Born to Be Dog Training

10/31/2026

Barking and lunging can look very similar from the outside, and the reason behind that behavior may be very different from one dog to another. Fear can be part of reactivity, and so can frustration, excitement, learning history, environment, discomfort, and other factors. Before deciding what to do, I want to understand the context around what I’m seeing. Always remember to get curious. Need help resolving reactivity? Book your free discovery call. Link in my bio!

10/24/2026

Your dog is allowed to skip Halloween. 🎃

They don’t have to greet trick-or-treaters, wear a costume, walk through a crowded neighborhood, or stay near the front door as the bell rings.

Masks, unusual silhouettes, moving decorations, excited voices, and repeated arrivals can be unsettling—even for dogs who usually handle visitors well.

Plan for a quiet space with closed curtains, background sound, comfortable bedding, water, a suitable activity, and secure separation from the entrance. Meet your dog’s individual needs before the neighborhood gets busy.

Skipping the festivities isn’t a failure to socialize or train. Sometimes the kindest choice is, “You don’t have to do this tonight.”

Save this reminder before Halloween. 🧡

10/24/2026

Puppyhood comes with a lot of “Am I doing this right?” moments! 🐾 I joined Victoria Stilwell to talk about the Puppy Progress Planner that Neika Smessaert and I created to help you feel more confident as you navigate life with your puppy.

Watch our full conversation on Victoria’s channel⁠.

10/17/2026

Looking for a Halloween costume for your dog? Here are 8 ideas to inspire you! 🎃🐾

Your dog’s comfort comes first. Choose something that lets them move freely, see, hear, and pant comfortably. If they’re freezing, moving away, or trying to take it off, give them a break. A festive bandana can be a great option for dogs who prefer less clothing!

Is your dog dressing up this year?

10/10/2026

One of my favorite parts of this work is seeing a dog feel safer—and their person feel more confident helping them. Those moments can mean so much, especially when things have felt hard for a long time. 💛 In this clip, I what I consider to be my favorite cases with Victoria Stilwell.

Watch our full conversation on Victoria’s channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Har5cuTJHmo

10/06/2026

Positive reinforcement means so much to me because of the relationship it helps us build with our dogs. Understanding what they need, helping them feel safe, and seeing their confidence grow—that’s the work I love. 💛 Here’s a little of my conversation with Victoria Stilwell on her Positively Podcast!

Watch the full episode on Victoria’s channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Har5cuTJHmo

10/01/2026

Really grateful to have been featured in this article and to have the chance to share a little of my story. 💛

I’ve learned a lot along the way, and I’m grateful for every opportunity to keep growing, doing work I care about, and hopefully making things a little easier for the people coming behind me.

Thank you for sharing my story. 🐾

For Leah Bornstein of West Orange, dog training is about more than teaching commands. It is about making sure everyone has equal access to the support they need.

09/17/2026

Management changes the setup to prevent unwanted behavior, reduce stress, and keep everyone safe. Training helps your dog build the skills they need to respond differently over time.

Management supports your dog in the moment. Training creates learning for the future—and effective behavior change often needs both.

Save this comparison for later!

07/21/2026

Dogs jump for a lot of reasons. Excitement. Connection. Uncertainty. Attention. Joy. Stress.
Sometimes it’s a learned habit. Sometimes it’s a coping strategy.

And like any behavior, it makes sense when you understand the why behind it.

You don’t need to “fix” your dog—you just need to help them understand what to do instead. And that starts with understanding what they’re trying to say.

👉 Get support via our membership: https://borntobedogtraining.com/memberships