10/30/2026
In this video, I work with Dobby, a nine-year-old dog with severe anxiety and reactivity issues. His owner sent him to me because his behavior has worsened, including explosive reactions to other dogs on walks, separation anxiety, and destructive behaviors. I explain that Dobby's issues stem from a lack of leadership, causing him to take on a dominant role that stresses him out. I start with recall training to build a foundation, then introduce corrections to address his reactivity. I emphasize that punishing bad behavior decreases it, while rewarding increases it, and that becoming the leader will help Dobby's anxiety fade. I demonstrate how to correct and recall him when he reacts to other dogs, and I also address his manipulative charm as a way to avoid listening. By the end, Dobby shows progress in learning to stay and follow commands, proving that even severe cases can improve with consistent leadership and training. We talk about how dogs use charm and manipulation to avoid conflict, and why recognizing this is crucial for effective training. I demonstrate how to establish leadership by correcting behaviors like not staying, using tools like an e-collar to address reactivity, and showing how consistent corrections lead to a calm, obedient dog. The focus is on resolving conflict through clear boundaries and punishments that work, just like in human society. We work with an insecure dominant dog, showing how to establish leadership through proper corrections and pack management. I demonstrate techniques like micromanaging interactions, teaching door manners, and using the kennel to build calmness and compliance. The dog shows good signs on day one, taking corrections well and beginning to listen. In this video, we discuss his severe reactivity and separation anxiety, but the real issue is that he doesn't listen. I demonstrate a correction when he steps out of his kennel before being told, showing how he responds and returns to a calm state. I explain that while his reactivity and anxiety are problems, the key to overcoming them is teaching him to listen to commands like 'come here' and 'lay down' so we can redirect him in the moment. This is day one of our training journey, and I'm confident that by focusing on obedience, we'll find success.
