👋 Welcome to our newest member — I’m glad you’re here. If you’re just joining, there’s no rush to post or jump into everything. A good place to start is the Start Here section in the Classroom when it feels right. Many members begin with Training Journaling for Results, but you’re welcome to explore in whatever order feels manageable. The Resources section contains reference material you can return to anytime, and the Weekly Q&A is available if you’d like feedback. You’re welcome to participate as much or as little as you like. This space is here to support clarity and thoughtful training over time.

🐾 Weekly Training Q&A – Ask Here This thread is for thoughtful training questions and problem-solving. To help me give you the best answer, please include the following from your training journal whenever possible. ✍️ When posting, tell me: 1️⃣ What behavior are you working on? (Short and specific) 2️⃣ What have you observed? What did your dog actually do? (Journal notes are very helpful here.) 3️⃣ What were you hoping would happen? 4️⃣ What have you already tried? (Environment, duration, reinforcement used) 5️⃣ Optional: short video (30–60 seconds max) 📓 About the training journal If you’ve been journaling, feel free to: - Copy a short journal entry - Summarize a few recent sessions - Share what patterns you’re noticing You do not need perfect notes — clarity matters more than detail. 📚 You can find reference materials (including an overview of different types of focus) in the Resources section of the Classroom. 🧠 A few notes - Struggles are information, not failure - You don’t need to have the “right” answer before asking - Replies may be written or video, depending on what’s most helpful - This thread is checked regularly, but not in real time 🐶 Reminder Your dog is always giving you information. The journal — and this Q&A — help us learn how to see it.

This community is built around understanding behavior, nervous systems, and emotional regulation — for both dogs and humans. We use positive reinforcement extensively, especially when teaching new skills, building clarity, and supporting learning. Clear communication, reinforcement, and success-based teaching are foundational here. At the same time, we also believe dogs need structure, boundaries, and guidance. Thoughtful interruption, redirection, and context-appropriate feedback may be used when needed, always with attention to the dog’s emotional state and ability to learn in that moment. This is not a space for punishment, intimidation, or forcing compliance. It is also not a space where dogs are left without direction, criteria, or support. Training here is balanced, humane, and situational — guided by: - the individual dog - the environment - the dog’s nervous system - and the long-term goal of stability and trust Methods are chosen thoughtfully, not ideologically.

This community is designed to be a steady, supportive resource — not something you have to keep up with. As a member, you get: • Foundational course content focused on calm, stress, arousal, and behavior as communication (new material will be added over time) • Thoughtful guidance rooted in understanding nervous systems — for both dogs and humans • A low-pressure community space where questions are welcome, and quiet participation is always okay • Support without punishment, urgency, or shame — progress is allowed to be slow and sustainable • Structure you can return to when things feel overwhelming, without falling behind This is not a space for quick fixes, constant posting, or “perfect” training. It’s a place to slow down, understand what’s really happening, and make calmer choices over time. Thank you for being here and helping keep this space thoughtful and sustainable.

To keep this space sustainable and continue offering calm, thoughtful support, this community is now a paid membership. Nothing about the tone or expectations is changing — this is still a low-pressure, supportive space focused on understanding behavior and building calm structure over time. Thank you for being here.