Better Bond Dog Training

04/04/2025

What would you choose?

You have to hit the exact total

03/15/2025

Your vet can’t train your dog, and your trainer can’t fix medical issues, so why aren’t we working together?

It’s frustrating, isn’t it? Vets and trainers both work to help dogs, yet there’s this constant disconnect, as if we’re on opposite teams instead of working together.

👩🏻‍🏫Trainers say, “Oh, your dog [insert issue]?
We just need more [insert training plan].”

🧑🏻‍⚕️Vets say, “You’re dog is [insert problem behavior],
let’s prescribe [insert pill here].”

👩Owners get confused, unsure of which is the right option.

The truth? Health and behavior go hand in hand.
A dog’s well-being isn’t just about a clean bill of health, it’s about how they navigate the world, both physically and mentally.

Possibly a Vet Issue, Not a Training Issue:

✔️ Chronic pain → Sudden aggression or avoidance of handling or wearing gear.

✔️ Thyroid imbalances → Mood swings, fearfulness, or unexplained reactivity.

✔️ Gut issues → Hyperactivity, anxiety, or trouble focusing.

✔️ Ear infections → Snapping when touched near the head.

But here’s the flip side… not all behavior problems are medical. And this is where vets need to stop prescribing medications as a quick fix when training is the actual solution.

Possibly a Training Issue, Not a Vet Issue:

✔️ Jumping, pulling on leash, or general lack of manners → Not ADHD, just needs structure and guidance.

✔️ Separation anxiety → Doesn’t need Prozac, needs confidence-building and crate training.

✔️ Fear-based reactivity → Medication won’t teach the dog how to handle stress—proper desensitization and training will.

✔️ Excessive barking, lunging, or leash frustration → No, it’s not a neurological disorder. It’s a lack of impulse control that training can fix.

The problem? Too often, vets prescribe medications instead of recommending training. And trainers aren’t always educated on when to send a dog for a medical evaluation. We need to work together.

💡 A great trainer knows when a dog needs medical intervention or even simply a diet change.

💡 A great vet knows when training, not medication, is the answer.

When trainers and vets collaborate,
dogs stop falling through the cracks.

Has your dog ever been misdiagnosed with a medical issue when training was the real solution?
Or vice versa? Let’s talk.👇

10/22/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/1ELXE5sB6R/

•Pet your dog, all the time
•Talk to your dog, all the time
•Allow your dog to follow you, all the time
•Allow your dog to be on your lap or laying on your feet, all the time
•Pet, soothe, comfort your dog when it whines or barks for attention...or is simply anxious
•Allow your dog to demand affection/interactions
•Be emotionally dependent on your dog to the point that unhealthy dependency and interactions are no longer noticed
•Allow your dog to do whatever it wants, whenever it wants—aka, provide no structure, rules, or accountability
•Foster an environment of chaos, stress, and anxiety
•Refuse to train and pattern calmness
•Refuse to crate train your dog
•Refuse to correct your dog when inappropriate behavior occurs
•Refuse to train your dog how to be independent/alone by using a “Place” command, “Downstay, and/or “away” time in the crate
•Let your dog out of the crate when it whines or barks
•Avoid training or anything that makes your dog temporarily uncomfortable or unhappy—in other words, cater to your dog’s every desire/need, designing your life around your dog, rather than having your dog fit into yours
•And many, many more...

Basically, baby, soothe, allow, enable, disable, lean on, omit teaching necessary life skills, prioritize what feels good for you rather than what does good for your dog, and through this master plan of leadership-free chaos, and systematic cultivation of creating a toxic dependency between dog and human...you’ll ensure that when you leave, your dog will be a true emotional mess, because you haven’t prepared them to be calm, obedient, strong, resilient, robust, independent, and alone.

09/16/2024

Thank you, Sandy, for your wonderful review! It was such a pleasure working with you and Luna!

06/03/2024

Anyone else? Loki & Tosh do this to me every day.

05/21/2024

05/20/2024

This is so important. Growling is communication. A dog is saying I am uncomfortable with something or I don't want someone/thing to do something.

If you punish the growl, you are saying it is not okay for your dog to communicate.

What happens next?

The dog skips the growl and goes straight to a bite.

Moral of the story...listen when your dog communicates and learn how to help them feel better about a situation instead of punishing them for how they feel.

