WOW BOW WOW-Dog Trainer & Behavior Consultant

21/03/2025

Affordable vaccines? Yes, please! Vet Care is hosting an Affordable Pet Vaccine Clinic to keep your pets protected. 🐶🐱 Mark your calendar for this Sunday, March 23rd, and swing by for unbeatable care for your furry friends!

Can't make it this Sunday? No worries! H.E.A.R.T. hosts a Low-Cost Mobile Pet Vaccine and Wellness at OC Animal Care on the first Tuesday and third Thursday of each month! Visit ocpetinfo.com for more information. 🐾

21/03/2025

Successful relationships are built on trust

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!

15/03/2025

I don’t know who needs to hear this . . .

Your reactive dog is not being stubborn or defiant.

They’re having a hard time. They are emotionally charged about their trigger. And one of their possible response is to bark.

Clouseau lunge and barks at the lawn crew at his dad’s store. Even the sound of the equipment gets him riled up.

His dad became concerned and contacted me.

If you have a dog that has similar issues, join our 'Silence the Yappy Hour' workshop, designed to address this specific behavior.

Date: Monday, March 17th
Time: 5pm PT/8pm ET

Learn effective techniques to calm your dog.

In this workshop, you'll discover:
-Why dogs bark
-Practical training methods to reduce barking
-Strategies for creating a calmer environment for your dog and yourself
-Q&A with experienced trainers

Let's turn that 'yappy hour' into a 'happy hour' for everyone. 😉

Sign up today! https://wowbowwowoc.newzenler.com/f/silence-the-yappy-hour-workshop

15/03/2025

Dog Barking at the Window? 2 Simple Steps to a Quiet Home | Silence the Yappy Hour Workshop

Are your neighbors getting a daily concert courtesy of your window-watching pup? 😅

Window barking can be frustrating for both you and your dog.

Join our 'Silence the Yappy Hour' workshop, designed to address this specific behavior.

Learn effective techniques to redirect your dog's attention and create a peaceful environment.

In this workshop, you'll discover:
-Why dogs bark at windows
-Practical training methods to reduce barking
-Strategies for creating a calmer home
-Q&A with experienced trainers

Let's turn that 'yappy hour' into a 'happy hour' for everyone. 😉

Sign up today! https://wowbowwowoc.newzenler.com/f/silence-the-yappy-hour-workshop

13/03/2025

It's March! Are your still consistent with your New Year Resolutions?

We've all been there. Big goals feel overwhelming, so we procrastinate or start small and lose momentum. Does this sound like your dog training journey?

-Starting a new routine, only to give up after a few days?
-Feeling lost and confused by conflicting advice?
-Wishing you had a support system to keep you accountable?

Imagine this:
-Consistent progress towards your dog training goals.
-Expert guidance tailored to your dog's unique needs.
-A community of dog lovers who understand your challenges.

Sign up for the Silence the Yappy Hour Workshop to learn how to receive accountability and support from dog trainers who can help you implement the steps successfully.

The Workshop is especially for you if this is your current life with your dog.

Are you tired of:
-Excessive barking at everything that moves.
-Stressful walks where your dog screams at other people & dogs.
-Guests avoid your home because of your dog's behavior?

Dream of:
-Only a few alert barks
-Enjoying your walks with your dog.
-Your dog as the welcoming ambassador of your home.

Dog training is not a one-size-fits-all solution.

YouTube videos and generic advice often fall short.

In our workshop we share how we can provides personalized guidance and support from experienced trainers to help you:
-Understand your dog's unique reactivity triggers.
-Develop a customized training plan.
-Stay motivated and accountable with a supportive community.

Join me at the Silence the Yappy Hour Workshop and start your journey to a calmer, more fulfilling life with your dog.

Or, continue to feel frustrated and stuck in the same cycle of inaction.

Choose the path to a significantly improved quality of life for both you and your dog.

Sign up now: https://wowbowwowoc.newzenler.com/f/silence-the-yappy-hour-workshop

12/03/2025

Does your dog bark excessively on walks?

