other dogs on the walk with handler leadership and advocacy.

Obedience is fun and fancy and something dogs certainly need basic skills in… the dessert of dog training, but mindset is the foundation of everything and the meat and potatoes of the meal!