Why Everything You've Tried Isn't Working—and What Will

Stuck, Frustrated, and Overwhelmed? You’re Not Alone

You’ve tried everything to help your dog. More walks, more toys, more training sessions, and every “best practice” you’ve read online. But no matter what you do, the same frustrating behaviors keep popping up—pulling on walks, jumping on guests, barking, or simply not listening when you need them to.

At this point, you’re probably wondering: “What am I doing wrong?”

Here’s the truth: It’s not about how much you’re doing—it’s about what you’re focusing on.

The Hidden Reason Your Efforts Aren’t Paying Off

Most mainstream advice has you spinning your wheels on what I call the “top of the mountain.” You’re focused on solving behaviors like pulling, jumping, barking, and hyperactivity directly. It makes sense on the surface—those are the issues causing you stress, so that’s where you put your energy.

But here’s the problem: Those behaviors are symptoms, not the root issue.

Imagine trying to patch cracks in a wall when the foundation underneath is crumbling. You could spend hours filling in cracks, but as long as the foundation is unstable, more cracks will appear.

That’s exactly what’s happening with your dog. The behaviors you’re trying to fix are cracks in the wall. The foundation—the real issue—is what’s going on beneath the surface in your dog’s emotions and unmet needs.

Why Mainstream Training Keeps You Stuck

Most training methods focus on controlling behaviors through commands, corrections, or tools like harnesses and treat dispensers. While these might offer temporary relief, they don’t address the emotional struggles driving your dog’s actions.

For example:

• Your dog isn’t pulling because they don’t know how to “heel.” They’re pulling because they’re overstimulated or anxious.
• They’re not jumping on guests because they’re being “bad.” They’re doing it because they’re overwhelmed with excitement and don’t know how to handle it.

Without addressing these emotional root causes, you’re stuck in a loop—fixing one behavior only for another to pop up.

What Actually Works

If you want real, lasting change, you need to stop managing symptoms and start addressing the foundation: your dog’s emotional skills and unmet needs.

Here’s what that looks like:

1. Understand Your Dog’s Emotions
   Instead of reacting to behaviors, pause and consider what’s driving them. Is your dog anxious, overstimulated, or frustrated? Recognizing their emotional state is the first step to solving the problem.
2. Meet Core Needs First
   Dogs have natural instincts and needs that, when unmet, can lead to frustration and behavioral issues. Addressing these needs—like their need to explore, hunt, or rest—can calm their emotions and reduce problem behaviors naturally.
3. Teach Emotional Skills
   Just like people, dogs need to learn how to handle emotions like excitement, frustration, or boredom. When you focus on building emotional skills, your dog becomes calmer, more focused, and easier to live with. 

Small Shifts, Big Changes

Let’s break this down with an example. Imagine your dog pulls constantly on walks. Mainstream advice might suggest practicing “heel” commands or using a no-pull harness. But instead of controlling the symptom, try addressing the cause:

• Is your dog overstimulated by sights and sounds? Start with calming exercises at home to help them manage stimulation.
• Is your dog bursting with pent-up energy? Incorporate activities that meet their natural instincts—like scent games or structured play—before you head out.

By addressing the underlying emotion, the behavior improves on its own.

The Power of Doing Less

Here’s the best part: Solving the right problem doesn’t require more effort—it requires less.

When you stop wasting energy on the wrong things, you can focus on small, meaningful changes that make a big difference. For example:

• Instead of adding more training sessions, try meeting one of your dog’s core needs, like their need to hunt or explore.
• Instead of managing every behavior, focus on teaching one emotional skill, like self-regulation.

These small shifts create a ripple effect, improving your dog’s behavior across the board.

Imagine What’s Possible

Picture this: A dog who listens calmly on walks, greets guests politely, and relaxes at home without constant micromanagement. A dog who feels content and connected, making your life easier and more enjoyable.

That’s the transformation that happens when you stop chasing symptoms and start solving the right problem.

Take the First Step Today

If you’re ready to break free from frustration and start seeing real progress, the first step is understanding your dog’s needs and emotions.

That’s why I created [The Ultimate Dog Reset], a free resource to help you address the root cause of your dog’s struggles and start seeing results—fast.

Click here to get started and take the first step toward a calmer, happier life with your dog.