--- title: Training Your Best Friend the Gentle Way | Dr. Mandy Meyk description: Dr. Mandy Meyk, an esteemed mental health professional, excels in aiding human and canine patients to achieve optimal wellness. Her global education spans Harvard Medical Center, University of Turin, Liberty University, and the University of Arkansas. Holding Bachelor's degrees in Microbiology (Animal Sciences) and Clinical Psychology, a Master's in Counseling, and a Psyc.D. in Mental Health Clinic Development, she is well-versed in diverse fields. Certified by TAAB and The CCS, her expertise extends to animal behavior. Dr. Meyk's empathetic approach and rapport-building skills resonate with patients. Proficient in cutting-edge behavioral treatments and tech, she prioritizes staying updated in her field. Revered by peers and patients for her dedication, she's a prolific author in mental and medical journals. Mentorship is vital; hence she dedicates 400+ hours annually to interns, shaping the future of mental health care. --- ## The Gentle Ways ## The Gentle Ways [![FullLogo_Transparent_NoBuffer-1](https://www.thegentleways.org/hs-fs/hubfs/FullLogo_Transparent_NoBuffer-1.png?width=250&height=688&name=FullLogo_Transparent_NoBuffer-1.png "FullLogo_Transparent_NoBuffer-1")](https://www.thegentleways.org) ![Dr. Mandy Meyk](https://www.thegentleways.org/hs-fs/hubfs/mandy.jpg?width=120&name=mandy.jpg) # Dr. Mandy Meyk Dr. Mandy Meyk, an esteemed mental health professional, excels in aiding human and canine patients to achieve optimal wellness. Her global education spans Harvard Medical Center, University of Turin, Liberty University, and the University of Arkansas. Holding Bachelor's degrees in Microbiology (Animal Sciences) and Clinical Psychology, a Master's in Counseling, and a Psyc.D. in Mental Health Clinic Development, she is well-versed in diverse fields. Certified by TAAB and The CCS, her expertise extends to animal behavior. Dr. Meyk's empathetic approach and rapport-building skills resonate with patients. Proficient in cutting-edge behavioral treatments and tech, she prioritizes staying updated in her field. Revered by peers and patients for her dedication, she's a prolific author in mental and medical journals. Mentorship is vital; hence she dedicates 400+ hours annually to interns, shaping the future of mental health care. [drmandy@thegentleways.org](mailto:drmandy@thegentleways.org) ## The Gentle Ways ## A collection of our latest research and 101's to help build the best relationship with your furry best friends [![short haired dog in a coat](https://www.thegentleways.org/hubfs/pittiecoat.jpg)](https://www.thegentleways.org/the-gentle-ways-blog/how-changes-in-weather-can-affect-your-dogs-mood) [![short haired dog in a coat](https://www.thegentleways.org/hubfs/pittiecoat.jpg)](https://www.thegentleways.org/the-gentle-ways-blog/how-changes-in-weather-can-affect-your-dogs-mood) ## [How Changes in Weather Can Affect Your Dog's Mood](https://www.thegentleways.org/the-gentle-ways-blog/how-changes-in-weather-can-affect-your-dogs-mood) 5 Jan 2024 [Dr. Mandy Meyk](https://www.thegentleways.org/the-gentle-ways-blog/author/dr-mandy-meyk) Cold weather can have a significant impact on your dog’s behavior. According to the American Kennel... [Read More](https://www.thegentleways.org/the-gentle-ways-blog/how-changes-in-weather-can-affect-your-dogs-mood) [Dog Behavior](https://www.thegentleways.org/the-gentle-ways-blog/tag/dog-behavior) [![decoding canine behavior](https://www.thegentleways.org/hubfs/Three%20home%20pets%20next%20to%20each%20other%20on%20a%20light%20background.%20funny%20collage.jpeg)](https://www.thegentleways.org/the-gentle-ways-blog/decoding-canine-behavior-exploring-the-behavioral-differences-between-male-and-female-dogs) [![decoding canine behavior](https://www.thegentleways.org/hubfs/Three%20home%20pets%20next%20to%20each%20other%20on%20a%20light%20background.