If you live in Cody, Wyoming, your dog isn’t just a pet—they’re often also your hiking partner. Whether you’re navigating the switchbacks on Cedar Mountain, strolling through Beck Lake Park, or exploring the Shoshone National Forest, we all want the same thing: a dog that listens, stays close, and remains calm when a deer or another hiker crosses the path.

However, many owners in Park County find themselves frustrated. If your “nature walk” has turned into a high-stress game of tug-of-war, it’s time to look at the science behind how dogs actually learn.

The Myth of the “Alpha” on the Trail

There is a common misconception that to have a well-behaved dog in the great outdoors, you have to be the “Alpha” or use “corrections” (like e-collars or prong collars).

At 307HappyDog, we follow a different path: Positive Reinforcement. Using force-free methods isn’t just “nicer”—it’s actually more effective for long-term safety. When a dog is trained using fear, their “good behavior” often disappears the moment their adrenaline spikes (like seeing a rabbit). When a dog is trained with rewards, they learn to make good choices and choose to check in with you because they want to, not because they’re afraid of a shock.

Why Cody Dog Owners are Choosing “FearFree”

As a FearFree Certified Professional here in Cody, I focus on reducing the anxiety and over-stimulation that leads to “bad” behavior. Here’s why this matters for our Wyoming lifestyle:

• Reliable Recall: We teach your dog that returning to you is the most rewarding thing they can do.
• Leash Manners: No more getting your arm pulled out of its socket when your dog gets excited by the scents of the environment.
• Neutrality: We train dogs to be “neutral” to distractions, meaning they can watch a biker pass on trails without lunging or barking.

Quick tip for your next walk:

Take some treats on your walks (start on leash). and start saying “yes” and giving your dog a treat when they “check in” (=look at you). You will see more check ins every day – promise!

Ready to Build a Better Bond?

If you’re tired of the frustration and want a dog that is a joy to take into town or onto the trails, I’m here to help. From our Day School (where we do a lot of the heavy lifting for you!) to private one-on-one coaching lessons, or group classes, we specialize in turning “dogs with problem behaviors” into “dream dogs.”