Hey burnt out dog owner!
You're in the right place if you:
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1. Don't really like your dog right now
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2. Are struggling to understand WHY your dog acts and HOW to predict what they'll do next
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3. Are ashamed of how upset your dog's reactions make you
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4. Have tried other trainers (even 4 or more other trainers) but aren't getting the results you want
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5. Feel afraid of your dog when they're out of control
If you're saying "Wow! Someone gets it!"
THEN YOU ARE GOING TO LOVE:
Connection over Control
The best human centered dog training program designed specifically for reactive dog owners to prevent problem behaviors from occuring, learn how to connect to their do so that dog + human can emotionally regulate, and create REAL, SUSTAINABLE, behavior change.
If you're anything like my clients, then you're ready to:
-Understand the WHYs behind your dog behaviors, so you can effectively change it
-Fast track your dog’s behavior change, and cut out all the wasted hours, tears, and confusion spent deciphering Youtube training videos
-Learn how to let go of your frustration surrounding your dog’s behavior
-Work with a dog trainer who won’t shame you for being human
And really… You just want to know that you’re doing it RIGHT! You want to know that all the time, resources, and effort you’ve invested into your dog will pay off!
You want to feel...
Confident
"I'm a great dog owner!
Supported
"I'm heard, and we're reaching our goals without being rushed into situations we're not ready for."
At peace
"These methods feel good for me and my dog!"
But you fear...
X You’re always going to feel like training is too frustrating to try
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X That if it can’t be done perfectly, there’s no point in trying
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X Feeling like a bad owner when you struggle to keep up with your training exercises
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X Wasting lots of time, money, and energy on a method that won’t work
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X Being seen as a bad dog owner for having a reactive dog
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X Not being honest with your trainer, because you feel ashamed of your limits/you feel ashamed of the reality you’re dealing with
And let’s be honest, you’re stuck with
a million questions
that need to be answered.
You're asking yourself (and Google)
How do I train my dog to listen to me?
How do I get my dog to stop barking?
How do I manage my anger when my dog acts out of control?
How do I have guests over when my dog doesn’t like them?
Who can care for my dog when I travel?
Why does my dog only act protective around me?
Can animal control take my dog for one bite?
AND MOST IMPORTANTLY- how on earth do you create a training plan so you can be done with it already and have a dog you can trust?
If you want to fix your dog’s behavior, learn to trust your dog again, and learn how to replicate those results for all kinds of situations without feeling gross about the training methods or overwhelmed by the training process...
THEN YOU NEED TO PRIORITIZE CONNECTION OVER CONTROL SO YOU CAN START GETTING THE RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR DOG THAT YOU'VE ALWAYS WANTED
Develop your custom behavior modification plan so that you can have a training program that works in any situation you’re in with your dog.
WANT TO KNOW WHY?
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Most new owners think they should jump straight into training (because they love their dog and they want to do what’s best for them!)...
But unfortunately, this leaves them uncertain about their training goals, confused on what it takes to get reliable behavior, scared that no training program will work, and very quickly feeling like they’re going to have a breakdown if their dog has one more embarrassing situation in the neighborhood.
BUT THIS DOESN'T HAVE TO BE YOUR STORY!!
Learning to prioritize connection is the key to making sustainable behavior change with your dog!
Once you develop your custom behavior modification plan you will:
-Be able to predict what causes your dog’s reactions
-Understand how to change your dog’s mind about their triggers
-Learn to work with your dog in a way that isn’t overwhelming
-Feel so much relief knowing that the way you trained your dog is in alignment with your values
My clients have proven this! Read Neta's review:
"He was amazing in giving Rico the confidence he needed right from the start"
Our Rico is an anxious, responsive dog. Max was the best trainer for him. He was amazing in giving Rico the confidence he needed right from the start, bonding with him and teaching me how to work with Rico on my own.