Here are some common mistakes dog parents may make:
❌Thinking that your dog is just being difficult, instead of understanding that they are genuinely worried about the environment.
❌Forcing them to "tolerate" triggers, which increases their anxiety.
❌Believing it’s about dominance.

Instead, understand their fear! Your dog wants to feel safe. ❤️
✅Recognize they're overwhelmed by their surroundings.
✅Be their guide, creating a safe space.

Give your dog 10 minutes of the right kind of training each day and finally get the calmer dog on your walks.

Join our next “Silence the Yappy Hour Workshop” to learn how to end your dog’s excessive barking on your walks without yelling at them.

Date: Monday, March 17th
Time: 5pm PT - 6pm MT - 7pm CT - 8pm ET
Sign up here: https://wowbowwowoc.newzenler.com/f/silence-the-yappy-hour-workshop

04/03/2025

Spring into a new friendship! Welcome the season of sunshine and blossoms with a loyal companion from OC Animal Care! As the days grow warmer, there’s no better time to add a furry friend to your family.

Throughout the month of March, all dogs over 25 pounds are free to adopt! Waived adoption fees do not include licensing fees or puppies 6 months of age or younger.

28/02/2025

Are you embarrassed by your dog's excessive barking on walks?

Here are some common mistakes dog parents may make:
❌Thinking that your dog is just being difficult, instead of understanding that they are genuinely worried about the environment.
❌Forcing them to "tolerate" triggers, which increases their anxiety.
❌Believing it’s about dominance.

Instead, understand their fear! Your dog wants to feel safe. ❤️
✅Recognize they're overwhelmed by their surroundings.
✅Be their guide, creating a safe space.

Give your dog 10 minutes of the right kind of training each day and finally get the calmer dog on your walks.

Join our next “Silence the Yappy Hour Workshop” to learn how to end your dog’s excessive barking on your walks without yelling at them.

Date: Monday, March 3rd
Time: 5pm PT - 6pm MT - 7pm CT - 8pm ET
Sign up here: https://wowbowwowoc.newzenler.com/f/silence-the-yappy-hour-workshop

28/02/2025

Does your dog bark excessively on walks?

Here are some common mistakes dog parents may make:
❌Thinking that your dog is just being difficult, instead of understanding that they are genuinely worried about the environment.
❌Forcing them to "tolerate" triggers, which increases their anxiety.
❌Believing it’s about dominance.

Instead, understand their fear! Your dog wants to feel safe. ❤️
✅Recognize they're overwhelmed by their surroundings.
✅Be their guide, creating a safe space.

Give your dog 10 minutes of the right kind of training each day and finally get the calmer dog on your walks.

Join our next “Silence the Yappy Hour Workshop” to learn how to end your dog’s excessive barking on your walks without yelling at them.

Date: Monday, March 3rd
Time: 5pm PT - 6pm MT - 7pm CT - 8pm ET
Sign up here: https://wowbowwowoc.newzenler.com/f/silence-the-yappy-hour-workshop

23/02/2025

“My dog doesn’t listen to me” is a common complaint I hear from pup parents. And I totally understand what they’re experiencing, especially when they have a larger dog at the other end of their lead.

Are you. . .
❌ Frustrated with the leash tug-of-war struggles
❌ Bracing for the yank when your dog lunges
❌ No longer looking forward to your walks with your dog anymore

Don’t stay upset with them or continue to feel defeated. You brought home a dog and promised them to be their guardian and that you would take care of them.

Here are 2 vital skills you need to teach your dog for that focused dog that listens:
💚 Check-ins
💚 Disengagement

Join one of my programs to discovery how to train your dog these invaluable life skills. Reset your life with your dog.

Here are a few of my recent students in the “From Ramunctious to Well-Mannered Pup Training Program” Cody (golden) and Marley (lab mix) recently finished the 6 week group class. And they happily learned to focus on their humans and became better listeners.

