Diana Simonsen Dog Training

06/18/2026

Loving a dog and accepting a dog are not always the same thing.

In her latest Substack post, veterinary behaviorist Dr. Kelly Ballantyne shares a deeply personal reflection on her journey with her dog, Tonks. Despite her professional expertise and providing the best possible socialization, Tonks developed profound fear and anxiety that completely changed their lives.

Dr. Ballantyne opens up about the complex reality many caregivers face: the silent grief of letting go of the dog you imagined having, and the long, non-linear path to truly accepting the dog in front of you.

Whether you are navigating behavioral challenges, feeling the weight of caregiver burden, or working toward that sense of peace, this article is a compassionate reminder that acceptance takes time and that you are not alone in the struggle.

Read the full article here: https://insightfulanimals.substack.com/p/the-dog-i-wished-id-picked

06/12/2026

Great sale being offered on our favorite training platforms!

The KLIMB Jr. Bundle is a simple and fun way to help your dog build good habits. It includes two KLIMB Jr. platforms, each measuring 24" long x 15" wide x 6" high, perfectly sized for your dog’s comfort and confidence. You’ll also get an easy-to-follow online course that shows you how to get you...

06/11/2026

Can giving dogs a choice actually make them more reliable and effective at their jobs?

Many trainers worry that giving an animal a choice creates anarchy. However, Ken Ramirez explains that incorporating choice does not mean allowing a dog to abandon a task.

As behavior expert Dr. Susan Friedman suggests, the goal is to "honor the 'no' but shape the 'yes'." When a dog has the freedom to opt out, they often choose to participate with more enthusiasm, precision, and confidence.

Read the full article to learn how a search-and-rescue team used an innovative choice-based protocol to completely transform a dog's success rate:

Can animals have choice without sacrificing reliability? Learn how choice-based training improves performance, trust, and accuracy.

06/05/2026

Wonderful work in the Rally Obedience arena this week.
Teams brought great focus, beautiful heeling. clear stationary cues, and precise navigation through the signs and cone turns, from distance work to quick, accurate recalls.
Thank you to everyone who came out to work with their dogs this week.