From Chaos to Calm
How I Created a Post-Training Routine That Actually Works (for Me and My Herding Dog)
by Melissa Hernandez
Before working with Bianca, life with our 4 year-old Aussie, Ollie, was filled with love — and a lot of overwhelm. He’s brilliant, goofy, and full of heart… but he’s also reactive, intense, and endlessly alert. We knew we had a special dog, but we also knew we needed help. What I didn’t realize was that the one who needed structure just as much as Ollie... was me.
Thanks to Bianca’s Herding Hero program, we’ve gone from chaos and reactivity to calm routines and meaningful connection. Here’s how we built a routine that actually works for our lifestyle, our family, and our very big-feeling herder.
Why I Knew I Needed More Than Just Weekly Training
When we first brought Ollie home, we hoped he could one day be a source of comfort for my mom, who uses a wheelchair, and a walking buddy for my sister and dad. But his reactivity made even simple walks in the apartment complex feel stressful. I found myself peeking around corners, dreading the possibility of seeing another dog, and constantly bracing for an outburst.
After just a few sessions with Bianca, it became clear: training sessions alone wouldn’t be enough. We needed structure in-between. That’s when I committed to showing up fully — not just as Ollie’s human, but as his guide.
What a “Follow-Through Routine” Looks Like for Me
Bianca helped us build routines that don’t just fit into our lifestyle — they support it. Here’s what we practice on a weekly basis:
Kennel Time After Walks: We introduced 30–60 minutes of structured crate time after morning walks to help Ollie decompress. Bianca emphasized how important it is for reactive dogs to learn how to truly rest — and it’s working.
Sound Sensitivity Desensitization: Each day, I play doorbells or knocking sounds while feeding Ollie his dinner. We pair the trigger with food, helping him feel safe with common everyday noises. (We’re already seeing less alert barking!)
Pattern Games for Reactivity: We use "1, 2, 3" treat-dropping games when he spots a trigger. Instead of bracing for chaos, Ollie now knows to look to me for the next step.
Leash Work & Long Line Sessions: Structured walks include direction changes, “watch me” cues, and more engagement overall. I’m also using a long line for practice in low-trigger spots like the marina, where Ollie can move but still feel secure.
Weekly Check-Ins with Myself: I spend 5–10 minutes reviewing what worked, what was tough, and what needs more practice. It’s not just about Ollie learning — it’s about me growing, too.
The Tools Bianca Gave Me (and How I Use Them)
Bianca’s training is more than exercises — it’s a mindset shift. Some of the tools that have made the biggest impact:
Threshold Cues: Teaching Ollie to wait at doors has lowered his overall arousal.
Crate as Calm Space: Using the kennel during overstimulating moments helps him regulate.
Martingale Collar: Walks feel more structured and predictable, which reduces reactivity.
Confidence in Me: I now know when to step in, when to redirect, and when to let Ollie work through something with support.
The Difference It Made
Today, Ollie is noticeably calmer. He checks in with me more often, settles faster, and recovers from triggers more easily. My dad has hope that one day he’ll be able to take Ollie for relaxing walks. My sister feels more confident walking him with my mom nearby. And I feel a lot less anxious.
Every small win counts — and we’ve had many: ignoring a barking dog outside the window, staying calm on a walk at the marina, choosing to lay down instead of pacing. Those moments used to feel impossible.
Advice to Other Herding Dog Owners
If you feel like your dog is "too much," you’re not alone. These dogs are wired to think, move, and alert. That’s not something you erase — it’s something you work with.
Bianca taught me how to turn overwhelm into communication, and reactivity into a chance for connection. My advice? Be consistent. Celebrate the little wins. And invest in the kind of training that teaches you just as much as it teaches your dog.
About the Author
Melissa Hernandez is a client of Dogfulness Coaching and a proud Aussie mom learning the art of calm, structured herding dog parenting — one training session (and treat pouch) at a time.