04/22/2024

🐾 Why Dog Training Isn't Just About Being "Good" 🐾

Ever thought your furry friend needed to be "good"? Let’s rethink that! Dogs don’t dream about being good - they act based on what feels right in the moment, like that naughty nibble on your favorite shoe might just be their way of coping with your absence. 🐶💔

Here’s the scoop: WE are the ones responsible for teaching our pups the ropes, deciphering right from wrong in their world. It’s not about transforming them with magic tricks but about guiding them with consistent standards and a clear understanding of house rules. 🏠✨

Training isn’t about demanding perfection; it’s about communication and consistency. Dogs excel when they know exactly what’s expected of them, and guess what? They can’t read minds! So, if chewing the furniture gets them attention (even if it's negative), why would they stop?

That's where leadership steps in - not to dominate but to guide. Your role isn't just about setting boundaries, it's about nurturing an environment where your dog chooses to follow them, knowing exactly where they stand with you. 🌟

Remember, a well-behaved dog isn’t a product of rigorous training sessions alone but of a relationship built on mutual respect and clear communication. Every interaction is a learning opportunity, a chance to foster trust and understanding. 🐕💬

So next time your pup eyes that expensive shoe, remember: Your behavior shapes theirs. Set the stage for a harmonious life together, not by demanding they be "good," but by guiding them on how to be their best self. 🌈🐾

04/19/2024

Setting boundaries helps your dog know how to be a good friend. It's like teaching them the rules of a game. This way, they understand how to make you happy and how to fit into the family better. It's not about saying "no" all the time. It's more like showing them the way to a big "yes."

Not having rules can be confusing and scary for dogs. When they know what the rules are, they feel safer and trust you more. This trust makes life nicer and more peaceful for both of you. So, setting boundaries is actually a way to let your dog know you care.

Telling your dog the rules is one way you show you love them. It means you want them to be happy and safe. When you both understand each other better, your friendship grows stronger. This is how you both end up really enjoying being together.

In the end, teaching your dog the rules is a big part of loving them. It helps them know how to be a great part of the family. It's not just about following commands; it's about making a happy home together. By being clear about the rules, you help build a loving and respectful relationship.

Comment with the boundary you wish you had set earlier in your dog's life.

04/15/2024

Dog training isn't just about commands and tools. It's about letting our dogs be part of our family without controlling their every move. When we notice and reward the good things they do on their own, it makes living together easier and happier.

We want our dogs to fit into our lives naturally. We don't always need to tell them what to do. Sometimes, it's better to let them choose to be calm or friendly because they want to, not because we told them.

Rewarding our dogs for good behavior they show on their own is important. It helps them learn to make good choices without us having to say anything. This way, they become great companions who know how to act around us and in our world.

Dog training is about more than just teaching tricks. It's about helping our dogs understand how to live with us. By focusing on their natural good behavior and encouraging it, we help them become a happy and loved part of our family.

Comment below and tell me what behaviors your dog does that you could reward more frequently to improve their behavior.

04/12/2024

Unraveling the mystery behind your dog's bad behavior often leads to a surprising revelation: it's not just about the dog. As dog owners, our actions, or sometimes our lack of action, play a pivotal role in shaping our furry friends' behavior. Recognizing and addressing common mistakes we make during dog training is the first step towards a solution.

One frequent oversight is inconsistency. Dogs thrive on clear, consistent signals. When we're unpredictable, it confuses them, making it hard for them to understand what we expect. Another issue is miscommunication, where our verbal or body language sends mixed signals, again leading to confusion.

Overcoming these hurdles is a journey we embark on together with our dogs. It starts with self-reflection and a willingness to learn and adapt. Consistency in commands and responses, patience during the learning process, and clear, positive communication are key elements in this transformation. It's about building a mutual understanding and working together towards the common goal of happy, well-behaved companionship.

Remember, dog training is a two-way street. It's not just about teaching your dog; it's about learning how to be a better guide and companion for them. Together, through understanding and cooperation, you can unravel and resolve bad behavior, paving the way for a harmonious relationship.

Comment below and share a daily activity where you could better incorporate training consistency.

04/08/2024

When you begin training your dog, envision it as the start of a journey you're embarking on together. Every word, game, and lesson shapes their understanding and how you interact as a team.

Training goes beyond just commands; it’s about establishing a partnership based on mutual respect and clear communication.

The early stages of training are a perfect time to build trust and guide your dog with kindness, patience, and consistency. This approach helps your dog grasp expectations and feel supported, making learning a positive experience for both of you.

By focusing on the basics early on, you create a foundation for a strong, cooperative relationship. It's about creating an environment where learning is a shared adventure, filled with growth and mutual support.

Starting with the right approach in training sets the tone for your journey together. It’s all about growing, learning, and enjoying life side by side.

Each moment you share is an opportunity to strengthen your teamwork, making every step of the way meaningful and full of discovery.