%20funny%20collage.jpeg)](https://www.thegentleways.org/the-gentle-ways-blog/decoding-canine-behavior-exploring-the-behavioral-differences-between-male-and-female-dogs) ## [Decoding Canine Behavior: Exploring the Behavioral Differences Between Male and Female Dogs](https://www.thegentleways.org/the-gentle-ways-blog/decoding-canine-behavior-exploring-the-behavioral-differences-between-male-and-female-dogs) 2 Dec 2023 [Dr. Mandy Meyk](https://www.thegentleways.org/the-gentle-ways-blog/author/dr-mandy-meyk) The intriguing world of canine behavior often brings forth the question: Why are male dogs so... [Read More](https://www.thegentleways.org/the-gentle-ways-blog/decoding-canine-behavior-exploring-the-behavioral-differences-between-male-and-female-dogs) [Dog Behavior](https://www.thegentleways.org/the-gentle-ways-blog/tag/dog-behavior) [![commercial boarding risks](https://www.thegentleways.org/hubfs/Woman%20playing%20with%20her%20dog%20throwing%20the%20ball%20-%20isolated%20over%20white.jpeg)](https://www.thegentleways.org/the-gentle-ways-blog/unveiling-risks-the-pitfalls-of-commercial-dog-boarding-and-training-centers) [![commercial boarding risks](https://www.thegentleways.org/hubfs/Woman%20playing%20with%20her%20dog%20throwing%20the%20ball%20-%20isolated%20over%20white.jpeg)](https://www.thegentleways.org/the-gentle-ways-blog/unveiling-risks-the-pitfalls-of-commercial-dog-boarding-and-training-centers) ## [Unveiling Risks: The Pitfalls of Commercial Dog Boarding and Training Centers](https://www.thegentleways.org/the-gentle-ways-blog/unveiling-risks-the-pitfalls-of-commercial-dog-boarding-and-training-centers) 2 Dec 2023 [Dr. Mandy Meyk](https://www.thegentleways.org/the-gentle-ways-blog/author/dr-mandy-meyk) Choosing the right boarding or training facility for your canine companion can be a challenging... [Read More](https://www.thegentleways.org/the-gentle-ways-blog/unveiling-risks-the-pitfalls-of-commercial-dog-boarding-and-training-centers) [![clicker training](https://www.thegentleways.org/hubfs/Dog%20in%20a%20car%20made%20of%20cardboard%20box%20-%20fast%20shipment%20concepts.jpeg)](https://www.thegentleways.org/the-gentle-ways-blog/debunking-clicker-training-why-it-might-not-always-be-effective-for-dogs) [![clicker training](https://www.thegentleways.org/hubfs/Dog%20in%20a%20car%20made%20of%20cardboard%20box%20-%20fast%20shipment%20concepts.jpeg)](https://www.thegentleways.org/the-gentle-ways-blog/debunking-clicker-training-why-it-might-not-always-be-effective-for-dogs) ## [Debunking Clicker Training: Why It Might Not Always Be Effective for Dogs](https://www.thegentleways.org/the-gentle-ways-blog/debunking-clicker-training-why-it-might-not-always-be-effective-for-dogs) 2 Dec 2023 [Dr. Mandy Meyk](https://www.thegentleways.org/the-gentle-ways-blog/author/dr-mandy-meyk) Clicker training has earned its stripes as a popular positive reinforcement method for dog... [Read More](https://www.thegentleways.org/the-gentle-ways-blog/debunking-clicker-training-why-it-might-not-always-be-effective-for-dogs) [![dogs smelling](https://www.thegentleways.org/hubfs/Canva%20images/Canva%20Design%20DAFgrV0M1v0.png)](https://www.thegentleways.org/the-gentle-ways-blog/unleashing-the-science-of-dog-pheromones-understanding-the-benefits-of-synthetic-pheromones-for-dogs) [![dogs smelling](https://www.thegentleways.org/hubfs/Canva%20images/Canva%20Design%20DAFgrV0M1v0.png)](https://www.thegentleways.org/the-gentle-ways-blog/unleashing-the-science-of-dog-pheromones-understanding-the-benefits-of-synthetic-pheromones-for-dogs) ## [Unleashing the Science of Dog Pheromones: Understanding the Benefits of Synthetic Pheromones for Dogs](https://www.thegentleways.org/the-gentle-ways-blog/unleashing-the-science-of-dog-pheromones-understanding-the-benefits-of-synthetic-pheromones-for-dogs) 20 Apr 2023 [Dr. Mandy Meyk](https://www.thegentleways.org/the-gentle-ways-blog/author/dr-mandy-meyk) Dogs have an incredible sense of smell, and this has been the subject of much research in recent... [Read More](https://www.thegentleways.org/the-gentle-ways-blog/unleashing-the-science-of-dog-pheromones-understanding-the-benefits-of-synthetic-pheromones-for-dogs) [![anxious and scared dog](https://www.thegentleways.org/hubfs/Scared%20dog%20at%20the%20vet%20and%20doctor%20trying%20to%20calm%20him.jpeg)](https://www.thegentleways.org/the-gentle-ways-blog/helping-fearful-dogs-understanding-the-causes-and-effective-treatments-for-canine-anxiety) [![anxious and scared dog](https://www.thegentleways.org/hubfs/Scared%20dog%20at%20the%20vet%20and%20doctor%20trying%20to%20calm%20him.jpeg)](https://www.thegentleways.org/the-gentle-ways-blog/helping-fearful-dogs-understanding-the-causes-and-effective-treatments-for-canine-anxiety) ## [Helping Fearful Dogs: