**Old Dogs Can Learn New Tricks: Helping Odin Find Peace on Walks and Beyond!**

We often think of dog training as something we do to our dogs—commands we give, behaviors we expect, and "bad" habits we stop. But what if we looked at it differently? What if training was actually a conversation?

Meet Shayla and her 11-year-old companion, Odin. Odin is a soulful, senior mix of Shepherd, Husky, Lab, Shitzu, Rat terrier, and who knows what else! When Shayla first reached out to Summit Dog Training, Odin wasn’t necessarily enjoying his outings. He was reactive to other dogs and kids—barking, lunging, and snapping when they entered his personal space. On walks, he was hypervigilant, always bracing for what might come next.

Shayla was hoping to help Odin be a calmer dog with more tolerance for others, aiming to take Odin’s reactivity from a stressful 7-8 out of 10 down to a manageable 1 or 2. By focusing on trust and giving Odin the autonomy to make choices, they transformed their lives together.

Do you feel like you and your dog are speaking different languages? At Summit, we specialize in helping humans understand their dogs' needs to build a deeper, more trusting bond. Click here to contact the Summit Dog Training team and start your journey toward a better partnership today!

Understanding the "Why": Reactivity as Communication

Before training, Odin’s world felt small and stressful. He would lunge at dogs and snap at kids who ran too close. To the outside world, this might look like "aggression." To us, it looked like a dog who was overwhelmed and trying to set a boundary the only way he knew how.

It’s easy to label a dog like this as "aggressive" or "bad," but at Summit Dog Training, we see these behaviors as a dog communicating that they are overwhelmed and afraid. When a dog is reactive, they are often bracing for conflict or trying to create distance. They aren't trying to be difficult—they are just trying to cope in a world that feels too big and too close.

Our job was to teach Odin and Shayla new ways to cope and communicate using empathy and positive methods.

The Power of Choice: Giving Odin Autonomy

One of the most transformative parts of Odin’s journey was shifting from control to choice. When a dog feels they have a say in what happens to them, their anxiety levels naturally drop.

Respecting the "No": Shayla learned to advocate for Odin. If a dog approached, she didn't force him to "tough it out." She learned to watch his subtle body language and give him the choice to move away before he felt the need to bark or lunge.
Safe Spaces: By not forcing greetings with strange dogs, Shayla showed Odin that she had his back. This built a massive "trust bank account" between them.
Sniffing as Self-Care: We introduced "sniff boxes" and scent work. This allowed Odin to engage in natural behaviors that he chose, helping him regulate his own emotions and wind down after a walk.

Building the Bond: From "7" to "Soft"

The result of this trust-based approach was nothing short of a miracle. Odin didn't just stop lunging; his entire energy shifted. He went from a high-stress 7 or 8 on the reactivity scale to a calm 1 or 2.

Shayla’s testimony captures the heart of this shift:

“I learned how to support him and set him up for success... I don’t let other dogs greet him unless they are already friends, and I’ve noticed he is much happier and calmer. I’ve noticed he will regulate his emotions so much more quickly. We have definitely bonded through this.”

By focusing on the bond rather than just the behavior, Shayla realized that even at 11 years old, Odin was capable of incredible change. He’s still “a grumpy old man”—but as Shayla puts it, "he is so much softer in the world."

Photography by Shayla at www.furbabyphotographyco.com

Listening is a Skill (And You Can Learn It!)

Odin’s story proves that positive change is possible at any age. Reactivity isn't a personality trait you have to just accept. It’s a behavior pattern we can change with patience, empathy, and effective positive training.

If you’re struggling with your dog’s behavior, remember that you are your dog’s best advocate. Learning how to support them and manage their environment is the key to empowering adventures that are enjoyable for both of you.

Don't give up on your dog—they are capable of incredible change! Reactivity is stressful, but you don't have to face it alone.

Ready to see a transformation like Odin’s? We can help you discover a happier, calmer life with your dog through positive, compassionate training.

What is the one thing you’ve stopped doing with your dog because of their reactivity? If you’re ready to reclaim those adventures, contact Summit Dog Training today and let us help you write your own success story.

P.S. Like the beautiful photos of Odin you see on this blog? They were captured by Shayla herself at FurBaby Photography! Contact her at shay@furbabyphotographyco.com to have your own pet’s dream photoshoot!