This approach is flexible and can complement what you’re already doing. It’s about shifting the focus from control to communication, and that shift can be introduced in a way that feels natural and effective for both you and the dog.
At the heart of this approach is the idea that the relationship between caregiver and dog is just as important—if not more so—than the techniques we use to train the dog. By focusing on connection, empathy, and trust, we give both dogs and caregivers the tools they need to succeed together.
When dogs feel calm and safe, many of the behaviours that were once challenging or problematic naturally resolve themselves. This underlying principle is key to the approach: creating a sense of security and trust often addresses the root causes of behaviour.
It’s not about “fixing” behaviours directly but providing the dog with an environment where they can feel at ease, and when they do, they’re more likely to behave in ways that are aligned with the caregiver’s expectations.
Here are some of the questions I get asked -
Q1: But dogs need to know who's boss, right? They need clear boundaries and structure to be well-behaved. Aren’t we just "pandering" to the dog if we focus too much on trust and connection?
A1:It's important to acknowledge that boundaries and structure are vital for dogs, but how we establish them matters. Instead of relying on dominance or control to establish these boundaries, we can create structure through trust, clear communication, and consistency.
When dogs feel safe and understood, they are more likely to follow cues and be responsive to guidance. Trust doesn’t mean a lack of boundaries—it’s about setting them in a way that makes the dog feel secure, not fearful. When we lead with empathy, dogs will naturally respect us as leaders, not because of force, but because they trust us.
Q2: Isn’t it important to teach dogs what's acceptable behaviour and what isn’t? Without clear rules, how will they ever learn what’s expected of them?
A2:Absolutely, dogs need to know what is expected of them, but how we communicate these expectations is key. The traditional idea of "punishing" unwanted behaviours often doesn't address the root cause, which can create fear, anxiety, or confusion for the dog. Instead, we can focus on teaching dogs what we want them to do, rather than just what we don’t want.
By addressing the emotional needs and providing clear, calm guidance, dogs learn not just what’s acceptable, but also why certain behaviours are expected—helping them feel more secure and confident in their responses.
Q3: What if the dog is misbehaving and the caregiver just lets them get away with it because they’re focusing too much on "understanding" the dog? Won’t that create bad habits?
A3:It’s a common concern, but the key difference here is that understanding the dog doesn’t mean excusing behaviours—it means addressing the root cause of the behaviour. Misbehaviour is often a symptom of fear, anxiety, or unmet needs. By helping caregivers understand their dog’s emotional state, we can guide them in how to respond calmly and consistently, so the dog learns the right behaviours.
It’s not about letting the dog "get away" with anything. It’s about ensuring that we’re teaching them through connection, not correction, and giving caregivers the tools to guide their dogs with empathy and consistency.
Q4: Doesn’t this approach just make the dog more dependent on the caregiver’s emotional state? Isn’t that counterproductive?
A4:This is a great question, and it’s true that dogs can be sensitive to their caregiver’s emotional state. However, this approach actually empowers the caregiver by teaching them how to manage their own emotions and reactions, so they can be a stable, calm presence for their dog.
Instead of relying on dominance or manipulation, we teach caregivers to lead with mindfulness and consistency, which ultimately builds a dog’s emotional resilience. The dog isn’t dependent on the caregiver’s mood—it’s about creating a stable, safe environment where the dog can thrive.
Q5: What about dogs that are really difficult to train—fearful dogs, aggressive dogs, high-energy dogs? Doesn’t this approach make it harder to handle these cases?
A5:It’s actually the opposite! By focusing on trust and understanding, we create a foundation of safety that can help even the most challenging dogs. Fearful or aggressive dogs often react out of stress, anxiety, or past trauma, and when we meet those needs with patience and calm, we give them the opportunity to learn new ways of interacting.
This approach is especially effective with high-energy dogs, as it channels their energy into positive behaviours and teaches them how to calm down and be present. It doesn’t make handling these cases harder—it provides a new, more compassionate toolkit that can lead to lasting change.
Q6: But don’t some dogs just need a firm hand and a clear leader? Isn’t that the only way to establish respect?
A6:The idea of a "firm hand" often comes from the belief that dogs need to be controlled to respect us. However, true respect is built on trust and consistency, not fear.
Being a clear leader doesn’t mean being harsh or dominant. It means being calm, consistent, and fair in how we communicate with dogs. When a dog feels secure and understands what is expected of them, they will respect the leader—not out of fear, but because they trust and feel safe with them.
Q7: What happens if this approach doesn't work for certain dogs or clients? What’s the backup plan?
A7:Like any approach, trust-based training doesn’t offer a one-size-fits-all solution, but it’s designed to be adaptable. If something isn’t working, it’s often because there are underlying emotional needs that haven’t been addressed yet. That’s where further assessment, additional support, or working with a more tailored approach can come into play.
The key is to shift the mindset from “fixing” behaviours to understanding them and providing consistent, positive guidance. Most issues can be resolved through patience, clear communication, and connection, but every dog is different, and we’re always adapting to what each individual dog needs.
Q8: What if caregivers think they don’t have time for this approach or don’t see it as effective in the short term?
A8:This is a valid concern, and it’s important to acknowledge that building trust takes time. However, the payoff is worth it. In the long run, this approach leads to more sustainable, lasting results.
It’s about teaching caregivers to be present and aware in their interactions with their dogs. They don’t have to dedicate hours of extra training—what’s important is how they engage with their dogs throughout the day, in every interaction. Over time, this mindset shift leads to more cooperative, relaxed dogs and better relationships overall.
Q9: This sounds like a big change. Do caregivers really understand or care about this approach, or are we just complicating things?
A9:Many caregivers are already looking for new ways to connect with their dogs—especially when they feel the traditional training methods aren’t working. This approach speaks to a deeper desire for connection and understanding, not just control.
By focusing on educating caregivers, we empower them to create better environments for their dogs, leading to more harmonious relationships and ultimately more effective training. It’s not about complicating things—it’s about making training more meaningful and long-lasting.
Q10: How can I integrate this approach into my current work without it feeling like a drastic change or taking up too much time?
A10:You can integrate this approach gradually and seamlessly. Start by educating caregivers on the emotional needs of their dogs, and incorporate trust-building exercises into your sessions. You don’t need to abandon your current methods—you can simply build on them by adding elements of connection, empathy, and trust.
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