Understanding Your Dog Beneath the Behavior.
When Behavior is Communication
Breakthroughs is more than a business — it’s a home for dogs whose behavior is communication, and for the humans who sense there’s something deeper happening beneath the surface.
I created Breakthroughs because I kept meeting dogs who weren’t “misbehaving” — they were overwhelmed. Their bodies were holding more than they could manage, and their behavior became the only language they had left. Traditional training didn’t explain what these dogs were experiencing, and it didn’t give families the tools to truly help.
Breakthroughs exists to change that.
Through the Beneath the Behavior™ Method, I guide families in understanding the nervous system, recognizing early signs of dysregulation, and supporting their dogs through overwhelm with gentleness and clarity. This work is rooted in:
emotional safety
attunement
relationship
nervous‑system literacy
compassion for both dog and human
Breakthroughs is a place where sensitive dogs are honored, not judged — and where families finally feel seen, supported, and equipped with a path forward.
This is where behavior starts to make sense.
This is where connection deepens.
This is where real change begins.
Breakthroughs is where dogs are understood, not managed — and where families learn to support the dog beneath the behavior
Because a regulated dog is a connected dog. And a connected dog is a well‑behaved dog.
A New Approach for Dogs Who Feel the World More Intensely
Some dogs don’t respond to traditional obedience training — not because they’re stubborn, but because their behavior isn’t a “command” issue. It’s an emotional one.
I specialize in dogs who:
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Become overwhelmed quickly when the world feels too big or unpredictable
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Shift into shutdown or escalation when their nervous system hits overload
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Is still developing social and emotional skills to feel safe with others
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Feel every shift in tone, energy, or environment even the subtle ones
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Haven't responded to traditional obedience because their nervous system needs something different
Beneath the Behavior
A relationship‑based approach to helping sensitive, overwhelmed, and misunderstood dogs feel safe, connected, and emotionally grounded. Most behavior challenges aren’t obedience problems — they’re emotional regulation problems.
The Beneath the Behavior™ Method is designed to help dogs feel safe enough to choose better behavior from the inside out. This method blends intuitive clarity, deep observation, and grounded behavioral principles to create lasting change without force, pressure, or obedience drills.
Meet Your Behaviorist
I’m Lyndsey, the founder of Breakthrough Dogs and the creator of the Beneath the Behavior Method, a relationship‑based approach for dogs who feel deeply.
Over the years, I’ve developed a way of working that blends intuitive clarity with grounded behavioral science. I read the subtle signals most people miss — the micro‑shifts in breath, weight, eyes, tension, and energy that reveal what a dog is experiencing beneath the surface.
Transformations
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![Dog Training and Behavior Modification for Rescue Dogs]()
For The Love of Dogs
“I am pleased to recommend Lyndsey Crocket as an outstanding dog behaviorist. Her expertise in understanding canine behavior is evident in her approach, which combines knowledge and practical techniques aimed at improving both dog and owner experiences.
Lyndsey’s methodical assessments allow her to identify specific behavioral issues and tailor her training programs accordingly. She emphasizes positive reinforcement, which not only fosters better behavior but also enhances the bond between dogs and their owners. Her clear written and verbal communication and guidance empower pet owners to implement effective strategies with confidence.
We are a dog rescue, For the Love of Dogs Vermont Many adopters , including myself, have seen significant improvements in their dogs' behavior after working with Lyndsey . Her professionalism, patience, and dedication to helping dogs become well-adjusted companions make her an excellent choice for anyone seeking assistance with dog behavior. I highly recommend her services.”
Carole H Moore
Founder and Director
For the Love of Dogs Vermont -
![Dog Training and Dog Modification Plan to bond two dogs]()
Hudson & Piper
“Hi Lyndsey, You provided phone and email support to my husband regarding our new dog, Hudson, and his relationship with our dog, Piper. I am very appreciative of this. Within days of implementing your recommendations all aggressions stopped, and they have formed a very nice relationship. They frequently play throughout the day, and they also rest together. Thank you so much for sharing your expertise and providing support. Take care.”
Catherine Parlante -
![Dog Training resulted in dog and cat living together]()
Persie
“I just wanted to provide an update on Persie. We finally have progress. I cannot thank you enough for the conversation we had. Its like a miracle happened. The younger kittens are now walking up to her and sitting next to her without being chased.
This is amazing and I can finally see a light at the end of the tunnel as we keep up on this training with her!”
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![Dog Training]()
Ivy
“Thanks again for all of your helpful tips. We have been working very hard with Ivy over the past few months and have seen a huge improvement. She can now happily go in public, and for the most part does great. If somebody pays too much attention to her or looks at her for too long, she’ll let out a little growl to let us all know she’s uncomfortable but we are always trying to catch it before it gets to that point and tell people to just ignore her. She has been tethered to us and goes everywhere with us. We go to Lowe’s and Home Depot often just to walk around and be around people, and use treats as positive reinforcement when she does well and has a good interaction with a person. I feel like we’ve really learned a lot about her and what she needs, which has been helpful in supporting her.”
Ava Butler -
![Dog Behavior Modification Plan for Fearful Dog]()
Lucy and Lily
“I feel so blessed to have Lyndsey Crockett as my guide on my journey with Lily. Lily spent 5 years in a cage being bred over and over. She came to me extremely fearful of humans. If it were not for Lyndsey’s ability, love for animals and I swear her ability to read their spirits, I would have given up all hope. To see my little Maltese in such fear, tore my heart out. Some of the things I had to learn were so different from my human way of thinking. Lyndsey thank you for all your time and patience. It is so wonderful to watch Lily transform into a confident loving pup.”
- Lucy and Lily -
![Dog Training]()
Blueberry
“Lyndsey was so kind and patient with our anxious escape-prone pup. Blueberry, Not only did she put up with nervous dog parents but she also gave Blueberry a safe, fun- filled day packed with walks and love.”
Sally Murphy -
![Dog Training for Basset Hound]()
Rosie
“Couldn’t be more pleased with Lyndsey’s training and kind professionalism while working with my Bassett puppy - Rose”
Felicia Files -
![Black and white dog lying on a wooden floor next to a woven rug.]()
Kiva
“Lyndsey supported my boyfriend and I through the first months of owning our first dog, a rescue. Lyndsey is amazing. She helped us develop a relationship with our dog, understand our dog, and establish boundaries and routines for her. She was there for a spontaneous call when our dog got in a fight with another dog, and we were shocked and unsure. She reassured us and helped us understand what we needed to do to manage and modify our dog's reactivity to other dogs. With consistency, we have seen our dog's trust and attention to us grow, and we are able to walk our dog around other dogs without a meltdown.
Again, we are super thankful for your support. You really helped us with Kiva and probably more importantly - you helped Kiva.”
Ready to Get Started?
If your dog feels overwhelmed, misunderstood, or stuck in patterns that traditional training has not helped, you are not alone, and there is a more thoughtful way forward.
We look at the full picture — not just the behavior itself, but what may be contributing beneath it — and use a relationship-based approach to help your dog feel safer, more regulated, and more able to make better choices through connection rather than pressure.