20/03/2025
Trust is so important in training. Can you honestly say your dog trusts you?
Real dog trainers evolve by changing their minds and methods. Trust is the new “obedience”. Crossing over takes courage.
Switching from aversive methods to a positive reinforcement, neuroaffirming approach is a courageous journey.
As a crossover trainer, you’re not just learning new techniques, you’re embracing a new mindset.
The first objective in dog training isn’t to get the behavior; it’s to build trust.
In positive, neuro affirming training, success starts with a confident, trusting dog who wants to work with you, not a dog who obeys out of fear of correction. Accept this.
Crossing over is more than just swapping tools, it’s a change in worldview, and it’s not always easy. Be kind to yourself during this transition.
Feeling a bit unsure or slipping into old habits now and then is part of the learning process. What matters is that you’re committed to evolving toward a stronger bond with the dogs you work with.
A dog’s behavior is a mirror of their emotional state. When we see undesirable behaviors, it helps to ask: What is my dog feeling right now? Stress, fear, or confusion often manifest as reactivity or non-compliance.
If we address those underlying emotions, the behaviors begin to change in a sustainable way.
While punishment might momentarily stop a behavior, but it doesn’t resolve the fear or stress driving it. In fact, fear can shut down your dog’s ability to learn, making real progress harder. On the other hand, modern methods focus on acknowledging a dog’s emotional status at all times and build more genuine understanding between a person and a dog.
Over time, you can literally change your dog’s emotional response from fear to confidence, leading to lasting behavioral improvement and a stronger partnership built on trust.
In practical terms, this means sometimes you’ll focus on comfort and safety before asking for a cue. (For example, if your dog is nervous about strangers, you might spend sessions just pairing new people with low-key enjoyable experiences, before expecting a perfect “sit” for greetings.) By prioritizing your dog’s feelings, you set the stage for learning that sticks.
Spend time bonding in low-pressure ways. Play games, explore new places at your dog’s pace, or just relax together. Seek out environments where your dog is comfortable and not overwhelmed at first.
Some crossover trainers even put formal obedience on hold and teach fun tricks instead.
Trick training is great because it improves your timing and planning as a trainer, without any pressure on you or your dog.
Your dog is always “talking” through signals like yawning, tail position, ear posture, lip-licking, etc. Pay attention to signs of stress or comfort. If you notice your dog getting uneasy (like turning away or tensing up during an exercise), ease up and give them a break or more distance.
Noticing your dog’s stress doesn’t mean you’ve failed. In fact, it means you’re growing. Take a breath, reset, and try again.
By respecting their signals, you show your dog that you’re listening, which builds trust. And that’s what a real relationship is, a two-way street.
Keep your training upbeat and your reactions calm. If you’ve committed to avoiding leash pops or harsh corrections, stay consistent, even if your dog makes a mistake. View slip-ups as valuable information to guide future sessions, never as moments to punish.
Over time, your dog will realize that your hands bring guidance and fun, not corrections. That reliability helps them feel safe and free to try new things.
Regularly check in on your dog’s state of mind: Is the training environment causing stress? Are you feeling impatient or frustrated? These feelings are normal, it takes insight and strength to recognize and respond thoughtfully to them. These are the hallmarks of the most talented dog trainers in the world.
It’s perfectly fine to shorten a session or skip a cue if your dog (or you) is having an off day. Sometimes just a calm few moments of soft petting or a play break mid-session can reset the tone.
Prioritizing your dog’s comfort instead of “pushing through” a training drill shows them you’re attuned to their feelings. This emotional safety empowers your dog to confidently explore and learn without fear, an approach far more powerful than many initially realize. These are smart animals. Let them use their brains in productive, confident, proactive ways.
Transitioning to positive training is an evolution, not an overnight change. You’re not alone on this path; many trainers and dog guardians have stood where you are, feeling that mix of doubt and hope, and have come out the other side with stronger partnerships than ever.
When setbacks happen, remind yourself how far you’ve come and the positive changes you’ve already seen.
This week, focus on one trust-building activity like playing or teaching a trick and observe how it affects your dog’s attitude, and yours too!
Good luck! And share your stories below!
