Archive - Unpacking Dogs

How I resolved Halle’s reactivity to guests

Play, communication and punishment were all part of the picture

Jun 25 •

January 2025

What my surgery taught me about dog training

On paying attention when a training program isn't working

Jan 18 •

September 2024

You can’t counter condition everything

On obedience and coping skills for everyday canine stressors

Sep 11, 2024 •

May 2024

Go ahead, talk to your dog

Consistent communication can help them be at ease

May 31, 2024 •

April 2024

Who knew bathroom breaks could cause so much grief?

Apr 30, 2024 •

March 2024

The nuances of negative reinforcement

The learning quadrants are just one lens of many for considering how humane a training protocol is.

Mar 30, 2024 •

January 2024

Can we teach dogs mindfulness?

Some thoughts on set ups, coping behaviors and medication to build calm and confidence

Jan 30, 2024 •

November 2023

The nuances of choice and structure

Sometimes, greater structure helps my dog—and me—make better choices

Nov 8, 2023 •

September 2023

I want my dog to be happy

Why training should be focused on wellbeing

Sep 15, 2023 •

August 2023

Maybe I wasn't clear enough...

I meant *responsible* breeding

Aug 22, 2023 •

How my shelter pup changed my mind about breeding

Adopting a companion can be great, but it's not the only ethical way to get a dog.

Aug 21, 2023 •

June 2023

What's in a label?

How terms like "reactive" and "fearful" can both help and hurt dogs.

Jun 12, 2023 •

#nojs-banner { position: fixed; bottom: 0; left: 0; padding: 16px 16px 16px 32px; width: 100%; box-sizing: border-box; background: red; color: white; font-family: -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol"; font-size: 13px; line-height: 13px; } #nojs-banner a { color: inherit; text-decoration: underline; } This site requires JavaScript to run correctly. Please turn on JavaScript or unblock scripts