Confessions of a Dog Trainer
Confessions of a Dog Trainer
Bethany Johnson
Reactive Dogs & E-Collar Breakthroughs: Meet Toast & Ozzy
40 minutes Posted May 28, 2025 at 7:05 pm.
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Show notes

Two reactive dogs. Two very different personalities. In this episode, I walk you through what I’ve been prioritizing with Toast and Ozzy during their first few days of training, how I use the e-collar for both reactivity and recall, and why understanding “pushy” moments matters more than where reactivity stems from.


I’m sharing behind-the-scenes updates, breakthroughs with tone + stim, and how one correction helped Toast soften in a way that reminded me why I love this work. Plus: a little life update, a sprinkle of grief, and some lessons from my chickens.


This one’s for the dog owner who wants to better understand their reactive dog, and the trainer who’s ever wondered if they’re doing it right.


Resources mentioned:

E-Collar Starter Guide (now $50 off!)

Reactive Dog Handbook

Guide to Separation Anxiety

Instagram Highlights: Toast & Ozzy @walkingdogtraining


🎧 Let me know what resonated over on IG!