My Dog's Essence

10/28/2026

Always learning, always growing!

I’m excited to share that I’m taking a course in Predation Substitute Training (PST) with Simone Müeller, a trainer I deeply admire!

My goal is to deepen my understanding of canine predatory behavior and continue developing the skills to help more dogs and their owners navigate the challenges that come with it.

Because our dogs don’t need to stop being dogs. They need us to understand them better. ❤️🐕

I can’t wait to bring this knowledge into my work and help more dogs and their humans build a stronger partnership!

Predation Substitute Training - Simone Mueller

10/27/2026

Meet Nacho! 🧡🐾

Nacho was adopted from a shelter and struggled with walks, barking and lunging at people, cars, cats, and almost anything that moved!

Now, he’s learning that checking in with Mom and Dad can be more fun and rewarding than chasing the world around him. And his humans are learning, too! They’re discovering Nacho’s needs, how to fulfill them, and how to put his natural instincts to work for them instead of against them.

As a working-breed dog, Nacho needs more than just a walk. He needs a job! 🐕💪 Together, we’re building better communication, focus, and a partnership that helps him succeed.

Because when we understand our dogs, we can help them become the best versions of themselves! ❤️

Pets In Need

10/06/2026

Meet Dolly! 🌟

Lucky Dolly found herself a cozy new home—and she hit the jackpot! ❤️

Her new family isn’t just giving her a wonderful life; they’re also committed to learning how to help her grow into the confident, optimistic dog she has the potential to be.

Through training, they’re learning how to understand her, support her, build her confidence, and set her up for success in everyday life. And watching them discover what Dolly is capable of has been so rewarding!

Dolly is already making amazing progress, and I have no doubt she’s going to become a wonderful family dog who can confidently go places and experience life with her people. 🐶✨

Adopting a dog is just the beginning. Learning how to understand and support your new dog can make all the difference.

Exciting things ahead for this new family! 💕🐾

DogConfidence DogTrainingJourney HappyDogsHappyFamilies

10/05/2026

Amazing opportunity

Want to 𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐘 𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐃𝐨𝐠’𝐬 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧 During Training?
Here’s an incredible opportunity to learn from Dr. Wolfram Schultz, Professor of Neuroscience at the University of Cambridge and a pioneering researcher whose work has transformed our understanding of reinforcement, learning, and dopamine.
Dr. Schultz will be presenting TWO connected lectures exploring the neuroscience behind reward, decision-making, and reinforcement.
𝐋𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄 𝟏: 𝐹𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑅𝑒𝑤𝑎𝑟𝑑 𝐹𝑢𝑛𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠 𝑡𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐷𝑜𝑝𝑎𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝑅𝑒𝑤𝑎𝑟𝑑 𝑆𝑖𝑔𝑛𝑎𝑙
📅 October 16, 2026
⏰ 4:00 PM Central Time
Dr. Schultz will explore dopamine’s role in three fundamental functions of reward:
🔹 Learning
🔹 Approach
🔹 Emotion
𝐋𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄 𝟐: 𝑁𝑒𝑢𝑟𝑜𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑜𝑚𝑖𝑐𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝐷𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛-𝑀𝑎𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔
📅 October 23, 2026
⏰ 4:00 PM Central Time
In this lecture, Dr. Schultz will explore the brain systems involved in reward and how they ultimately lead to the outcomes we see from reinforcement.
✨ The two lectures build upon one another, providing a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of how reinforcement works.
For those of us who work with dogs, understanding the science behind reinforcement and learning can give us an even better foundation for understanding why the choices we make during training matter.
🎥 Both lectures will be recorded, so you can watch them even if you can't attend live.
Free BACB CEU credits are included!
𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐍!
👉 Lecture 1:
https://unt.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_zwm-h6KgRfiHaHBmGvA4WQ

👉 Lecture 2:
https://unt.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_HGORffePRYO7YZOfDFGJig
If you're passionate about dog training, behavior, learning, reinforcement, or neuroscience, these are definitely worth checking out!

09/20/2026

If you have the chance! Go today!

https://tickets.thetech.org/events/f4a8a127-14ee-4150-ca58-24df1287e87c?session=34194d3e-f8b8-7616-98c2-439bacadf45a

09/12/2026

Something easy that you can do before you go on a walk with your dog that can help them be more connected and make good choices

09/08/2026

Does your dog think the kitchen counter is a buffet?

That’s counter surfing—putting their paws on the counter or table looking for something to eat or lick.

Here’s the problem: every time your dog finds something, the behavior gets reinforced.

Even a crumb. Even a tiny lick. Even that piece of ham you left there for TWO SECONDS.

And because your dog never knows when they might find something, the surprise can make the behavior even more rewarding.

Eventually, their brain learns:

“Counter = CHECK FOR FOOD!”

So what do you do?

✨ MANAGE: Keep counters and tables clean. Don’t leave food within reach.

✨ TRAIN: Play impulse-control games and practice in the kitchen.

✨ TEACH AN ALTERNATIVE: Set up your dog to notice food on the counter, then reward them for choosing their mat instead.

And remember:

The reward for the behavior you WANT should be better than what they could find on the counter!

The magic wand?

CONSISTENCY.

We’re not just stopping counter surfing—we’re helping your dog build a new habit and giving their brain a better behavior to choose.

🐾 Need help creating a training plan for your dog? Contact me! I’d love to help you put it together: [email protected]

09/07/2026

Thinking about getting a new dog or puppy?

Before you fall in love with those puppy eyes, remember: genetics matter! 🧬

Energy, sensitivity, motivation, instincts, and behavior can all be influenced by genetics. The key is finding a dog whose needs fit your lifestyle. ❤️

And if you’re getting a new puppy or dog, contact me! I can help you start your training journey on the right paw—from choosing the right fit to building a strong foundation.

09/01/2026

Seeing the big picture