Episode 22: Stuck in Management Mode (Emma, Galaxy & Bounty)

unPACKed

Welcome to unPACKed, an open-minded podcast taking a clinical, *not political*, approach to help pet parents around the world. Join Sailor Jerri and Mattison, certified trainers and canine behavior experts with a combined 3 decades of experience in behavioral dog training.

In this episode, we sit down with Emma to discuss her two rescue dogs, Bounty and Galaxy, and their challenges with reactivity and fear. After relocating to Kuwait, Bounty’s triggers—bikers, cars, and strangers—have intensified, while Galaxy remains unpredictable in her confidence. Emma shares her struggles with training in a high-stimulation environment and managing two dogs at once.

Mattison and Jerri explore the importance of shifting from overanalyzing triggers to focusing on practical solutions. They break down the difference between management and modification, emphasize the role of structured training, and discuss how small, consistent changes can make a big impact. This episode is all about reframing how we approach reactivity and finding a path forward.

Come back next month for another new case and LIVE unpacking, and later this year we'll check back in with Emma to get an update on her training journey.

To apply for a live unpacking, see photos of the dogs featured in this episode, or read full episode transcripts, visit us at www.unpacked.stream and connect with us on Instagram @unpacked.stream.

unPACKed was created by Jerri Scherff and Mattison Skoog-Simpson, and edited and produced by Mattison Skoog-Simpson. Visual design by Mattison Skoog-Simpson and theme music by Oleksandr Stepanov.