17/09/2026
This is soooo true
Her dog was barking and lunging at the fence, and she was picking him up and stroking him and telling him it was okay.
She thought she was calming him. She was paying him.
A dog does not hear your words. He reads what happens right after the behavior. Bark, charge, get held and stroked. Do it again tomorrow.
So look honestly at your timing today.
The next time your dog reacts, keep your hands off him. Correct, wait, and stay quiet. Only when his body loosens and he settles does your hand come out.
Affection is not the problem. Affection is never the problem.
The problem is handing it out one second after the behavior you are trying to end.
Cesar Milan