What if everything we thought about puppy training was backward? In this transformative conversation, Annie Phenix – author of "Positive Training for Aggressive and Reactive Dogs" – challenges conventional wisdom about how we welcome dogs into our lives. Drawing from her 25+ years working with traumatized dogs, Annie reveals why healing must precede training for truly balanced, happy canine companions.

Annie's journey from rescue worker to trauma-informed trainer illuminates the hidden suffering many dogs experience. Having fostered over 400 dogs and witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of early separation from mothers, inappropriate training methods, and misunderstood behaviors, she offers a revolutionary framework for understanding our dogs' needs.

Through the poignant story of her own dogs, Finn and Cooper – traumatically separated from their mother at just five weeks old – Annie demonstrates how traditional training approaches fail to address the fundamental nervous system dysregulation that underlies many behavioral issues. She introduces concepts like "deep safety," free work, consent-based handling, and the importance of recognizing subtle body language that transforms our understanding of what dogs are communicating.

This episode dismantles myths about socialization, challenges our rush to train before establishing trust, and provides practical guidance for helping dogs heal. You'll discover why jumping up might actually be a self-regulation strategy for dogs, how "doing less faster" creates more resilient companions, and why watching for slow blinks and calming signals reveals what your dog is really feeling.

Whether you're welcoming a new puppy, working with a rescue, or seeking to deepen your bond with your current companion, this conversation offers a compassionate, science-based approach to canine wellbeing that honors dogs as the sentient beings they are. Ready to transform your relationship with your dog? Listen now and discover the healing journey that awaits you both.

Free gift from Annie: https://phenix-dogs-canine-behavior-experts-llc.kit.com/7-steps

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• Intensive Workshop: Understanding The Primal Energy and Karmic Connections Between You And Your Pets - ...