I hear it and see it all the time: my dog doesn’t seem to retain training, or they’re stubborn, or they’re just lost. It’s not that your dog doesn’t get it; it’s that you are babying them along the way. So why should they need to put in the work? Allowing your dog to make choices is the only true way to experience change that lasts and training that sticks.

Reactivity in dogs refers to an exaggerated response to certain stimuli, often displayed as barking, lunging, or pulling on the leash. This behavior can stem from fear, frustration, or overexcitement, and it presents a challenge for both the dog and the owner...