What JoJo Taught Me About Thresholds, Tools, and Freedom in Dog Training

Struggling with leash-reactive dogs or behavior cases that don’t respond to reward-only methods? Here's what JoJo, a Chinese Village Dog, taught me about thresholds, off-leash freedom, and the thoughtful use of e-collars in balanced dog training.

JoJo’s Story – A Dog at His Limit 

JoJo was one of the hardest behavior modification cases I’ve worked with—and one of my greatest teachers.

He’s a Chinese Village Dog. I don’t know exactly how his original family came to have him—maybe they rescued him from the street, or maybe he just became part of their life in China. Eventually, they moved to the United States. Years later, as they aged into their 90s, JoJo started reacting aggressively to anyone entering their home. He wasn’t safe for the caregivers they needed. So he was placed in a rescue and adopted by Sunny—who would soon become one of my closest friends.

When we started training, I used a reward-only approach. That’s where I always begin. But in JoJo’s case, we hit serious roadblocks—because some things were completely out of our control.

Why Reward-Only Wasn’t Enough

JoJo lived in an upstairs unit above a busy urban center. Just stepping outside put him over threshold. People, dogs, traffic—all too much, too fast. We even tried having him potty indoors to avoid triggering situations, but it turned out more frustrating than helpful. He would hold it for hours, waiting for the routine he was used to: a walk.

He wasn’t just “stubborn.” He was stuck—emotionally, physically, behaviorally.

And I was stuck too.

The Turning Point: Off-Leash Recall and E-Collar Work

After months of trying everything we could, JoJo came to my board and train program. That’s when we brought in more balanced methods, including off-leash recall and e-collar work.

He needed freedom. He needed to know he could leave a situation instead of feeling trapped on a leash. And he needed that before he could succeed in a traditional environment.

Funny thing is—when JoJo arrived, I had been seriously considering stepping away from using e-collars in my training.

But JoJo taught me something important: it’s okay.

It’s Okay to Use the Tools—With the Right Intention

It’s okay to use a tool to give a dog more freedom. It’s okay to use it for safety. It’s okay to adapt.

Do I offer e-collar work to every client? No.

Do I market it heavily? No.

But when I choose to use a tool this nuanced—this powerful—it’s because I know it’s the right dog, the right owner, and the right situation. Because it’s not about pushing a button. It’s about teaching a new language the dog has never heard, never seen, never felt. One that includes choice, control, and the ability to remove themselves from overwhelming situations.

Leash Laws vs. Real Dog Needs

People often say, “Well, what about leash laws?” And I get it.

Dogs are domesticated, yes. But they weren’t born thinking, “I’m going to be tethered to a human by 6 feet of nylon forever.” We created that system.

And we need leash laws because not everyone can control their dog. Some dogs don’t have social manners. Some owners ignore boundaries. And just like vaccines or seat belts, structure exists because too many people wouldn’t follow the rules otherwise.

But here’s the difference: my goal isn’t chaos. It’s structured freedom.

That’s why, when I teach off-leash skills, I always start with a long line. It’s never without a “helper” tool. And yes, even a 50-foot line dragging behind the dog is still freedom. It’s controlled freedom. It gives the dog space to make choices—but with a safety net.

They’re not off-leash yet, but they’re learning what it feels like to be.

How JoJo Found His People (and So Did I)

JoJo grounded all the fire in me. It took me ten visits before I could even touch him. Just touch.

We had to board him before he finally let his guard down. And through that process, something beautiful happened: I didn’t just gain a client—I gained a friend. Sunny and I became close. And JoJo? He made that happen.

It’s funny—I always say my husband ended up with me because his dog was so difficult, he had no choice but to marry the trainer.

Maybe JoJo was the same. So hard, he brought two people together.

Sunny sent me a photo of JoJo recently. He looked regal. Majestic. Like a dog that had come through fire and come out glowing.

Then she immediately followed it with a drooler pic—because balance.

Thank you, Sunny. Thank you for being a friend. And thank you for giving me JoJo.