The Weekly High Five 🐾

One Quick Win 🙏 One Video to Watch 👀 One Post I Loved

Hey Reader,
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We all do it. We spoil our dogs. Extra treats, letting them on the couch, slipping them food under the table, giving in when they give us those eyes.

And look, I get it. I love my dogs too. But here's what nobody talks about: spoiling your dog too much creates real problems.

Overdependence. Behavioral issues. Even health problems.

This week I'm showing you how to find the balance between loving your dog and setting boundaries they actually need, plus an indoor training challenge perfect for these cold January days.

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One Quick Win 🙏

This week's Quick Win focuses on "The One Boundary Challenge":

1. Pick one specific behavior that you've been letting slide because you love your dog (jumping, begging at the table, sleeping in your bed, whatever it is).
2. Decide what the new boundary is and write it down so it's crystal clear.
3. Get everyone in your household on the same page about this one boundary - same rules, same response, every single time.
4. For the next 7 days, enforce this boundary consistently without exception.
5. When your dog respects the boundary, reward them with affection or play (not food treats that contribute to spoiling).

Start with just one boundary. You're not taking away your love. You're teaching your dog what to expect. Dogs thrive on clear expectations, and honestly, they're less stressed when they know the rules.

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One Video To Watch 👀

Think spoiling your dog is harmless? In this week's video, I reveal the hidden downsides of too much spoiling and how to strike the right balance between affection and discipline.

From overdependence and separation anxiety to behavioral issues and even health problems from too many treats, excessive spoiling creates real consequences.
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Learn how to establish routines, set clear boundaries, and provide mental stimulation while still showing your dog all the love they deserve. It's about balance, not deprivation.

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One Social Post I Loved 🧡

Looking for an indoor training challenge during these cold January days?
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This week's post demonstrates teaching your dog to transition from down position into sit, which is harder than it sounds!
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​Learning the down to sit from @jamiethedogtrainer​
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Most dogs can do down and sit separately, but moving from one position directly into the other requires body awareness and focus.
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It's perfect mental stimulation for days when outdoor exercise is limited by cold weather. Plus, it's a great way to challenge dogs who think they've mastered basic commands. Watch how much concentration it takes!

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January is the perfect time to reset boundaries that slipped during the holidays. Too many table scraps, too much couch time, too much giving in because family was visiting.
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Finding the balance between loving your dog and setting healthy boundaries isn't about being mean. It's about creating a dog who's confident, well behaved, and actually less stressed because they know what's expected.

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Questions about setting boundaries or breaking spoiling habits? Hit reply. I'm here to help you start 2026 with clarity.

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Here's to loved AND well behaved dogs!

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Pam,
CPDT-KA
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PS. Need help establishing consistent boundaries or fixing behaviors that developed from too much spoiling? Let's talk. >> Click here to book your Free 15 Min Call with Me​
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​Enjoy this Weekly High Five? Please forward it to another Dog Owner. My goal is to positively impact as many dog owners as possible.

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