Juliana DeWillems - Building Trust, Not Dominance: A New Approach to Dog Behavior

Struggling with your dog's behavior doesn't mean your furry friend is being stubborn, dominant, or spiteful. According to Juliana DeWillems, founder of JW Dog Training and Behavior Consulting, your dog is simply doing their best in a human world they weren't designed for.

Juliana reveals how her journey from animal science student to professional dog trainer taught her that positive reinforcement isn't just more effective than traditional methods—it transforms the entire human-canine relationship. "When you are bringing a living being into your home, coming at it from a positive perspective is what helps strengthen your bond, versus constantly correcting or getting angry," she explains. This approach not only speeds up training results but builds trust rather than fear.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn as Juliana debunks the persistent myth of "alpha theory" in dog training. This outdated concept, based on flawed studies of captive wolves, has led countless dog owners down ineffective and potentially harmful training paths. As she points out, approaching behavior challenges through a dominance lens often causes us to miss what's really driving our dog's behavior—whether it's anxiety, boredom, or simply normal doggy instincts conflicting with human expectations.

For those who don't want to become dog trainers themselves, Juliana introduces the concept of "management"—preventing problem behaviors by changing the environment rather than the dog. Her book "Manage It: Hacks for Improving Your Dog's Behavior" offers accessible solutions for the 92% of dog owners who never seek professional training. Simple environmental adjustments can immediately solve problems while reducing stress for everyone involved.

The most powerful takeaway? Approach your dog's behavior with curiosity instead of frustration. By understanding what's normal for dogs and what they truly need, you'll not only solve behavior challenges more effectively—you'll enjoy a more harmonious, fulfilling relationship with your canine companion. Ready to transform how you see your dog's behavior? Follow Juliana on Instagram and TikTok @jwdogtraining to learn more about positive reinforcement training and management techniques.