There’s a certain kind of dog who says, “Don’t touch me—and don’t touch my stuff.” Sometimes it’s a growl when you reach toward their collar. Sometimes it’s a stiff look or a flash of teeth when you walk near their food bowl. Sometimes it’s over a toy, a bed, or even just reaching to leash up for a walk.

If you’ve seen this behavior, you’re not alone—and you’re not failing.

What these dogs are telling us isn’t “I’m dominant,” or “I’m spoiled.” They’re saying “I’m not comfortable,” and they don’t yet have a safer way to say it. That’s where real change begins—not with control, but with clarity and consent.

Let’s unpack what that means.

If you’ve ever found yourself thinking, “She knows better,” or “He’s being stubborn,” you’re not alone. We humans often misjudge our dogs’ abilities by aiming too high or too low. Let’s break down the science about what dogs are really capable of, mentally and emotionally.

That quiet confidence your dog showed in front of the camera?  It wasn’t a fluke. It’s what can be possible when the world feels safe and the connection feels strong.

At Resilient Rover, we believe the best version of your dog isn’t a trick or a behavior, it’s a relationship. That’s why our connection-building work is grounded in Partnership, Empathy, and Trust.

Anyone who’s trained a dog knows about Pawsitive Reinforcement. But when it comes to shaping more complex “behavior chains” (a series of behaviors that must be performed in precise order to receive reinforcement), trainers can use Differential Reinforcement.

Bringing home a pup fills with love, joy, and the excitement of forming a deep bond with a new family member. But as any new adopter knows, there are also plenty of chaJlenges. ust as resilience is essential in overcoming life's obstacles, it is also crucial in navigating the journey of building trust and empathy with your new dog.

Not all dogs come into a new home bursting with confidence. Many dogs struggle with shyness and bravery issues. It’s key to be empathetic and attuned to the dog's communication cues. With empathy, care and patience, even shy dogs can blossom into social butterflies with charisma and confidence.

Walking puppers should be a joyful experience. It should be a conversation - not a stressful struggle. By fostering a partnership built on communication and understanding, leash walks can become a delightful conversation between owner and dog.

Potty training is one of the first challenges dog parents face when bringing a new furry friend into their home. While it can be frustrating, gaining a better understanding of your dog's communication can significantly ease and expedite the journey. One of the most important keys to potty training is recognizing that your dog sees you as the gateway to crucial resources (food, water, access to the outside, etc). Understanding when your pup is asking you for a resource is key.