The next group class start on March 15th. Register here: https://wowbowwowoc.newzenler.com/courses/rambunctious-pup-training-progra

22/02/2025

Here’s George! In our sessions he has become (1) less fearful during his walks and walks nicely on leash, (2) more consistent about waiting at the front door before stepping out with a release cue, and (3) if he runs out the front door (he’s a runner!), he’s so much better at coming back when called. We’ve laid a good foundation to keep him safe in his neighborhood. His guardians will continue practicing with him

Do you want to lay a solid training foundation with your dog too, reach out: 714-794–9625

22/02/2025

Brace yourself for the most overused, underexamined claim in dog training:

“I use all four quadrants.”

Balanced trainers love to say it like it’s the ultimate mic drop.

That’s not a flex. It’s a misunderstanding of what modern dog training is actually about.

Just because operant conditioning describes four quadrants doesn’t mean good training requires using them all.

Operant conditioning is the science of how behavior is shaped by consequences. It describes four possible outcomes:

1️⃣ Positive Reinforcement: Adding something good to increase behavior (giving a treat for sitting)

2️⃣ Negative Reinforcement: Removing something unpleasant to increase behavior (loosening a tight leash when the dog stops pulling).

3️⃣ Positive Punishment: Adding something unpleasant to decrease behavior (using a shock, prong or choke collar to stop reactivity).

4️⃣ Negative Punishment: Removing something good to decrease behavior (ending play when a dog gets too rough).

The key here? This describes HOW learning happens, but it doesn’t tell us what’s ethical or humane.

If your only measure of success is whether the behavior changed, you’re overlooking what truly matters.

Some trainers treat the quadrants more like a menu than a compass, selecting from each quadrant as if good training means using them all, rather than understanding which direction actually leads to trust and learning.

Many in my field act as if using all four quadrants makes them more “scientific.” But the scientific evidence doesn’t say we need to USE all quadrants, only that they exist.

And treating dogs like input-output machines - Behavior in → Reinforcement or
Punishment out → Behavior changes… misses everything that actually matters.

If you focus only on the quadrants, training becomes transactional. The goal shifts from building trust to just getting a behavior at any cost.

This is a common and critical misconception among balanced trainers, and it’s important to be aware of it when choosing a trainer or behavior expert.

They believe the quadrants give them scientific cover to use intentional fear, pain, and discomfort.

But here’s what they fail to understand:

Just because something produces a behavior doesn’t mean it builds trust.

If your dog is only behaving because they’re afraid of what happens if they don’t, that’s not ethical teaching. That’s coercion.

A neuro-affirming approach shifts the focus entirely, and this is at the heart of the divide in professional dog training today.

Instead of asking, “How do I get the behavior?”, it first asks, “What is my dog experiencing?” That’s a critical distinction.

Because dogs don’t just learn through reinforcement and punishment. They learn through context, feelings, past experiences, and social relationships.

No dog lives inside a quadrant chart. And no trainer should train like they do.

A trainer’s skill isn’t measured by how many quadrants they use. It’s measured by how well they understand behavior.

And behavior isn’t just reinforcement and punishment. It’s an expression of emotion, motivation, experiences, and environment.

Anyone can suppress behavior with punishment, it takes no skill. But in an unregulated industry, it’s no surprise that the easiest, most heavy-handed method, harsh corrections, is the most overused, even when it shouldn’t be used at all.

But training in a way that builds confidence, strengthens the relationship, and avoids unnecessary distress, that’s the real work and the standard this industry should uphold.

So the next time someone proudly declares, “I use all four quadrants,” ask yourself:

Are they demonstrating real expertise?

Or just revealing how little they actually understand about ethical, effective training?

