The Small Conversations That Shape Your Dog’s Behavior

Send us Fan Mail The biggest changes in your dog’s behavior often start with the smallest everyday interactions. In this episode of Think Like a Dog Extended, Millie is joined by Mirror Image K9 trainers Easton, Jill, and Brandon to break down the “small conversations” we have with our dogs every day, and how those moments can either strengthen your relationship or quietly create bigger behavioral problems. The group discusses the little things owners often overlook: allowing a dog to ignore a command, constantly following you around the house, creating excitement when you come home, mindless petting, giving in to demand barking, letting a dog avoid difficult tasks, and failing to fully finish a conversation when a dog pushes back. They also explore why consistency matters, how dogs learn to influence our behavior, and why seemingly harmless habits can eventually contribute to issues like separation anxiety, pushiness, reactivity, resource guarding, difficulty settling, and lack of responsiveness. From place work and thresholds to personal space, affection, handling, car anxiety, resource guarding, and leash walking, this episode is about paying closer attention to what your dog is learning from you in the moments that seem insignificant. Because when it comes to your relationship with your dog, the little conversations often become the big ones. Support the show Follow Us On Instagram: @thinklikeadogpodcast @Mirrorimagek9 @OzzieAlbiesFoundation Work with Mirror Image K9 here: https://www.mirrorimagek9.com/contactus Be Our Guest: https://www.thinklikeadogpodcast.com Learn More About The Best Chance Program: https://www.ozziealbiesfoundation.org/