Dog Dynamix

Dog Training: Beyond the Quick Fix

An entire industry has been created selling you the idea that there is a quick fix for every problem.

Marketing and popularity dictate a video for every problem; a quick fix solution. And, for every fix there are three more problems created, for which there's another quick fix. It leads to a form of restlessness wherein people are rarely satisfied with improvements in their dogs, because there are always more problems not yet fixed.

I get asked nearly daily to create a video about specific problems (I saw your video on loose-leash walking, but what about loose-leash walking a reactive Golden Retriever?). These can be helpful to see, but the mentality over time has shifted into hyper-focus, instead of looking at the big picture.

Good, all-encompassing dog training creates a foundation wherein problems melt away holistically. If you understand how all things connect, you stop seeing things individually, but as a whole. You have to fix the whole and stop looking for quick solutions.

Teaching people to be actual dog handlers, to stop looking for quick tips and tricks, to start seeing the whole and the connection of all things, means rewiring our minds from the TikTok and YouTube conditioning and marketing over the past decades.

So if you have a problem, it isn't living in isolation. It's part of a whole picture. And you have to look at, and address the whole—exercise, nutrition, mental stimulation, leadership, socialization, and consistency—for the symptoms to melt away. Exercise is nutrition is basic obedience is socialization and so on—they all roll into each other.
- adapted from a post by Amy Skinner

“What if my dog doesn’t LIKE it?”

Well, then life will go on as it has been. And they may never know their true strength, or the joy and freedom that comes with a little tough love. 💕

If your dog only works for treats, you’re missing a huge opportunity! Structured play can build engagement, improve obedience, strengthen your relationship, and make training more fun for both of you. What’s your dog’s favorite game? ⬇️🐾

Teddy, who we have known since he was just a lil’ guy, got to celebrate his 2nd birthday with us today! He got a special cookie, bacon ice cream and extra snuggles with friends. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TEDDY! 🎉

Did you know that Southwest Plaza in Littleton is dog friendly?!
Distraction proofing is a huge part of our training, so we got some practice working around and heeling with the Great Mall Tiger! 🐅
*no tigers were harmed in the making of this video*

Teddy met cows for the first time today and handled it exactly how you’d expect a Great Pyrenees to: suspicious… majestic… ready to guard. 👀 🐮🤍

Fun Great Pyrenees facts:
• Originally bred to guard livestock in the mountains 🏔️
• Naturally independent thinkers (translation: they WILL question your decisions)
• Known for being calm, gentle, and incredibly loyal
• They work mostly at night — which explains the random midnight patrols around your house 🌙
• Their fluffy white coat helped shepherds tell them apart from wolves

Teddy might not be protecting the herd just yet, but he’s definitely supervising it. 😂