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I felt that Max really understands both Rico and me, and that he really cares. Unlike a previous trainer, he was patient with both of us, very attentive to Rico's needs and always came up with new ideas and suggestions. Our family will forever be grateful for the time Max dedicated to train Rico and teach us how to understand and help him.
But who am I to support you in creating a better tomorrow with your dog?
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Hi, I’m Max, and I created Control Over Connection because I love helping intelligent, hard-working, empathetic dog owners like you learn about canine connection- so you can have a relationship with your dog that feels easy.
You might recognize me from...
I love nerding out about training methods, the best way to address aggression, the best practices to make sure my clients can keep up with the work, and new ways to approach dogs that others say can’t be fixed.
I’ve created training courses, community education seminars, and I’ve helped hundreds of clients from all around the world in my time as a behavior consultant.
I focused my studies on “red line” cases when I was interning, and leverage the education I have today as a Certified Behavior Consultant, Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, and Behavior Adjustment Training Instructor in everything I do to create meaningful change for dogs and families just like yours.
I created my first program to address human aggression that got AMAZING results (like 0 reactivity to people coming into the home), and honed it so that clients could go through the same process with ease, no matter what trigger their dog reacted to.
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Now it’s my mission to help you make a bigger change with your unique skills as a dog owner.
I believe that if you are drawn to this kind of training, you are meant to help bring more peace, empathy, and light into the world. But I see so many dog owners giving up because they don’t have all the pieces they need, and getting so frustrated that for their own sanity, they switch to a training method that doesn’t make them (or their dog) feel good. Worse, a lot of these owners lose tons of $$$ going through trainers that just don’t have the ability to think outside the box and address each dog-owner pair as a unique team.
It’s time for you to be the change your dog needs without driving yourself crazy!
That’s why I created Connection Over Control
"Now, Shadow is able to walk past dogs around our apartment complex, recall away from dogs at the park, and wander around a pet store with unwavering focus."
My service dog Shadow was struggling to adjust after a cross-country move and was growing reactive with dogs around our apartment and nearby parks. Given that she is a working dog, I knew I had to help her adjust and get her reactivity handled.
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Max helped me to gain her focus and taught me techniques to help her redirect her excitement to more appropriate behaviors. Her favorite thing in the world is being outdoors to sniff anything and everything, and a lot of her training came down to learning to meet her needs in a way that was manageable and sustainable for both of us. Whenever we struggled, Max was
ready and willing to coach us along and get us to a place where we could feel accomplished.
Now, Shadow is able to walk past dogs around our apartment complex, recall away from dogs at the park, and wander around a pet store with unwavering focus. Max’s training has given me peace of mind and the ability to give Shadow what she needs to succeed and be a happy, focused working service dog again!
Connection Over Control Can Help You...
…create a behavior modification plan that address ALL your dog’s triggers (including the quirky, hard to predict ones)
…gain confidence so you can understand what drives your dog’s reactions and stop living in fear
…navigate all the “If X, then what?” questions that come with training a spicy dog
…design a training program that actually fits your hours, energy, and ability to train
…emotionally regulate, even in the face of upsetting behavior from your dog
…have the relationship with your dog that you’ve always dreamed of
LOOK INSIDE:
Connection over Control
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The best human focused dog training program designed specifically for reactive dog owners to prevent problem behaviors from occurring, learn how to connect to their do so that dog + human feel calm, and create REAL, SUSTAINABLE, behavior change.
What we'll cover in Connection over Control:
Step 1: Put The Fire Out
Why:
Before you can try to rebuild, you have to stop the fire from spreading. The same is true of dog behavior. This step is crucial, because it gives you the space you need to create long-term change, and the ability to do it sustainably. It also allows us to address contributing factors, fixing the problem and its root.
How:
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Take stock of your mental, emotional, and energetic resources
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Learn how to set and implement goals sustainably
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Identify and fulfill needs for yourself and dog
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Create and implement a Management Strategy
After Step 1, you'll be able to manage any problem behaviors your dog has. Both you and your dog will get immediate relief from the stress their behaviors cause. You won't have to live your life walking on eggshells, and your dog will reflect that. Some of your dog's problem behaviors may even disappear entirely, because you'll understand what contributes to those behaviors, and how to fulfill those needs.
