Leader of the Pack

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Is Growling a Bad Behavior?

Jan 23
5 min

Is Growling a Bad Behavior?

Now, I don't exactly get this specific question a lot, but I definitely have to explain to people more often than not that growling is NOT a bad behavior and should not be punished. Growling is a form of communication. We would never punish a child (at least I hope not) for telling us they do not like something or someone. In most, if not all cases, punishment leads to worsening the underlying problem. Now, don't get me wrong, growling is not necessarily a wanted behavior by

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Why There's So Much Conflicting Advice and Information About Dog Training

Aug 12, 2020
3 min

Why There's So Much Conflicting Advice and Information About Dog Training

It's so damn confusing out there! Am I right, or am I right? No matter where you turn there is a dog owner or trainer that is using definite terms with regard to how you should handle or train your dog, and then there's another giving the exact opposite advice with the same definiteness in their delivery. In all honesty, I'd really hate to be a new or even seasoned dog owner looking for help online for my dog. The only thing I'd hate being more than that is a dog trainer that

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Why I Don't Teach "Stay"

Jul 17, 2020
2 min

Why I Don't Teach "Stay"

Since the beginning of training dogs, people have used the word stay and shoved an open hand in the face of their dog to make them stay in place or whatever position they're in. So, why the heck do I have the audacity to not teach or use the word stay when working with clients and their dogs? Simply put, using the word "stay" is absolutely pointless. Let me explain. You see, the way I look at it, "sit", "down", "place", and "crate" are ALL implied stays. In other words, if I

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7 Steps to Becoming the Leader of Your Pack

Jul 15, 2020
6 min

7 Steps to Becoming the Leader of Your Pack

Becoming the leader of your pack means being able to communicate with, guide, praise, and correct your dog(s) appropriately and at the right times. Pack Leaders make the rules and set boundaries with consistent feedback, most of which are non-verbal. They provide structure through adequate physical and mental stimulation and give affection and attention at the appropriate times. Pack Leaders do not bully, dominate, or intimidate their pack members into compliance or submissio

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Five Reasons You Should NOT Get Two Dogs at Once

The Benefits Of Using Food In Dog Training

Sep 22, 2019
4 min

The Benefits Of Using Food In Dog Training

There's an unheard of debate out there amongst dog trainers and behavior consultants in regard to the use of food for dog obedience training and behavior modification. Some trainers stay away from food entirely, believing that dogs will care more for the food than themselves, while others overdo it by relying too heavily on it, thus creating dependency and a bad rep for using food. You may have heard conflicting advice on this subject, so I am here to clear things up. For sta

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The 10 Commandments of Dog Training

Aug 19, 2019
8 min

The 10 Commandments of Dog Training

Well if that's not a strong title, I don't know what is. But, I do know that when it comes to training your dog to be obedient, there are just some things that you must do, need to have, or have to use in order to get the results you're looking for, and there is no substitute. Follow my commandments and I guarantee you will see better results and have a better relationship with your dog. Who doesn't want that? I. Make sure your dog is ready Insecure, fearful, and undersociali

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The Problem With Most Dog Trainers and Training Methods

Jun 14, 2019
8 min

The Problem With Most Dog Trainers and Training Methods

The dog training world is filled with endless opinions, methods, myths, and wives tales. Time and time again, I am contacted by clients who have previously worked with another trainer that, unfortunately, produced sub-par, if not worsening results. As delighted as I am to help these clients (and trust me, I am), I cannot help but feel disappointed for them. I mean, who the hell wants to invite a stranger into their home, pay hundreds or even thousands of dollars only to reali

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5 Things You Do That Promote Bad Behavior From Your Dog

Feb 9, 2019
5 min

5 Things You Do That Promote Bad Behavior From Your Dog

I get it. You love your dog and I know you are well intended. But dogs speak an entirely different language than we do. If we don't figure out what they're saying and why, we can easily find ourselves overwhelmed by bad behavior. That’s why I’ve made this short yet important list for you to read over and hopefully clear up some things so that you can make changes in the right direction for both you and your dog. Remember, you may require the help of a qualified behavior speci

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Top 5 Reasons Your Dog Doesn't Listen To You

Feb 2, 2019
5 min

Top 5 Reasons Your Dog Doesn't Listen To You

If you're like most people, you may have a hard time keeping your dogs attention past the threshold of your front door, if you're lucky. While Mr. Scraps may (or may not) listen to you in the house, he definitely doesn't listen to you outside. Maybe your dog thinks he's the 2016 tug-of-war champion, always pulling you down the street. Or maybe he thinks he's the mayor, constantly running off to "say hi" to other dogs and humans alike. Either way, lunging, pulling, and a tota

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