Why I Chose Dog “Training”: Because we owe it to dogs. They deserve better. They are worth it. And dog training makes me a better human.
What’s Next? Making it my personal mission to shift the narrative from viewing dogs as products to recognizing them as sentient beings deserving of empathy and respect—all through Loyal Pawrenting.
My Dog Training Journey: How It All Started
My dog training journey officially began in 2023 when I enrolled in The Victoria Stilwell Academy for Dog Training and Behavior. But truthfully, the seeds of this passion were planted in 2020, when my boyfriend (now husband) and I decided to adopt a puppy during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. With both of us working from home and the world feeling stagnant, we sought purpose in the form of a new furry family member.
Enter Coco, our Labrador puppy—my first true canine companion. I was determined to do everything “right” and become the best dog mom possible. Since Coco was a purebred Labrador, I assumed she would naturally exhibit all the traits of a “perfect family dog”: friendly, obedient, and adaptable. So, I immersed myself in positive reinforcement training, watching endless videos by Zak George and binge-watching It’s Me or the Dog with Victoria Stilwell.
By the time Coco turned 18 months, she had achieved impressive milestones:
- AKC Intermediate Trick Dog title
- Mastery of over 20 tricks
- Graduation from the AKC Puppy Star program
- Well on her way to earning her Canine Good Citizen (CGC) title
I was confident in my clicker training skills and envisioned Coco excelling in competitive agility and even becoming a therapy dog. Everything seemed perfect—until it wasn’t.
When Things Took a Turn
As Coco approached her second birthday, we noticed troubling changes. She became:
- Uneasy around her “doggy cousins”
- Skittish with strangers
- Reactive and anxious, mirroring behaviors from her sister Riley, who had a history of neophobia
The shift was startling, especially since Coco had previously shown no signs of behavioral issues. The return to “normal” life post-pandemic seemed to overwhelm her, and it became clear that my operant conditioning approach wasn’t enough. You can’t simply tell someone who is scared to “stop being scared”—they need to feel safe from the inside out.
I felt ashamed, as if I had failed her. My mind raced through all the possible mistakes I could have made. The moment that solidified my realization was during a visit to a new veterinary clinic. I was there to help Coco through a routine exam, but instead, I watched her air snap, growl, and panic. This wasn’t the confident dog I thought I had trained.
Meeting Our Heroes: Caitlin McCook and Dr. Rox
After Coco’s distressing behavior at the vet, I was referred to Caitlin McCook, a positive reinforcement trainer and behavior consultant. My immediate goal was to get Coco through an annual exam without fear or aggression. Caitlin patiently helped me see that Coco’s vet reactivity was a symptom of a larger issue—a lack of confidence and emotional regulation.
Through Caitlin’s guidance, I realized my mistake: while I had focused on teaching behaviors, I had overlooked Coco’s emotional well-being. My relentless efforts to be the “perfect dog parent” had unintentionally created a dog who could perform on cue but lacked confidence in unfamiliar situations. She had been telling me she was uncomfortable for a long time, but I hadn’t been listening.
The Path to Progress
Over the next year, my husband, Dr. Rox, Caitlin, and I worked tirelessly to help Coco feel safe and comfortable in various environments. We built predictable patterns for her through protocols like:
- Go Say Hi 1-2-3
- Unprompted Check-ins (Both by Suzanne Clothier)
We also explored activities that tapped into Coco’s natural strengths and interests, including Rally, Scent Detection, and Agility training. Scent detection, in particular, became a favorite game and boosted her confidence immensely.
Today, Coco can breeze through her annual veterinary visits without fear. She confidently performs scent searches inside places like Home Depot, turning potentially stressful situations into fun challenges.
Lessons Learned
Coco’s journey taught me that dog training isn’t just about obedience—it’s about empathy, understanding, and respect. It revealed how little I truly knew, even after years of living with dogs. Most importantly, it highlighted that there is no such thing as “perfect.” The nature vs. nurture dynamic was at play, and we had to address both sides of the equation.
As the saying goes, “When you know better, you do better.”
Now, I can never go back to ignoring the subtle cues of body language or the complexities of a dog’s emotions. I learned that good intentions alone aren’t enough—true progress requires understanding a dog’s physiology, psychology, and need for enrichment.
Moving Forward: From Dog Owner to Dog Trainer
While I continued volunteering at LifeLine Animal Project, I encountered countless dogs and guardians struggling with behavior challenges. I often wanted to jump in and help, but I didn’t feel qualified enough. That’s when I decided to enroll in the Victoria Stilwell Academy and pursue formal training education.
Since then, I’ve completed various certifications and met incredible mentors who have shaped my understanding of dog behavior. I’ve been busy learning, growing, and preparing to help more dogs and their humans.
My Mission: Shifting the Narrative
Through Loyal Pawrenting, my mission is to change how people view and treat dogs. They aren’t products; they are sentient beings with emotions, needs, and personalities. By fostering empathy, respect, and education, I aim to:
- Help dogs stay out of shelters
- Find the right homes for shelter dogs
- Support foster parents in creating successful placements
One dog and one family at a time, I’m dedicated to making a meaningful impact—all rooted in the lessons Coco taught me.