Dear Handler

Dear Handler, There’s so much I want to share with you. First and foremost, we often forget just how incredible our dogs are. They are smart, loyal, and most importantly, they do communicate with us—even though it can sometimes be hard to fully understand them. Sadly, people often punish dogs when they try to communicate because we don’t always grasp their signals. But let’s remember, our dogs also struggle to understand what we’re saying, and that miscommunication can lead to behaviors that may escalate the situation.

So, dear handler, I ask you to take a step back and truly try to understand what’s happening with your dog. Think about why it’s happening, and then seek help to address it. When we approach trainers with questions like “How do I stop this?” many will have an answer right away, but some will pause and ask, “What would you like your dog to do instead?” This is such an important question because it opens up a meaningful conversation and sets the stage for a much more rewarding training process. One of my favorite moments is witnessing a dog and handler team have that “lightbulb” moment—the instant when it all clicks. You can see the handler smile, the dog’s tail starts wagging, and you know that a true win is being celebrated. When you’re looking for a trainer, take the time to ask questions. Think about how you want to train your dog and consider the long-term goals. I’m always thrilled when clients tell me their dogs excitedly run to the door when it’s time for training. I love seeing my service dog handlers share the new tasks they’re working on and seeing my advanced students apply the skills we’ve worked on to tackle other training challenges.

At All Dogs, we want you to succeed. We aim to build a strong relationship with our students and support you in every step of the way. No matter where you are in your journey, it’s crucial to find a trainer who understands what you need and shares your values. So, dear handler, remember this: your dog loves you. They trust you to protect them, and they are trying to understand the world—and you—just as you’re working to understand them. They’re learning a new language and figuring out what’s appropriate in different environments. Take the time to really know them, understand them, and build a bond that will last a lifetime. Every dog-handler team is unique, and as trainers, our job is to support the team in front of us.