One outdated belief I’d love to leave behind is the idea that you have to dominate your dog to earn respect.
Dogs absolutely need a leader—someone who sets structure, boundaries, and guidance. But leadership isn’t about being harsh or overpowering; it’s about being calm, consistent, and confident. When your dog feels secure in your leadership, they relax, trust you, and naturally follow your direction.
Behaviors like barking, pulling, or reactivity are often your dog’s way of communicating stress, confusion, or unmet needs — not them being ‘bad.’”