Building a stronger bond with your dog: It's about more than just obedience

At Lotta Dog PT, my goal is to help both you and your dog thrive by fostering a deeper connection that goes beyond basic commands. With my background as a leadership coach and educator, and now as a student on my journey to becoming a certified dog instructor and psychologist, I’ve come to realize that dog training is much more about communication and understanding than about getting our dogs to "obey" us.

In my own experience with my dog Ecco, I’ve learned that building trust and creating a strong bond is a continuous process. I won’t pretend to have all the answers—far from it. I’m still learning every day. Though I believe that the real value in training is in the journey we share with our dogs, not just the result of having them sit, stay, or come when called.

Training as a tool for deeper connection

What I’ve noticed, and what many dog owners might relate to, is that training isn’t just about behavior modification. It’s about learning to understand our dogs better—what motivates them, what makes them anxious, and what they’re trying to tell us. This is where I like to shift the conversation away from “obedience” and focus more on relationship-building.

From my studies in dog psychology and my own training experiences, I’m becoming more aware of the science behind canine behavior, but I’m also aware that no two dogs are alike. What works for one dog may not work for another, and that’s okay. That’s why training is such a personal process.

The method I use, positive reinforcement, are rooted in science and research. We know that dogs respond better to rewards than punishment, and that building trust with our dogs leads to better long-term results. Still, I also believe that we, as dog owners, have to be flexible within our method. We need to be open to trying different approaches, observing our dogs closely, and adapting based on their unique needs.

My personal take on training

In my opinion, training is a way for us to grow alongside our dogs. I’ve had moments where I felt like I was doing everything wrong, especially when Ecco started reacting to other dogs or certain situations in ways I couldn’t predict. It was frustrating, and I questioned myself as a dog owner. Though those experiences taught me a lot—about patience, about giving Ecco the space to learn at his own pace, and about understanding that setbacks are just part of the process.

I know that every dog owner’s journey is different, and what works for me and Ecco might not work for you and your dog. And that’s perfectly fine. I think that’s the beauty of working with our dogs—there’s no "one and only" right way. It’s about finding what works for both you and your dog, and that’s something we discover over time.

Science meets experience

While I base a lot of my training philosophy on scientific studies—particularly those related to positive reinforcement and understanding canine behavior—there’s also value in lived experience. My journey as a student and trainer is ongoing, and what I learn from Ecco and from the dogs I work with is equally valuable to me. There’s always something new to discover.

That’s why I encourage you to approach your dog’s training with an open mind. Yes, science can guide us, still your dog is an individual with their own personality and history. If something I’ve learned from studies doesn’t seem to work for your dog, it doesn’t mean it’s wrong—it just means we need to adjust it. After all, dog training isn’t just about “fixing” behavior; it’s about deepening your relationship and growing together.

Final thoughts

So, if you’re looking to build a stronger bond with your dog, remember that training is just one piece of the puzzle. It’s a tool to help you understand each other better, to build trust, and to enjoy life together. Whether you’re working on basic commands or more complex behavioral challenges, the process is what matters most—both for you and for your dog.

I’m here to support you on that journey. Let’s explore together what works best for your unique relationship with your dog, always staying open to learning, growing, and understanding.