Welcome to Fearless Dogs!
I’m glad you’re here. Working with dogs...whether you’re navigating anxiety, reactivity, building basic skills, or raising a new puppy, can feel overwhelming at times. My goal is to make this process feel clear, supportive, and doable, for both you and your dog. This page outlines a few simple guidelines to help you get the most out of our work together, set expectations, and keep progress moving forward.
1. Check-Ins & Communication
Consistent communication helps us adjust quickly and keep progress moving.
Recommended check-in rhythm:
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:
Using the right tools helps your dog feel safer and gives you clearer communication.
Everyday essentials (most clients):
4. Practice Guidelines
More training is not always better--quality beats quantity.
5. 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. That being said, restarting any concerns in the form of a concise question generally helps me to provide helpful feedback.
I’m glad you’re here. Working with dogs...whether you’re navigating anxiety, reactivity, building basic skills, or raising a new puppy, can feel overwhelming at times. My goal is to make this process feel clear, supportive, and doable, for both you and your dog. This page outlines a few simple guidelines to help you get the most out of our work together, set expectations, and keep progress moving forward.
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
- 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
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
- Record horizontally (landscape orientation) in most cases
- 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)
- Use a phone tripod to allow for hands free recording
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)
- Long line (15–30 ft) for decompression walks
- Treat pouch for faster delivery
- Phone tripod or clip for easier recording
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
5. 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. That being said, restarting any concerns in the form of a concise question generally helps me to provide helpful feedback.