If you’ve ever shared life with a sensitive, traumatized, or reactive dog, you know how heart-wrenching it is to see them struggle. You want to help, but so much of the advice out there feels like a quick fix and often makes things worse.

In this episode, I sit down with Marilyn Mele, founder of Dog Wisdom Workshop and creator of the Emotionally Intelligent Dog Academy, to talk about what truly helps these dogs thrive. With over 40 years of experience teaching people and dogs, Marilyn has a gift for blending science, compassion, and practical tools that work.

We dive into what’s really going on beneath the behavior, and why the usual “desensitization” approach can backfire.

This is an eye-opening conversation that will change the way you look at your sensitive dog.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Why “fixing” the behavior misses the point - and what to focus on instead.

The role of predictability and safety in helping your dog feel secure.

Why freedom of movement matters (and why the leash can make things worse).

The truth about desensitization - why it often fails and what to do instead.

One surprising skill you already have that can transform life with your dog.

My Favorite Quote from Marilyn:

"Feeling safe is something that happens inside the dog—you can’t train it, you can’t talk them out of fear. You have to create an environment where they believe they are safe."

00:00 Welcome and Introductions
00:11 Marilyn's Background and Journey
01:18 Evolution in Dog Training
02:56 Impact of COVID-19 on Dog Training
04:52 Understanding Dog Sensitivity
11:16 Importance of Predictability for Dogs
15:38 Creating a Safe Environment for Dogs
22:42 Challenges with Traditional Dog Training Methods
23:23 Creating a Safe Environment for Sensitive Dogs
24:20 Common Mistakes in Handling Sensitive Dogs
26:06 Trusting Your Intuition with Your Dog
27:51 Introducing the Mini Course: Stop Desensitizing Your Sensitive Dog
29:19 Understanding Desensitization and Its Misuse
31:32 The Three Pillars of the Mini Course
34:37 Real-Life Example: Handling a Covid Puppy
39:33 How to Connect and Work with Me

Find out more about Marilyn:

Marilyn Mele is the founder of Dog Wisdom Workshop and the creator of the Emotionally Intelligent Dog Academy. With more than 40 years of experience working with dogs and their humans, Marilyn specializes in helping sensitive, traumatized, and reactive dogs by teaching dog parents how to build confidence, resilience, and self-regulation.

As a Healing Touch for Animals Practitioner, Marilyn also supports dogs energetically, emotionally, and behaviorally through remote energy sessions.

How to Connect with Marilyn:

Website: https://www.marilynmele.com

A FREE gift for you 14 True Things About Dogs (Infographic): https://www.marilynmele.com/14-true-things-about-dogs-infographic

Facebook Group: Dog Wisdom Workshop https://www.facebook.com/groups/dogwisdomworkshop/

YouTube: Marilyn’s Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyE6Otu_z1FueviGxl5mfHQ

👉 Check out Marilyn’s mini-course: Stop Desensitizing Your Sensitive Dog: https://dogwisdomworkshop.thrivecart.com/stop-desensitizing-your-sensitive-dog/

.. or email her at [email protected]

As always, to find out all about Soul Touched by Dogs, go to https://soultouchedbydogs.com.