The Heart of Training Is Communication
Effective communication between you and your dog takes consistent training
Effective communication is at the core of every successful training journey. Modern, rewards-based training relies on a “marker”—a click or a word—that tells a dog, yes, that’s it! It’s followed by a reward, reinforcing the behavior.
It’s simple behavioral science: animals repeat behaviors that are reinforced. So if sitting calmly earns a treat, your dog is more likely to sit calmly again.
Simple, right?
Well… in theory.
In practice, things can get murky. Just like in human conversations, dogs often walk away from interactions unclear about what we wanted. There’s a communication gap—and it can lead to frustration on both ends of the leash.
Enter Crow: A Puppy Who “Sees” Differently
Crow and his handlers communicate beautifully with each other.
That’s why meeting Crow—a 5-month-old Australian Shepherd—was such a revelation. Born blind due to double merle genetics, Crow’s eyes are underdeveloped and can’t open fully. While he may sense light or vague shapes, his world is not one of sight.
And yet, he’s one of the most attuned puppies I’ve ever met.
Unlike many pups who are constantly scanning their environment, Crow explores his world through other senses—his nose, his ears, his body. And while a few bumps to the snout are part of learning, what’s truly remarkable is how tuned in he is to his humans, Sam and Meghan.
A Language Built on Trust
Sam, who works at a summer camp, and Meghan, a teacher, are no strangers to learning theory. Since bringing Crow home at just six weeks old, they’ve created an extraordinary communication system.
Crow understands:
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“Sit,” “down,” “touch,” “come,” “go to your mat,” “leave it,” and “quiet”
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How to ring a bell to go outside
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Impulse control
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Custom cues like:
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“Edge” – Pause, there’s a drop or step
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“Careful” – Something’s in the way
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“Paw” – We’re going to touch your paw
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They use a clicker, calm voices, gentle touch, and environmental cues to teach him. The result? A confident young dog who’s learning, exploring, and thriving.
Confidence Through Clarity
Crow is curious, but not reckless. He approaches new people and challenges thoughtfully. He evaluates his environment, gathers information, and makes smart decisions.
Why? Because he has to.
His world requires awareness, and he’s developed a calm, considered way of engaging with it. But this kindof confidence isn’t accidental—it’s built on consistency, predictability, and a deep foundation of trust.
Bigger Isn’t Always Better
It’s tempting to want to “expand” a blind puppy’s world—to give them all the experiences a sighted pup would have. But Sam and Meghan know better. They’ve created a smaller world for Crow, one that’s rich with meaning, routine, and safety.
And that’s exactly what he needs.
They advocate for him. They give him space to learn at his pace. They understand that change can be overwhelming—and they meet him where he’s at.
Lessons from Crow
Listen to what the dog in front of you is trying to communicate
Working with Crow has reminded me of something vital:
It’s not about sticking to what works 99% of the time. It’s about seeing—and honoring—the dog in front of you.
Training isn’t just about cues and behaviors. It’s about connection. It’s about really listening. Sometimes, that means letting go of the usual approach, getting creative, and thinking with all of your senses.
Because our dogs are always communicating. The question is: are we listening?
Final Thoughts
Crow is a shining example of what’s possible when communication is thoughtful, kind, and consistent. And his humans are a reminder that we don’t need a “perfect” dog—we just need to be present, patient, and willing to learn.
Some of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned haven’t come from textbooks or seminars. They’ve come from dogs like Crow—and the amazing people who love them.
💬 Want to Build Better Communication With Your Dog?
Whether your dog is facing unique challenges or you’re just feeling stuck, I’m here to help.
Let’s work together to find a training plan that fits your dog’s needs.
