by Lee Seibold

One concern many dog owners have when considering structured training programs like board and train is the fear that training might “break a dog’s spirit” or alter a dog’s personality. This belief often stems from emotional arguments made by well-meaning trainers who genuinely believe they are protecting a dog’s happiness. While their intentions may come from a good place, these claims are rooted in misunderstanding rather than an accurate assessment of how training works.

Training Enhances Life, Not Restricts It

The ultimate goal of training is not to stifle a dog’s personality but to give the dog the tools to safely and reliably interact with the world. A well-trained dog can enjoy more freedom, be included in more family activities, and build a stronger bond with the owner.

Through proper training, you gain control over how your dog behaves in various situations. You decide what behaviors are allowed and which ones aren’t. For example, if you want your dog to cuddle with you on the couch, you can allow that. If you prefer to keep the furniture off-limits, that’s also fine. This is actually contrary to what most trainers will tell you. The beauty of my training is that it gives you the freedom to make those choices, knowing your dog will respect the boundaries you set.

If you’re reading this article right now, you might have a dog who you really enjoy, but battling some potentially harmful behavior issues. It’s important to know that it is impossible for training to change your dog’s core personality – which I aim to talk about more as you read this article.

Read on…

Training Doesn’t Create Problems—It Exposes Them

Training has a way of revealing a dog’s underlying attitude, much like how interactions with people can expose their true character. Imagine running into someone like Scarface on the street—he might appear polite and friendly at first. But the moment you try to tell him what to do, his true nature would surface, and he’d likely be upset or defiant. Did you turn Scarface into a criminal by giving him instructions? Of course not. He was already who he was—you simply got in his way and revealed what was beneath the surface. The same is true in dog training. A dog that resists or has an adverse reaction to being told what to do isn’t being “broken” or changed by training; the training is simply exposing a pre-existing attitude or mindset. This is a natural part of the process, and by addressing it with structure and consistency, you help the dog move past these reactions and become more balanced and cooperative.

Why Do Some Trainers Recommend Rules Like Keeping Dogs Off Furniture or Going Through Doors Last?

Many trainers recommend rules such as keeping dogs off the furniture or ensuring they only pass through doors after their owners as a way to establish control and reinforce the owner’s leadership in the home. The reasoning behind this is rooted in the idea that these rules symbolize authority, helping the dog understand their place in the family structure.

This is particularly off-putting for a lot of people because the last thing you want to do is stop doing things you love to do with your dog. This is why I don’t set restrictions on what you can or can’t do with your dog. If you want to sit on the couch and cuddling them until you fall asleep – go ahead and do it. I want you to enjoy your dog as much as possible. In my experience, you can still maintain control of your home without rigidly enforcing these rules. True leadership comes from consistent boundaries, clear communication, and earning your dog’s respect—not from dictating every small action.

For example, you can allow your dog on the furniture or let your dog go through the door ahead of you, as long as the dog listens when you ask for space or to stay back when necessary. The key is that these behaviors are allowed because you’ve decided they’re okay—not because the dog is acting on its own terms. Leadership is about intentionality and ensuring your dog respects the rules you choose to enforce, whether that includes sharing the couch or letting them trot ahead of you on their way outside.

Having said all of this, a secondary reason for these rules is that it’s important to balance freedom with safety. For instance, if you allow your dog to jump up on you as a greeting, technically this doesn’t hurt your leadership but there’s a risk that your dog might do the same to a guest, potentially causing harm. Similarly, letting your dog on furniture is fine as long as you ensure guests won’t be uncomfortable or accidentally hurt. The key is maintaining control and intentionality in your decisions.

Read on…

The Misunderstanding About Personality and Behavior

In rare cases, dogs may appear sad, withdrawn, or resistant during training. This temporary reaction is not caused by the training itself but by the dog’s attitude toward being held accountable for behaviors they were previously allowed to do freely. It’s similar to a child throwing a tantrum in a store because their parent won’t buy them a candy bar. Should the parent give in to stop the tantrum? Of course not—this would reinforce the idea that throwing a fit gets them what they want. The same principle applies to a dog that pouts or sulks during training. Interestingly, it’s not the discipline or training causing these reactions but the lack of accountability leading up to the training. Just like a child who isn’t used to boundaries may rebel when rules are enforced, a dog accustomed to doing whatever they want might initially resist when structure is introduced. In fact, this is why statistics show that 85% of youths in prison, 71% of high school dropouts, and 90% of runaway children come from homes without a father figure. Click here for source. This goes to show the power of teaching respectful behavior in children – and the same is true for dogs. By staying firm and consistent, you show the dog that these boundaries are non-negotiable. Over time, the resistance fades, and the dog becomes more confident and content within the new structure, knowing exactly what is expected.

When people or trainers claim that dog training will change a dog’s personality, they reveal a fundamental misunderstanding of what’s actually happening. Training is designed to change a dog’s behavior, not the core traits that make up their unique personality. While it’s true that a dog won’t remain exactly the same after training—that would defeat the purpose of training—the changes are behavioral, not personal. For instance, a dog that used to jump on guests may now sit calmly when visitors arrive, but the dog’s playful, friendly nature remains intact. The reason some dogs might appearto have changed is that they’re adjusting to new rules and boundaries, which may temporarily affect their demeanor as they adapt. Once the training is complete, their core personality shines through—now paired with better behavior and more trustworthiness, creating a happier, more balanced dog.

Read on…

Why Temporary Behavior Changes Shouldn’t Deter You From Training

Dog owners should continue with training, even if they notice temporary behavior changes, because the long-term benefits far outweigh any short-term resistance. These adjustments are not signs of distress but natural reactions as the dog learns to adapt to new rules and boundaries. Without training, a dog may continue to act impulsively or inconsistently, leading to potential safety risks, frustration, and missed opportunities for inclusion in family activities. Just as parents wouldn’t abandon discipline because a child throws a tantrum, dog owners shouldn’t avoid training out of fear of temporary pushback. By staying consistent, you teach your dog to respect boundaries, build trust, and foster a happier, more confident relationship in the long run.

I stand by my promise of guaranteed results, offering lifetime training support to ensure your dog’s continued success. My commitment extends beyond the initial training period, providing ongoing assistance to address any future challenges. Trust in my expertise and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing you have a lifelong partner in your dog’s training journey.

Let’s Talk About Your Concerns

If you’re a dog owner reading this and have hesitations about dog training—whether it’s concerns about changing your dog’s personality or anything else—please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I understand these concerns, and I’m confident I can help ease your mind if you’re open to learning more. When we talk, I think you’ll find that my approach resonates with you in a way that just makes sense—practical, balanced, and rooted in common sense principles that work for both you and your dog.