Understanding the Causes and Effective Treatments for Canine Anxiety](https://www.thegentleways.org/the-gentle-ways-blog/helping-fearful-dogs-understanding-the-causes-and-effective-treatments-for-canine-anxiety) 17 Apr 2023 [Dr. Mandy Meyk](https://www.thegentleways.org/the-gentle-ways-blog/author/dr-mandy-meyk) Dogs are beloved members of many families, and owners often go to great lengths to ensure their... [Read More](https://www.thegentleways.org/the-gentle-ways-blog/helping-fearful-dogs-understanding-the-causes-and-effective-treatments-for-canine-anxiety) [![dog thinking](https://www.thegentleways.org/hubfs/DEE59761-83BB-4EB3-98BF-A1753D267783.jpeg)](https://www.thegentleways.org/the-gentle-ways-blog/dog-psychology-101) [![dog thinking](https://www.thegentleways.org/hubfs/DEE59761-83BB-4EB3-98BF-A1753D267783.jpeg)](https://www.thegentleways.org/the-gentle-ways-blog/dog-psychology-101) ## [Dog Psychology 101](https://www.thegentleways.org/the-gentle-ways-blog/dog-psychology-101) 27 Mar 2023 [Dr. Mandy Meyk](https://www.thegentleways.org/the-gentle-ways-blog/author/dr-mandy-meyk) As humans, we are social creatures that communicate primarily with vocal language. However, our... [Read More](https://www.thegentleways.org/the-gentle-ways-blog/dog-psychology-101) [![resource guarding](https://www.thegentleways.org/hubfs/Canva%20images/Canva%20Design%20DAFgre6KxCg.png)](https://www.thegentleways.org/the-gentle-ways-blog/understanding-canine-possessive-aggression-and-resource-guarding-insights-from-scientific-research) [![resource guarding](https://www.thegentleways.org/hubfs/Canva%20images/Canva%20Design%20DAFgre6KxCg.png)](https://www.thegentleways.org/the-gentle-ways-blog/understanding-canine-possessive-aggression-and-resource-guarding-insights-from-scientific-research) ## [Understanding Canine-Possessive Aggression and Resource Guarding: Insights from Scientific Research](https://www.thegentleways.org/the-gentle-ways-blog/understanding-canine-possessive-aggression-and-resource-guarding-insights-from-scientific-research) 14 Mar 2023 [Dr. Mandy Meyk](https://www.thegentleways.org/the-gentle-ways-blog/author/dr-mandy-meyk) Resource guarding is a common behavior in dogs, where they exhibit aggressive behavior towards... [Read More](https://www.thegentleways.org/the-gentle-ways-blog/understanding-canine-possessive-aggression-and-resource-guarding-insights-from-scientific-research) [![dog training](https://www.thegentleways.org/hubfs/The%20Gentle%20ways%20(2).png)](https://www.thegentleways.org/the-gentle-ways-blog/five-key-principles-of-non-aversive-dog-training) [![dog training](https://www.thegentleways.org/hubfs/The%20Gentle%20ways%20(2).png)](https://www.thegentleways.org/the-gentle-ways-blog/five-key-principles-of-non-aversive-dog-training) ## [Five Key Principles of Non Aversive Dog Training](https://www.thegentleways.org/the-gentle-ways-blog/five-key-principles-of-non-aversive-dog-training) 12 Feb 2023 [Dr. Mandy Meyk](https://www.thegentleways.org/the-gentle-ways-blog/author/dr-mandy-meyk) Dogs are loyal companions, but they can also be a handful if not trained properly. Dog training is... [Read More](https://www.thegentleways.org/the-gentle-ways-blog/five-key-principles-of-non-aversive-dog-training) [![dog adoption](https://www.thegentleways.org/hubfs/The%20Gentle%20ways%20(600%20%C3%97%20650%20px)%20(1).png)](https://www.thegentleways.org/the-gentle-ways-blog/setting-up-your-dog-for-success-in-the-first-week-of-adoption) [![dog adoption](https://www.thegentleways.org/hubfs/The%20Gentle%20ways%20(600%20%C3%97%20650%20px)%20(1).png)](https://www.thegentleways.org/the-gentle-ways-blog/setting-up-your-dog-for-success-in-the-first-week-of-adoption) ## [Setting Up Your Dog For Success in the First Week of Adoption](https://www.thegentleways.org/the-gentle-ways-blog/setting-up-your-dog-for-success-in-the-first-week-of-adoption) 17 Jan 2023 [Dr. Mandy Meyk](https://www.thegentleways.org/the-gentle-ways-blog/author/dr-mandy-meyk) You’ve just adopted a new puppy or dog and you want to get off on the right foot with your furry... [Read More](https://www.thegentleways.org/the-gentle-ways-blog/setting-up-your-dog-for-success-in-the-first-week-of-adoption) [1](https://www.thegentleways.org/the-gentle-ways-blog) [2](https://www.thegentleways.org/the-gentle-ways-blog/author/dr-mandy-meyk/page/2)