Waggin' Tails Dog Obedience

09/30/2026

The common instruction to “extend your hand and let the dog sniff you” has misled humans for decades.

When I'm out in the world with either my or clients' dogs, I frequently observe individuals trying to approach us with an excited energy and an outstretched hand to "just say hi."

Dogs are constantly evaluating their surroundings with their nose and eyes. Extending a hand and excitedly reaching out to touch represents to them an uninvited intrusion into their personal space, particularly when they are in the process of deciding whether or not THEY want "to say Hi."

Every dog possesses a unique personality; a select few may be receptive to human contact, while most would prefer to continue on their way. It is crucial to understand that a dog's approach to you does not equate to an invitation for petting. Approaching you is their continued way of assessing and determining if they want to engage with you or not.

Instead of reaching towards an unfamiliar dog, it is recommended to remain calm and composed, and practice ignoring the dog—refrain from talking, making eye contact, or initiating touch. This strategy emphasizes to the dog that you are allowing it to engage with you on its own terms. By permitting the dog to approach you and gather your scent through its sense of smell, you foster a sense of calm and respect to them rather than an invasion of their space.

Needless to say, it is of utmost importance to teach children the same principles: remain calm, give dogs space—especially those they are unfamiliar with—and if a dog comes closer, allow it to sniff them without interference.

03/22/2026

My beasty kidz!

12/17/2025

At its core, reactivity is a dog burdened with a role they were never meant to assume.

Most people attempt to reduce reactivity by addressing its outward manifestations—the barking, the lunging, or the panic. However, reactivity doesn’t simply go away when you tell the dog to “stop,” try to comfort them, or offer treats in an attempt to redirect them. True change occurs only when the dog stops believing they are responsible for making sense of or controlling the world around them.

When humans respond with affection—soft voices, reassuring touch—they believe they are providing comfort. But dogs don’t perceive affection as emotional support. To them, it’s just soft energy. When this energy is given at the wrong time, it sends precisely the opposite message:

“I feel it too.”
“I’m uncertain too.”
“You’re right to be on alert.”

While affection can deepen bonds, it does not establish leadership or guidance. Reactivity only diminishes when the dog recognizes a shift in leadership and direction.

11/09/2025

You don’t train off-leash...you earn it.

A dog that walks off leash isn’t just trained — they trust, respect, and love their human. That’s not obedience. That’s a relationship.

You earn that freedom through energy: silence, calmness, confidence, love, and joy. That’s what allows your dog to stay connected to you, even when there’s no leash.

Want that kind of bond? Lead with energy, not just commands.

10/15/2025

FANTASTIC IDEA...Gets the point across!!

The other day I was at the local public park (not a dog park, but dogs are allowed there). We were walking along in a high movement area so I had my dog on a leash. Another dog, off leash, sees us and starts approaching.

My dog needs her space so we start moving away, but the dog got to us before we could leave. My dog was stressing a little so I politely said to the woman, "Sorry, my dog doesn't want to play" and ushered her dog away.
Her dog gets the message and moves on.

Quite good, right? Here comes the juicy part:

As I’m leaving the owner comes to me with a speech more or less like this:

"Hey, if your dog is nervous and doesn’t even want to play with other dogs, go somewhere else! Don’t come to the park and ruin other dogs fun."

I heard this and a wave of fury started taking over, but suddenly I had a lightbulb moment and switched gears completely.

With the biggest, friendliest smile, I opened my arms as wide as I could and said, "Ohhhhh! Come here... I want to give you a BIG hug!"

With panic in her eyes, she backs up, speechless and quickly starts walking away.

I said, "Hey, don’t run, I’m so friendly!! Come on, I only want to give you a hug! I’m friendly I promise... I just want to Hug You!"

Still speechless and backing away with terror now, I then said, "Wait, You don’t want my friendly hug?"

She yelled, "No! Absolutely not!"

To which I responded, "Well neither does my dog! Have a nice day."

As I walked away, I saw her just standing there, speechless...and leashing her dog! 😅

Have fun using this one!!

10/14/2025

A large part of this applies to puppies/dogs, too.

10/12/2025

08/21/2025

Life is best shared with a big sister.

07/27/2025

We now have another choice for our mobile grooming needs. Give Scott a call to see if he's a good fit for you and your pup!