Interesting articles and research relevant to this:

1. Improving Dog Training Methods: Efficacy and Efficiency of Reward and Mixed Training Methods https://www.researchgate.net/publication/349459195_Improving_dog_training_methods_Efficacy_and_efficiency_of_reward_and_mixed_training_methods

2. Balanced Dog Training vs. Positive Reinforcement https://www.petmd.com/dog/training/balanced-dog-training-vs-positive-reinforcement

3. Is Balanced Training Fair to Dogs or Is It a Cop-Out? https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/animal-emotions/202409/is-balanced-training-fair-to-dogs-or-is-it-a-cop-out

4. Does Training Method Matter? Evidence for the Negative Impact of Aversive-Based Methods https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7743949/

5. Balanced Training vs. Evidence-Based Scientific Dog Training https://dogbehaviorist.com/2023/03/23/balanced-training-evidence-based-scientific-dog-training/

6. Effective Dog Training is Reward-Based, Not Balanced https://spca.bc.ca/news/say-no-to-balanced-training/

21/02/2025

The best age to neuter a male dog is when it reaches full skeletal maturity. This can vary with large dogs taking longer to reach adult size.

21/02/2025

Does your dog bark excessively or lunge on your walks?

I often hear the desperation in owners' voices when they say they've "tried everything." Sometimes, that "everything" includes e-collars/prong collars, because they seem to work. But the behavior is only under control when the tool (or the threat of the tool) is present. The dog hasn't actually learned anything different. "I just show him the e-collar remote and he'll listen," or "If I don't put the prong collar on, he pulls so much," are phrases I hear too often.

Don't make these mistakes:
❌ Don't rely on quick fixes that don't address the root cause! These tools might suppress the behavior temporarily, but they don't teach your dog how to feel differently about the trigger. They create a learned helplessness and can even increase anxiety.
❌ Don't demand a "sit" near scary things! This can make your dog lose trust in you. They need you to help them feel safe, not put them in a vulnerable position.
❌ Don't assume your dog feels the same way you do! Just because you think something is fun/harmless doesn't mean your dog does.
❌ Don't flood them! Overwhelming your dog with the trigger (like other dogs) can backfire BIG time. It often makes the behavior worse and creates more fear and anxiety.
❌ Don't wait and hope they'll grow out of it! Problem behaviors rarely disappear on their own. In fact, they often escalate if ignored.

-----

✔️ What if you could stop the excessive barking and lunging by actually addressing the root cause?
✔️ What if you could walk your dog without the fear of them reacting and without having to rely on tools like prong collars or showing an e-collar remote?

It's possible! Let's help your dog learn new coping skills/strategies and build confidence. It takes time and consistency, but the results are lasting . . . without the need to threaten them with a remote or continue to use an aversive tool.

Want to explore if you can witness your dog being less reactive to the things that worry them– like other dogs, big trucks, other people.

Work with them now for the long term life you have together ❤️

Reaching out to chat: 714-794-9625

17/02/2025

Sound Familiar?

"I'll clean out that room tomorrow..." I’ve been talking about decluttering my house for over a decade. What I found so helpful is having accountability buddies. Earlier this year a friend and I set up a weekly decluttering accountability check-in. And I’m doing it!!

We've all been there. Big goals feel overwhelming, so we procrastinate or start small and lose momentum.

Does this sound like your dog training journey?
🐾 Starting a new routine, only to give up after a few days?
🐾 Feeling lost and confused by conflicting advice?
🐾 Wishing you had a support system to keep you accountable?

Imagine this:
✔️ Consistent progress towards your dog training goals.
✔️ A community of dog lovers who understand your challenges.
✔️ Expert guidance tailored to your dog's unique needs.

Sign up for the Silence the Yappy Hour Workshop to learn how to receive accountability and support from dog trainers who can help you implement the steps successfully.

The Workshop is especially for you if this is your current life with your dog.
👉 Are you tired of:
-- Excessive barking at everything that moves.
-- Stressful walks where your dog screams at other people & dogs.
-- Guests avoid your home because of your dog's behavior?

👉 Dream of:
-- Only a few calm alerts, then back to enjoying your day.
-- Enjoying your walks with your dog.
-- Your dog as the welcoming ambassador of your home.

🐶 Dog training is not a one-size-fits-all solution. YouTube videos and generic advice often fall short.

In our workshop we share how we can provides personalized guidance and support from experienced trainers to help you:
❤️ Understand your dog's unique reactivity triggers.
❤️ Develop a customized training plan.
❤️ Stay motivated and accountable with a supportive community.

