Welcome to Nordika Stockdogs: My Mission and Journey - CRT Method.
- Marylin Anderson
- Feb 3
- 4 min read
My Name is Marilyn Anderson, and This is My Story
I have always been an animal lover, but my journey with horses, dogs, and people has shaped the foundation of my work today.
For over 20 years, I dedicated my life to the equestrian industry, working as a horse trainer specializing in challenging behavioral cases and trauma rehabilitation. But my work wasn’t just about horses—it was about helping people, too. I worked with at-risk youth and distressed women, using horsemanship as a tool to help them process the world in new, healthier ways.
My passion for behavior, relationships, and deep transformation runs through everything I do. And while horses were my primary focus for years, dogs—and specifically stockdogs—have always been woven into my journey.
My Roots: From Cattle Ranch to Border Collies
I grew up on a working cattle ranch, surrounded by the rhythm of livestock, horses, and hard work. But it wasn’t until my mid-teens that I met the breed that would later become the heartbeat of Nordika Stockdogs.
One of my best friends was just beginning to develop her own Border Collie bloodlines, and through her, I was introduced to the intensity, intelligence, and sheer brilliance of the breed. This sparked a deep appreciation—not just for stockdogs, but for the complex world they navigate.
Through my experiences with horses, dogs, and people, I noticed a frustrating pattern:
➡️ The industry—both equestrian and canine—focused too much on labeling behavioral problems instead of addressing the underlying needs.
I saw it with horses. I saw it with dogs. And I saw it with people.
Animals weren’t being set up for success because we were too busy chasing behaviors instead of understanding their core struggles. People felt stuck, endlessly fighting against problems instead of seeking the root causes.
This realization led me down a deep path of study—one that would forever change my approach to training and rehabilitation.
Relational Horsemanship & Canine Relational Theory
About seven years ago, I discovered Josh Nichol and Relational Horsemanship, and it completely reshaped my perspective. Instead of controlling behavior through force or reward, his approach focused on understanding the animal’s experience, meeting their needs, and guiding them through pressure, space, and mental balance.
I began a deep dive into relational theory—not just for horses, but for humans and dogs as well.
Through this work, I saw the same relational principles that helped rehabilitate traumatized horses and struggling people also applied perfectly to dogs.
And so, Canine Relational Theory was born.
This approach is about seeing dogs through a new lens. It’s about understanding their struggles instead of just punishing behaviors that stem from confusion, fear, or unmet needs. It’s about recognizing that, just like horses and humans, dogs need support in learning how to navigate the world.
Beyond Labels: The Power of Need-Based Training
Whether it’s raising a child, working with a horse, or training a dog—the way we perceive behavior determines how we respond to it.
If we focus only on flaws, disobedience, or “bad” behavior, we stay stuck in frustration. We correct without clarity, punish without progress, and remain blind to what the animal (or person) actually needs.
Instead, if we shift our perspective and start asking:
➡️ What does this dog actually need to feel safe, capable, and clear?
➡️ Where is this behavior coming from, and how can I address the root issue?
➡️ Am I supporting my dog in learning how to process pressure, space, and mental engagement?
Then suddenly, everything changes.
Behaviors transform when needs are met. A reactive dog doesn’t just “stop reacting”—they learn to navigate pressure in a healthy way. A pushy dog doesn’t just “stop being rude”—they learn to respect space and boundaries. A distracted dog doesn’t just “start listening”—they learn mental self-carriage and focus.
And this philosophy is at the heart of Nordika Stockdogs.
The Mission of Nordika Stockdogs
My mission with Nordika Stockdogs is simple:
✔️ To create a safe, inclusive environment for ALL dog owners—whether they own a traditional stockdog breed or not.
✔️ To help people understand their dogs through the lens of needs, not labels.
✔️ To use stockmanship as a tool for both dogs and humans—not just to develop skill, but to create emotional clarity, confidence, and mental balance.
✔️ To build a community where people and dogs grow together—through education, training programs, and a space for self-reflection.
Stock work is one of the best tools in the world for helping both dogs and humans develop clarity, resilience, and emotional regulation. It challenges our timing, awareness, and ability to work with pressure. It teaches dogs how to navigate the world.
But most importantly, it gives us a way to stop chasing behavioral problems and start addressing the root cause.
A Vision for the Future
Nordika Stockdogs is more than a training business—it’s a movement toward understanding, empowerment, and relational learning.
I want to help people break free from the cycle of frustration and labeling.
I want to give dogs the tools to succeed in their world, whether they are working stock or simply living in a family home.
I want to create a space where people and dogs grow together, in a way that is fulfilling for both.
Because at the end of the day, this work isn’t just about dogs.
It’s about learning how to show up in the world with clarity, leadership, and purpose—both for ourselves and for our animals.
And if we can help our dogs achieve peace and understanding, we can achieve it for ourselves, too.
Join the Journey
If this resonates with you, I invite you to join me on this journey.
Nordika Stockdogs is here to provide:
✔️ Programs and training designed around need-based learning
✔️ Support for ALL breeds and backgrounds
✔️ A community built on inclusivity, education, and growth
Whether you’re here to develop your dog into a working stockdog, help your dog overcome behavioral challenges, or simply deepen your relationship with your canine partner, you’re in the right place.
Let’s stop chasing behaviors. Let’s start fulfilling needs.
Welcome to Nordika Stockdogs.
- Marilyn Anderson
I’d Love to Hear From You!
What challenges have you faced in training or understanding your dog? Have you struggled with traditional training methods that focus too much on behavior rather than needs? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your experiences!
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