Step 2: Regroup
Why:
Telling a reactive dog to "leave it" is like telling a child who is mid-meltdown to go do math homework. It might stop the presentation, but it's not dealing with the underlying cause.
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When your dog is able to emotionally regulate, they'll be able to pause before reacting. Heck, they may not react at all, because they've learned to process.
How:
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Connect with yourself and unlock the secrets to human emotional regulation
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Understand your dog's body language so you can understand what predicts a reaction
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Develop a unique connection with your dog
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Practice social play to deepen the dog-human relationship
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Learn about your dog's thresholds, and how their nervous system states work
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Train your dog to offer calmness and emotionally regulate in stressful situations
After Step 2, you'll feel so much more confident in your relationship with your dog. You'll understand what your dog's body language means and how they communicate with you. Meanwhile, your dog will feel secure in their attachment to you. Finally, you'll have a dog who will pause to process a situation before reacting. These changes will hugely improve your quality of life and leave you feeling less isolated and overwhelmed.
Step 3: Rebuild
Why:
Behavior modification is the heart of any reactive dog training plan. This section will give you the tools to improve your timing, train foundational skills, and develop a behavior modification plan specific to your dog's needs. With these skills, you'll be unstoppable. As a bonus, because you've learned the whys, you'll be able to repeat this strategy with any dog you meet.
​How:
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Learn how to use a clicker and improve your training skills
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Teach your dog foundational skills, like "Mat," and "Come"
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Learn how to desensitize and counter condition your dog's triggers
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Develop a strategy for behavior modification specific to your dog
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Identify the nuances to behavior modification in real life, and implement strategies accordingly
After Step 3, you'll have a thorough understanding of how to deal with your dog's specific triggers. You'll be able to leave your dog's problem behaviors behind. Better yet, because you'll learn how to troubleshoot and adjust accordingly, you'll be able to implement this strategy with any dog you meet. It's the gift that keeps giving!
"[...]this progress is amazing!" -Paige Z.
"Max is the best! We have two dogs who are reactive (with barking) when people come to the house and one of them struggles with frustration tolerance. After working with Max, my family commented that our dogs seemed so much better behaved and even seem like different dogs entirely. We still have more to work on, but this progress is amazing.Max is so patient and kind with my pups. It’s clear that he’s a cut above than other trainers we have worked with. I’m so happy we found him!"
How The Magic Happens:
6 MONTHS OF GROUP COACHING:
On live group coaching calls twice a month, you’ll receive accountability and support to keep moving forward towards your goal of having a dog who doesn't stress you out! Through personalized coaching questions, I will help you to understand the patterns that your dog is stuck in and how to move past them. I will also advise you on what I know works best based on years of academic study of canine behavior AND years of experience as a successful behavior consultant — but ultimately, support YOU to decide what works best for you and your ideal dog.
HOW-TO VIDEO PRESENTATIONS
You will receive access to a library of training videos on every lesson we work through in Connection over Control. Through detailed videos, you'll gain a deeper understanding of your dog's behavior, and you'll be getting it straight from the mouth of someone who has already spent years teaching the material and helping people just like you to implement it. No conflicting information or hours spent searching for some obscure video on Youtube!
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MY STEP BY STEP TRAINING PLAN DEVELOPMENT METHOD:
You will receive a fillable workbook with directions to walk you through every crucial piece of developing your training program. Through every step of the program, I will make sure you know the “why” behind what I recommend, and ensure you feel connected to the “how” of what you are doing. You’ll have everything you need to be confident as a reactive dog owner, because you’ll have my repeatable process that works for every kind of behavior (trust me, I've seen it all)
CUSTOMIZABLE TEMPLATES:
Save a TON of time in training your dog by using the templates I give you to use to create your own training plan. I’ll share an editable Google Doc with all the information, pointers, and steps you need to work through your own behavior transformation. We’ll both have access to it to make sure as you have questions, I can help you power through any tech blocks!
