Jenny Barker

When you’re living with a reactive dog, one of the hardest, but most important, shifts to make is this: Stop the uncontrolled exposure before the training is in place. I know. That can feel completely backwards. You’ve probably been told your dog just needs to “get used to things.” More exposure. More practice. More walks. But here’s the piece that often gets missed… Not All Dogs Are Wired the Same Some dogs move through the world with a bit more sensitivity. A bit more intensity. A bit less...

One of the first and most important skills we can teach our dogs is how to understand human communication. Before asking for complex behaviours, we need to make sure the dog understands what our words and signals actually mean. This is where marker signals come in. A marker signal is a clear, consistent word or sound that tells the dog in the moment whether a choice they’ve made is working or not. Markers remove guesswork. They tell the dog either: Yes, do more of that No, that choice won’t...

Why a well-fitted muzzle is an act of care, clarity, and kindness Let’s get one thing straight: A muzzle isn’t a sign your dog is “bad” - it’s a sign that you’re thoughtful, responsible, and tuned into your dog’s emotional world. For sensitive, big-feeling dogs, the ones who can flip from “fine” to “my brain fell out” in half a second, a muzzle can offer structure, safety, and breathing space. And for overwhelmed, anxious humans? A muzzle can make walks, vet visits, and outings predictable,...