Why Relationship Matters: Lessons from Steven Lindsay on Cynopraxis
This weekend, the Cordial Canine team had the incredible opportunity to attend a seminar with renowned trainer and behaviorist Steven Lindsay.
Lindsay is widely respected for helping define the LIMA (Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive) approach to training—an ethical framework that guides trainers to choose humane, evidence-based methods. But what resonated most with us was his introduction of cynopraxis.
What Is Cynopraxis?
Cynopraxis is more than a technique—it's a philosophy. It places the human-dog relationship at the center of all training. Rather than focusing solely on obedience or behavior correction, cynopraxis invites us to pay attention to trust, emotional safety, and communication between dog and handler.
It’s a reminder that effective training doesn’t start with commands—it starts with connection.
How We Use Cynopraxis at The Cordial Canine
At The Cordial Canine, cynopraxis is woven into everything we do. We believe in connection before correction. For example, if a dog is pulling on the leash, we don’t jump straight to tools or punishment. Instead, we ask:
Does the dog feel safe?
Is the handler engaged and clear?
What emotional needs are behind the behavior?
By building trust first, we help dogs learn in a way that’s not only effective but kind. And we teach pet parents how to do the same—because a strong bond makes everything easier, from basic cues to behavior modification.
Building the Bond: Play, Boundaries, and Respect
A key part of our training philosophy at The Cordial Canine is helping clients build deeper, healthier relationships with their dogs—relationships rooted in trust, safety, and mutual respect. We do this by coaching dog parents in two essential areas: purposeful play and clear boundaries.
Play isn’t just fun—it’s one of the most powerful tools we have to connect with dogs. Engaging in structured, thoughtful play allows dogs to express themselves, burn energy, and learn how to interact with humans in a positive, cooperative way. We show our clients how to use play not just as a reward, but as a form of relationship-building—one that enhances focus, reinforces trust, and deepens communication.
Equally important are clear, consistent boundaries. Far from being harsh, boundaries provide dogs with the structure they crave. When dogs understand what’s expected of them and where the limits are, they feel more secure and less anxious. We teach our clients how to set these boundaries with kindness and clarity, so their dogs know they can count on them for guidance.
When play and structure are used together, dogs and their people develop a dynamic that’s both joyful and respectful. The result is a dog who feels safe, understood, and eager to learn—and a human who feels confident and connected.
Why It Matters
Your relationship with your dog is the most powerful training tool you have. Techniques and tools are just that—tools. Without a solid, respectful relationship, they can only go so far. But when your dog trusts you, listens to you, and feels safe with you, real learning happens.
We left the seminar reminded of why we do what we do: to keep happy dogs in happy homes, by strengthening the bond between people and their pets.