Join me tonight at the Silence the Yappy Hour Workshop and start your journey to a calmer, more fulfilling life with your dog.
Date: February 17th
Time: 5pm PT/8pm ET

Or, continue to feel frustrated and stuck in the same cycle of inaction. Choose the path to a significantly improved quality of life for both you and your dog.

Take your next step here: https://wowbowwowoc.newzenler.com/f/silence-the-yappy-hour-workshop

17/02/2025

When we know better, we got to do better. . .

There is so much lag in the dog training industry.

So sad.

To the American Kennel Club,

For decades, you have positioned yourselves as a leading authority on dogs in the United States.

With that position comes immense responsibility, to ensure that policies and practices reflect the best available science and prioritize the well-being of the animals entrusted to us.

Yet, when it comes to modern, science-backed dog training, your policies remain alarmingly outdated and increasingly at odds with every major behavioral science organization worldwide.

Let’s be clear: there is no credible scientific body that supports your stance on allowing aversive training methods, including shock collars, prong collars, and coercive techniques.

The American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB), the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB), the British Veterinary Association (BVA), the European College of Animal Welfare and Behavioral Medicine, and even your counterparts, The Kennel Club in the UK, have all reached the same conclusion: aversive training methods are harmful, unnecessary, and counterproductive.

And yet, you continue to stand in opposition to legislative efforts aimed at protecting dogs from these outdated practices.

In 2025, you actively lobbied against New Jersey Senate Bill 3814, which sought to establish humane, evidence-based regulations for dog training by eliminating cruel and scientifically discredited aversive methods.

You opposed Bill 3814 to protect aversive training methods, yet had no issue with its exemption allowing violent and inhumane practices in police dog training. Your priorities are clear, and they are not in the interest of canine welfare.

Instead of embracing this opportunity to lead, you defended archaic techniques that have been shown to cause fear, distress, aggression and unnecessary harm.

You labeled the bill “restrictive,” insisting that trainers need “flexibility” in their methods, even when those methods violate the overwhelming body of research demonstrating the dangers of aversive training.

This is not leadership; it is negligence.

Your current stance is not merely outdated, it is dangerously out of step with scientific consensus and directly undermines canine welfare.

Research consistently shows that punishment in training increases stress, anxiety, and aggression in dogs while offering no advantages over positive reinforcement.

So, why does the AKC continue to defend the indefensible? Is it a reluctance to evolve? A desire to appease outdated training factions? Or a fundamental misunderstanding of the science that governs animal behavior?

Whatever the rationale, the consequence is the same: you are obstructing progress and putting dogs at risk.

Contrast your actions with those of The Kennel Club UK, which has embraced modern science, championed humane training, and lobbied for a complete ban on electric shock collars in England.

They took this stand because they recognized that dog welfare must come before outdated traditions.

The question before you is not a complex one:

Should the public trust the overwhelming consensus of the world’s most credentialed veterinary behavior experts, or should they believe that the AKC alone possesses knowledge that somehow eludes the world’s leading experts in animal behavior and welfare?

It’s time to modernize your stance to one that prioritizes dog welfare by eliminating harmful training methods.

Take a leadership role by publicly rejecting shock collars, prong collars, and coercive techniques.

Align your policies with the overwhelming scientific consensus that positive reinforcement is not just the most effective method, it is the ethical path forward.

History will remember those who led the way and those who stood in the way.

Zak George

Sources for more info
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1SW-sUZ8bhZxXqKGv1qz9wLVqfTy9wzbdY_suFGG_OrA/

15/02/2025

Ending the day with Sweetheart cookies from ♥️

13/02/2025

Is this your current life with your dog?
Excessive barking out the window at everything that goes by.
Screaming on your walks at other people & dogs.
People don’t visit your home anymore.

How about only one or two alert-bark instead?
Dream of enjoying your walks with your dog?
You wish your dog was the greeter at home!

If you want to change your current life with your dog, join the Silence the Yappy Hour Workshop on Monday, Feb 17th. Sign up for the workshop here: https://wowbowwowoc.newzenler.com/f/silence-the-yappy-hour-workshop