Client Consultation: Anxiety, Reactivity & Why “More Entertainment” Isn’t the Fix

In this client consult, Millie works with Sara and her 4½-year-old Bichon, Charlotte, to tackle a swirl of issues: leash reactivity toward dogs and people, door/window “bouncer” behavior, sock/paper eating, and an intense attachment that’s taken over daily life. We lay out a structure-first plan that replaces guilt-driven routines with fair, clear boundaries, so Charlotte can turn her brain off, and Sara can get her life back.

What we cover

• Why “more entertainment” isn’t the fix: the boredom myth vs. building distress tolerance
• Crate as bedroom, Place as off-switch: one uninterrupted hour of Place daily (tethered if needed), plus crate after every meal (20–30 min) and when home alone
• Furniture with rules: invitation-only up, handler ends the cuddle session—no self-appointing
• Walk mindset: neutral, non-negotiable structure beats mileage and hype
• Reactivity at windows/doors: remove the job, redirect to Place before the explosion
• Pica management: ruthless environmental control; vet-approved chew alternatives for a natural outlet
• Relationship > obedience: why true recall is a relationship test, not a cue trick
• Pack position reframe: Charlotte looks “alpha,” but she’s a back-of-pack dog forced into the front—no wonder she’s stressed
• Travel prep: how a sitter can kick-start overnight crating without emotional backsliding