Blog — Canine Resistance Training

In Peter Levine's "Trauma and Memory" he explains that successful renegotiation of traumatic memories is accomplished by navigating the stressful experiences that trigger those memories. This leads to a feeling of triumph and mastery, and thus resolution of the past. In this way, we can move forward in life with vibrant energy, no longer stuck in the old patterns that our autonomic nervous system keeps replaying (fight/flight/freeze & appease).So with a dog who is reactive, we have to create the same possibility of successful renegotiation. This is different from counter-conditioning. This takes the original triggering experience, allows the dog to...

Your Dog’s Mental Health Your dog’s mental health stands on many of the same pillars that yours does! Exercise, nutrition, and emotional connection are the top three that stand out in my mind. This is, of course, after a base foundation of shelter and general safety are established. If your home is a relatively safe place (free from emotional and physical threats like excessive yelling and corporal punishments), and your dog is provided with adequate shelter, then we can look at these other pillars to make sure your dog’s mental health will be stable and balanced.  Exercise To me, this...

After discovering Canine Resistance Training in 2018 through another dog trainer, I knew right away that I wanted to start both my dogs on this program. Not only have they gotten in great physical shape (at ages 10 and 13), but it's actually their emotional well-being that has seen the greatest benefit. My whole training philosophy revolves around the dog's want, and often real need, to do constructive work. Ashley's program strikes the crucial balance between actual work and a fun work-out activity that provides loads of bonding between dog and owner. The best, most concise description of Canine Resistance...