Just as we use intonation, body language, and facial expressions when gauging a social interaction with humans, we can gain insight into our dogs’ state of mind by watching and listening to them carefully.

As a “dog trainer,” most of what I actually do is teach people how to teach their own dogs. There’s a good reason for that: dogs aren’t cars, to be fixed by a doggie mechanic. Behavior is an ever-changing response to feedback from the environment – and you’re a huge part of your dog’s environment.