Boundaries Aren’t Just For Your Dog, They’re For Your Friends, Family, And Strangers, Too
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In this episode, Kati Peppe dives into the social pressure many owners feel when they use tools beyond treats in their training. She debunks the “positive-only” myth, explains why reliable behavior always needs a consequence the dog wishes to avoid, and shares practical strategies for shutting down critics—from well-meaning relatives to random strangers at the park. Listeners come away with mindset shifts, boundary-setting scripts, and renewed confidence that doing what works for their dog is nothing to apologize for.
- Positive-only isn’t enough. Reliable obedience (for every dog) requires an “intolerable” consequence for non-compliance—just like in human behavior.
- Tools ≠ cruelty. Prong collars, e-collars, or even a rolled-up towel (“bonker”) can give clear feedback without pain and often work faster than endless treats.
- You owe no explanations. Critics don’t get a vote in how you train; set firm boundaries and refuse unsolicited advice.
- Have a one-liner ready—or just walk away. A prepared response (or silent exit) keeps public confrontations from derailing your session.
Minute-by-Minute Breakdown
- 00:09 – Prong collars, bonkers, and correcting without pain.
- 10:58 – Time-outs vs. one firm correction: ending jumping for good.
- 16:04 – Why one dog’s success doesn’t make someone an expert.
- 22:12 – “You don’t owe anyone an apology” – internal vs. external handling of judgment.
- 28:41 – Eye-contact rule & prepared scripts for strangers.
- 34:59 – Why convincing haters is futile; focus on results, not approval.
- 38:07 – Setting non-negotiable boundaries with friends, family, and onlookers.
- 44:09 – Closing thoughts: the loud narrative vs. real-world results; episode wrap-up.