01/16/2026
‼️Long post ahead, but important read‼️
I often hear:
“Can you fix this issue?”
“Is my dog too far gone?”
“Have you ever seen this before?”
Did you know that almost every single issue can be solved? Of course, there are some exceptions, but let’s speak broadly:
Dog reactivity.
Inter-household fighting.
Cat reactivity.
Pulling on walks.
Small animal predatory aggression.
Fear.
Resource guarding.
Aggression. *
And more.
These are all examples of consults I get daily, weekly. It almost is always followed by “Can you fix it?” or “Is my dog a lost cause?”
Let me repeat: All issues can be solved, or at minimum, managed.*
Sure, they may not be solved as quick as you’d hope. Why shoot for the stars in a few weeks and say “that’s good enough” when you can aim for the moon, take a bit longer to ensure safety, and say “it couldn’t get any better than this”?
Everything takes time. Of course you want to see results soon, but the best results take time.
The biggest issue is many people quit halfway. “This is taking more time than I’d like”. “I thought it would only take a few weeks”. Your dog wouldn’t give up on you, so why would you give up on them?
Allowing your dog to live in a state of reactivity any time they go on walks, a state of fear upon seeing a stranger, or even allowing the dog to feel as though aggression is the best way for them to get what they want is diminishing their quality of life.
Your dog should live stress free. They shouldn’t see another dog and go crazy; they shouldn’t attack the window if someone walks by. It is not fair to your dog to live in such a state of distress when training is available to help their mental health. It is not your dogs “personality” to be angry around other dogs. It is not a “quirk” that they run and hide if a mailman comes.
Many times, dogs are surrendered or rehomed as their issues become too much, or the dog is deemed “unfixable” or “untreatable”. This is not addressing the root; this is passing the issue to someone else to deal with. If you can address the root cause and keep the dog, why wouldn’t you try?
Many shelter or rescue dogs do not get adopted as they are mentioned to be single animal homes. However, I want to be clear: if you, as an adopter, are willing to put in the work and give that dog a new loving home, this is not the case. Your dog can absolutely live alongside other pets, as long as you are willing to try. Have that honest conversation!
Do not give up on your dogs. They may only be a part of your life for a small time, but you are their entire life. Give them the chance they deserve to have a happier and healthier life, and look for a trainer to help you.
*There is only one noted aggression that cannot be solved, and it is known as rage syndrome / idiopathic aggression. This is extremely rare. This cannot be solved as it is a neurological issue.