BETWEEN CALL Q+A SUPPORT
Through comments, email, and messaging… I am here to answer aaalllll of your strategy questions about how to work through your custom behavior modification plan from what behaviors to target to what techniques you need to do b-mod in real life. And of course, aaalllll the mindset blocks you’ll encounter such as “Can I really change that behavior?” or “What do I do if I'm feeling scared about the situation?” We will work through any limiting self-beliefs that are holding you up. My coaching support will help you make well-aligned decisions that work for YOU AND YOUR DOG and help you reach your ultimate outcome of having a well-adjusted dog!
PRIVATE COMMUNITY ACCESS:
You will be invited to join a private Facebook group. This means you’ll have a community of likeminded dog owners that understand the process you’re going through available to network, collaborate, and share resources with. Developing relationships with other dog owners is super helpful as you are working with a "spicy" dog, and this program feature makes it easy for you to connect with your like-minded peers.
Oh! And one more GIANT BONUS to ensure your success...
+ A ONE ON ONE BEHAVIOR CONSULTATION AND TRAINING SESSION!!!
Valued at $333 (but free for Connection over Control participants!), Your Behavior Consultation and Training Strategy Session will help you clarify how you'll work through your newly developed training plan in ways that feel good to you and your dog so you can confidently change your dog's behavior and get started on training that makes an impact right away!
We'll review all your work and I'll make sure you have every question answered so you can confidently get to the other side of your dog's problem behavior!
If you're thinking...
"I don’t feel confident in my skills yet!"
That’s okay! If you don’t feel confident developing and implementing your custom behavior modification program, that makes sense! If you’ve never done this type of work, then of course you don’t feel confident in your abilities yet. What experience do you have ot prove that you should feel confident yet? That is your brain’s natural response to keeping you safe and protected from risks. But as a dog owner, you have to learn to manage those fears and make well-aligned decisions.
So instead of waiting until you feel confident, I recommend you ask yourself if you feel ready to be COURAGEOUS and if you believe that NAME can help you get to where you want to go. If you said yes, then you are 100%in the right place and are ready to join me!
"I’m not sure if I’ve had my dog long enough to be in this program, what if it’s not what she needs?"
If you are wondering about this, I can tell a couple of things about you already… 1) You care A LOT about the dog you have, and 2) You take the impact you have on said dog very seriously.
Am I right?
If so, I want you to know that those are two core personality traits (empathy and conscientiousness) that are really hard to train people on. Given that you naturally have these two traits and are applying them to yourself, I know that you are already ready to do this because those are the two most critical traits of any good dog owner!! If you’re still not sure though, let’s discuss your background, experience, education, and your dog’s story. Seriously, send me a message on Facebook. I’ll give you my opinion on your readiness. I’ll be honest with you if I think you need additional training, and will even recommend where to find your next training program if I think you need it. And, if you need one more reason… Remember that right now there are dog owners and even trainers out there doing what you could be doing with way less heart or skills. Your dog (and all the dogs you interact with) needs your skillset!
"This is a really overwhelming decision, and maybe I should spend some more time watching what other dog owners and trainers do for a while"
Have you ever heard the phrase, “Comparison is the thief of joy?” Well, it’s true. If you are spending all your time comparing your inner thoughts and experiences to the final products you’re seeing of other people’s dogs online, you are stealing your joy. I’m willing to vet that if you’re spending more tim epeeping on whatother Coaches are doing instead of working on your own relationship with your dog that you probably feel paralyzed by fear, doubt, and may have even convinced yourself that you’re not good enough for your goal of changing your dog’s behavior WITHOUT resorting to fear or pain. YIKES! Please hear me when I say that you being here- right here- reading this sentence (YES, THIS SENTENCE) tells me that you are ready to stop stalling your growth and that the pull you’ve been feeling ot work with an actual behavior consultant to develop and implement your own training plan is your next best step. As pet lovers, we always want to help people find more joy with their animals, and animals find more enjoyment and happiness in their time with us. If you were an outsider to this, would you recommend you take action and do what needs to be done to work on improving your relationship with your dog? If so, let’s get to work!
