GottaTrain

I like giving dogs 10 days to settle before coming up with a training plan. It gives me time to understand them before making decisions on how to move forward. But every now and then, a dog comes in that forces me to adjust.

I have a board and train that’s struggling—whether in a crate or outside, he can’t handle being alone. Three nights straight of howling, not just mild protest but full-blown panic attacks. He’s not just being difficult; he’s unraveling.

I’m as exhausted as he is, but waiting isn’t helping him. I don’t love conditioning the e-collar this early, but training isn’t one-size-fits-all. Some dogs need different approaches, and right now, he needs guidance to break this cycle before it cements into something worse.

Used correctly, the e-collar can be a game-changer—not as punishment, but as a way to interrupt hysteria and reinforce a calmer state of mind. The goal isn’t to shock the anxiety out of him but to give him clear, gentle feedback that helps him settle. Low-level stim, just enough for acknowledgment, paired with rewards for calm behavior.

I don’t use e-collars often because, in the wrong hands, they’re misused. But cases like this are exactly why they’re important. Some dogs need more than time and patience—they need clarity. Letting stress take over helps no one.

If everyone you meet is either you in another form then every interaction is an encounter with a reflection of yourself or a divine presence testing your heart. At the end of the day, treat them with respect, discernment, and the right energy for the moment. Some versions of you need a helping hand. Some need a boot in the ass. Some need to be left behind.

I’m fortunate to have some incredible people in my corner, and Wes is one of them. He’s been a huge influence—not just in BJJ but in life and business. When I was burned out with pet dog clients, he helped me develop tryouts and a self-regulating group training system. Letting go of control wasn’t easy, but seeing my clients thrive together has made it worth it.

He also co-founded DarkSideCanine dog enthusiast club with me, bringing his team-building expertise to the table. Now, tryouts are part of the culture, and we’ve got something solid growing. But beyond all that, Wes is one of the few people I can truly count on. When I get hotheaded, he steps in and handles things—no hesitation, no bu****it. He’s the ice when I start to boil over.

Meeting him showed me something I won’t forget—there’s always a way forward I just gotta find the path.