Getting Started With Fearless DogsA few simple guidelines to help you and your dog get the most out of our work together.

1. Check-Ins & Communication
Consistent communication helps us adjust quickly and keep progress moving.
Recommended check-in rhythm:

• 2 short check-ins per week (text is best)
• Reach out sooner if:
  • Something feels confusing or isn’t working
  • Your dog’s behavior suddenly changes
  • You’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or discouraged

Please contact me as soon as possible if any of the following occur:

• Any bite or attempted bite (toward a person or another dog)
• Injuries to your dog or anyone else
• Significant or sudden behavior changes
• Situations where you feel unsafe or unsure how to proceed
• Any significant medical issues or changes
  

Keeping me looped in early allows me to stay informed, help you navigate the situation, and adjust our training plan if needed. This isn’t about blame—it’s about safety, support, and working through challenges together.

2. Video Recording Tips (Very Important!)
Video is one of the most powerful tools we use as it lets me see what your dog is actually experiencing without additional human filters or narratives.
What to record:

• Short clips (30~90 seconds)
• Real-life situations, not “perfect” reps
• Both successes and struggles

How to record helpful footage:

• Record horizontally (landscape orientation)
• Profile view usually works best (from the side)
  
• Keep both you and your dog in frame throughout
• Capture a few seconds before the training starts
• Avoid narrating while filming (we’ll review together)

3. Recommended Equipment
Using the right tools helps your dog feel safer and gives you clearer communication.
Everyday essentials (most clients):

• Well-fitted front-clip harness
• 6–8 ft standard leash (not retractable)
• High-value soft treats (pea-sized)

Optional but helpful:

• Long line (15–30 ft) for decompression walks
• Treat pouch for faster delivery
• Phone tripod or clip for easier recording

👉 Recommended links:

4. Practice Guidelines
More training is not always better--quality beats quantity.

• Keep sessions short (generally 2~5 minutes)
• Stop before frustration builds (for you or your dog)
• Focus on one skill at a time (e.g. "down")
• Progress at your dog’s pace, not a timeline

🐾 Calm, consistent reps build confidence faster than intensity.

5. Mindset Matters (For Humans Too)
Working with anxious or reactive dogs can bring up a lot of emotion.
Please remember:

• Setbacks are normal
• Progress is rarely linear
• Your relationship matters more than perfection

If something feels emotionally heavy or discouraging, tell me. That information helps me coach you, not just your dog.

6. When in Doubt, Ask
​There are no “bad” questions here.
If you’re unsure whether to move forward, pause, or change something--check in. Communication helps us stay aligned and keeps training supportive, safe, and effective.