One of the most difficult things for rescue organizations, my clients and my students to accept is that dogs follow leadership over love. In fact, excessive amounts of “love“ in the form of forced affection, baby talk and treats can actually be detrimental to the rehabilitation of feral or social deficit dogs.

There is value in just teaching a dog “to be.” When we try to speed the process up to make a dog come around faster, we inadvertently nurture the very wound we hope to heal. Fearful dogs need to build confidence organically. Trying to negotiate with a dog for love is a hopeless endeavor. Instead, communicate with a shut down dog by letting him become social on his terms, not yours. 🙏❤️🐕🐾 #patience #dogtrainer #dogsofinstagram #dogbehavior #leadwithlove #cheri_wulff_lucas #dogs #doglover