Episode 18: A Diagnosis Isn’t Destiny: Train the Dog in Front of You

In Episode 18, we start with Mel being back on her bullsht*—thanks to an orchid rescue that turned into a truly unhinged slap-bet situation (no worries… Cory refuses to slap “a baby,” so the punishment becomes verbal roasting and threatened hugs). Then we get into the real heart of the episode: a diagnosis isn’t destiny—and you have to train the dog in front of you, not the one in the paperwork. We share two current camp cases: Pippa, a chihuahua mix with a long list of behavior diagnoses that terrified her owner into five years of “bubble wrap” living Bean, a golden mix with a bite history and anxiety—who’s now learning confidence, structure, and real-world coping skills We talk about the gap between clinical labels and everyday life, why “comforting” can accidentally reinforce fear, and the moment Cory told a cardiologist: “You’re your dog’s French fry.” 😅 Bottom line: your dog can make huge progress—with the right plan, the right support, and a whole lot of consistency. Want help with a dog who’s anxious, reactive, or “too much”? Follow along on Instagram: @dogtrainingcampusalouisville