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The Hidden Cost of “Including” Your Dog
Somewhere along the way, we started believing that a “good” dog is one who can go everywhere, meet everyone, and handle anything without hesitation. But what if that’s not actually what your dog needs?
In this episode, Nikki breaks down the difference between introverted and extroverted dogs—and why forcing all dogs into stimulating environments can do more harm than good. You’ll learn how to recognize when your dog is coping versus truly comfortable, how overstimulation impacts the nervous system, and why neutrality—not constant socialization—should be the goal.
This conversation challenges the cultural pressure to include your dog in everything and instead invites you to start observing the dog in front of you. Because confidence doesn’t come from exposure alone—it comes from feeling safe enough to not need a reaction.
