POP UP TALK: Stress, Safety and the Dog in Front of You

ABOUT THE EVENT:
Behavior is communication, but it is not always the whole story.

When our dogs pull, react, freeze, avoid, scan, bark, or struggle to settle, it can be tempting to focus only on changing the behavior. But often, the more helpful question is: WHY, and what can we adjust to help them feel safer?

In this Pop Up Talk, July Featured Expert and professional dog trainer Monica Allaire, of Barrington, Barks & Behavior, will explore the connection between stress, calming signals, safety, and well-being for both dogs and their humans. Drawing from her education rooted in the work of Turid Rugaas and a welfare-centered approach to dogs as sentient individuals, Monica will help us look beyond obedience and into the deeper layers of communication happening at both ends of the leash.

During this session, Monica will discuss:

• How stress shows up in dogs through calming signals and behavior
• Why reducing stress can create better outcomes than trying to control behavior
• How human stress, movement, and calming signals can affect our dogs
• The role of distance, curving, leash handling, and environmental setup
• Why agency, choice, and safety matter for canine well-being
• How to begin seeing the dog in front of you with more clarity and compassion

You’ll leave with a deeper understanding of how stress affects your dog’s ability to learn, connect, and feel safe — and simple ways to begin supporting both your dog and yourself in everyday life.

• N/C for members (Your special pricing will be reflected in the CART.)
• $15/person for Not-Yet Members

This event will take place in our Zoom Room. You will receive the Zoom Room link upon registering.

Can’t attend the live session? You will be emailed a link to the recording within 24 hours of the event.

ABOUT MONICA ALLAIRE-MCMAHON:
Monica is the owner of Barrington Barks and Behavior LLC. She is committed to kind, ethical treatment of both humans and their dogs. Monica focuses on learning what the needs of the individual dog and their family are, addressing those needs and in turn improving the welfare of every one in the home.

Monica is a certified Nordic Dog Trainer and Behavior Specialist, and a KPA-CTP-Karen Pryor Academy graduate with distinction. She was the second person worldwide to receive certification through the Dynamic Dog Practitioner Programme –acting as a liaison between client and veterinarian, and highlighting physical and behavioral areas of concern. Monica is also an Associate Member of the Pet Dog Trainers of Europe, and is an ambassador for The Slow Dog Movement.

Her studies include aggression, fear, animal emotions, relationship, and sensory enrichment. Monthly sessions in the Tiny Science Journal Chat club led by a PhD candidate, review current research papers and keep her up to date on the evolving understanding of dogs.

Monica had the honor of speaking at the Virtual Dog Conference, Fling less February, and From the Hound Up Academy – UK based groups – and will be delivering talks for her Russian colleagues in the fall.

She currently offers one-to-one consultations, Dynamic Dog Assessments, Sensory Explorers sessions, and is a Mentor for the Nordic C.A.R.E. community

To learn more, visit BarringtonBarksandBehavior.com.

QUESTIONS:
If you have questions, text/call (603) 815-2453 or email woof@goldendognh.com.