"I haven’t done enough training so there’s no way I’d succeed with virtual training!"
I remember when everything had to go virtual in March 2020, and how worried we all were that the educational workshops we’d developed, the obedience classes not yet finished, and the intensive behavior programs we’d had were all put on pause. That was a real fish out of water moment- and it wasn’t just me feeling it, all of our clients did, too.
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The thing is that now, more than 4 years later (...wow), we’ve got this stuff down to a science. I’ve helped hundreds of people get through technology barriers with clear and easy-to-follow steps, and it’s actually helped people who didn’t have access to a real behavior consultant prior to this program’s launch.
What really surprised me is that I’ve seen better results doing things virtually than I ever did in person. I know that if you’re reading this, you’ve already aligned yourself with values that I share. So if you’re anything like my other clients, you’re someone who is empathetic, intelligent, and hard working. That goes a long way, because it’s true that in a program like this, the onus is on you, the owner, to do more of the work.
However, the work we get done is of a higher quality. Connection over Control is delivered the way it is to allow dog owners to reflect and do the work in between sessions, so that you’re not rushing through. This program is going to push you to think creatively, be honest with yourself, and be emotionally open in ways no other trainer is ever going to ask you. Because of exactly that, I’ll know what your blocks are, what resources you’re working with, and the exact steps we need to take to help you get from point A to point B with your dog’s behavior. And that’s something I can’t offer to my in-person clients.
"I don’t know if it’s worth the investment right now"
Have you ever heard the phrase, “It takes money to make money?” Well, this is one of those moments where it really does. I know it’s scary to take a risk on yourself and dive into your dog’s wellbeing with complete commitment and trust in yourself. But think of it this way… If you being in this program means that you avoid working with however many other trainers, vets, or dog groomers that don’t understand dog psychology, supporting the human, and how to adapt the training plan to every individual dog- you’ll save thousands. I can guarantee that if you want to be confidently and consistently making the right choices for your dog, you need to have a fully developed training program you are confident in! Connection over Control has everything you need to develop and implement your training program. So even if you’re not seeing “enough,” change yet, the problem could be that you haven’t joined Connection over Control yet to learn and apply the first critical steps of changing your dog’s behavior!
Wondering if Connection over Control is really as great as it seems?
Don't just take my word for it....
Read more reviews:
"Max is amazing at training and super helpful, I would not be where I am with my service animal in training if it were not for him." -Julia L
"Amazing trainer!! My dog Daisy is reactive and taking her on a walk was a struggle. Coming to Max was the best thing that I could do for my dog. After training with him, my dog is able to walk on leash without going after other dogs! I could not be any happier!!!!!!" - Bella N and Daisy
"Even little dogs can be difficult to train.....Max really knows and appreciates dogs, does a wonderful job of engaging the dog and making them want to please! So glad I invested in this training." -Renee W. and Lucy
Who is Connection over Control Designed For?
IF YOU:
-Are truly ready for change
-Prioritize trust and honesty in a relationship OVER CONTROL-
-KNOW that you want a trainer whose beliefs about attachment, safety, and emotional regulation align with yours
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-You truly want a deeper way of connecting to your dog
-Have the ability to commit time, money, and energy to see the best relationship possible with your dog come to fruition
THEN YES! CONTROL OVER CONNECTION IS A GREAT FIT FOR YOU!
IF YOU:
-Waiting for something else to happen before you take your dog’s behavior seriously
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-Not ready to be honest about your goals and struggles (I can’t fully help you otherwise)
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-Fine with continuing to try things without any personalized guidance
THEN NO. CONTROL OVER CONNECTION IS NOT A GOOD FIT FOR YOU RIGHT NOW.
Have an unanswered question? Check out the FAQs:
How long is Connection over Control? 6 months
How many coaching calls will we have? Connection over Control includes 12 group coaching calls over 6 months. We meet on the 2nd and 4th Friday’s at 1pm EST. You’ll also have a Bonus One-on-One Behavior Modification Session.
How long is Connection over Control? 6 months
When do we start?! As soon as you’re ready! Sign up here: LINK
What happens once I enroll? You’ll be able to start asking me all your questions, and you’ll receive access to our shared workbook, lessons, and our private community on the first day of the program. Then you’ll join us on our next group call!
How much is the investment? ???
Do you offer payment plans? Yes! Email info@rosiestailtraining.com to enroll in a payment plan to split up your investment in a way that works for you and your budget.
What are the terms and conditions for this program? Clients in Connection over Control agree to the following terms of use: BLANK
My dog is "insert type of behavior", will this REALLY help me? If you are a dog owner with any kind of dog, yes, this course is for you. While the individual behavior plans will be different for every dog coming through this program, we’ve helped all kinds of cases- including separation anxiety, severe human aggression, dog-dog aggression, cat aggression, and dogs who were well-behaved, but still struggled to self-regulate in busy environments. At the end of the day, the principles of connection will remain the same.
Will I have to spend money on fancy gadgets? No. All you need is your dog and yourself. Food, clicker, and a mat will become necessary in module 3, but aren’t required before then.
My time is limited. How much time will I need to commit to this work each week? Based on client’s past experiences, if you can commit to 2-3 hours a week to work through the program and implement change with your dog, you’ll have a dog with vastly different behavior at the end of Connection over Control.
Do I have to have my dog for a certain amount of time before I join? No. In fact, many clients come to us with rescues or fosters who are struggling to adjust to their new homes. We recommend taking action ASAP, since dogs who have been displaced are both more ready to learn given the new environment, and in desperate need of connection, due to the stress.
Do I need a training certification? No. It’s great if you do, but this program is designed to help even first-time dog owners. No experience required.
What all do I need to know about my relationship to my dog before I'm ready to join? You need to know that you want a relationship to your dog. That’s it. In Connection over Control, I’ll help you figure out what you want that relationship to look like, and how you can sustainably get there.
Is Connection over Control only for owners of reactive dogs? No. While many of our clients do struggle with reactivity, any dog can benefit from this program, because the principles of connection are universal. Even a dog whose well behaved on the surface will feel more heard, appreciated, and seen when their owners make a point to focus on connection.
I've had a few dogs, but don't know what my goal is with my dog yet, am I ready to join Connection over Control? Yes. Anyone of any experience will do well here. And a lot of people come to Connection over Control with no clear idea of their future- it’s my job to help you dream the future you’ve always wanted, then to help you build it.
Is this a dog trainer program? While I wish this type of learning was required for any to-be dog trainer, this is a client focused program instead of a mentorship one. You are welcome to take this course if you are a trainer, but it will require working with your own dog, and deeper self-reflection than any training course you’ve taken before.
How long will my custom training program be? We don’t know yet! That depends on the dog you have, the behavior you want to address, and the circumstances you’re working within. I will help you figure out what is right for you.
Will I just copy what you do? Sort of- you’ll use the framework that I developed, but I don’t have the lived experiences, relationship to your dog, and your resources. I can’t say what exactly that will look like. I will give suggestions, review, and help you to implement your behavior modification.
What makes you different as a Canine Behavior Consultant? Unlike other trainers, I approach training through a holistic lens. Specifically, I look at it through the lens of emotional regulation, and support for the human. Simply put, my job is to look at the entire puzzle and pull apart the reasons your dog does what they do- to identify the patterns that others miss, the motivators that aren’t immediately apparent, and the real reasons behind why your dog is engaging in those pesky problem behaviors. In every case I’ve worked, it’s my ability to think outside the box, get curious, and see to the heart of the issue that saves the day.
