Average Reading Time: 1 minute, 47 seconds

Human aggression in dogs is a serious issue that can’t be taken lightly by dog owners. But where do you go to get help for dog aggression to humans? We’re excited to provide a new resource that is free and available to everyone.

Before I tell you about this new resource, I need to briefly explain why dog aggression to humans can’t be ignored.

It’s a problem that affects not only the dog, but also its owners and everyone around them. While aggression can manifest in various forms, including growling, barking, snarling, or even biting, the consequences of ignoring or mishandling this issue can be detrimental to all involved.

Average Reading Time: 2 minutes, 36 seconds

Barking in the backyard is a common behavior for dogs, and humans don’t always appreciate it on either side of the fence. What many people don’t know is that the act of barking can be a self-rewarding behavior for dogs – they like barking! We need to get it under control, as it typically only gets worse for a number of reasons.

Average Reading Time: 3 minutes, 29 seconds

Summer is around the corner and it’s going to be hot, especially here in Texas! There’s no excuse not to mentally and physically exercise your dog every day, even when it’s really hot outside. I’ve provided you with 14 ways you can exercise your dog below; most of them can be done inside.

Average Reading Time: 2 minutes, 46 seconds

No one can guarantee that a dog, even your own, will not bite your child. Some dog owners think their family dog would never hurt a flea, much less bite their own child. Remember that dogs are animals and, given the right circumstances, may respond to your child by biting.

As you prepare to dive headfirst into behavior modification for your beloved pet dog, make sure you’ve covered all the essential prerequisite tools and supplies. In this episode, I explain the three main things every dog owner should have before treating dog aggression: equipment, management and owner education.

Check out my new weekly podcast named "Dog Aggression Answers!” This podcast provides insights and treatment ideas for dogs with all types of aggression.

For more information, click Dog Aggression Answers.

Average Reading Time: 2 minutes, 54 seconds

A new client, Jean (not her real name), and her dog, Bear, greeted me at the door for their first dog behavior session a few months ago. It was obvious from the second I laid eyes on Bear that he had fear issues with humans. This was obvious from Bear’s body language. He was definitely acting a bit grumpy toward me, with some growling and lunging.

Bear was a 130 pound, 20-month-old Great Dane. I know what you’re thinking: “aren’t Great Danes friendly dogs?” Mostly, but not always. Jean quickly informed me that Bear had bitten someone for the first time recently but that she was not worried about him biting again. She claimed that he was “getting better.” She further stated that the bitten person didn’t require any medical care, so it wasn’t “that bad.”

She may not have been concerned, but I definitely was - for a number of reasons.

Average Reading Time: 2 minutes, 43 seconds

There is a question I ask my dog clients that can sometimes cause a look of shame. That question is, “Do you regularly walk your dog?” Whether a dog owner routinely walks their dog, or not, can be a litmus test in people’s minds about a dog’s owner (I don’t believe this is a valid test). In other words, if you walk your dog, you’re a good dog owner; if you don’t, you must not be.

Average Reading Time: 2 minutes, 17 seconds

Cultural attitudes about dog ownership have changed fairly dramatically in the 21st century, especially in western countries. When I was a boy growing up in the 1970s in the United States, dogs were considered something that you provided food, water and occasional veterinary care when needed. Most dogs lived in the owner’s backyard virtually 100% of the time. They were not commonly considered part of the family like they are in most households today.

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There are some subjects relating to dog ownership that are quite polarizing. Whether you should crate your dog or not is certainly one of them. Some people view crating dogs as cruel, akin to putting them in a jail cell. Other dog owners view it as a way to give their dog some peace and quiet.

Average Reading Time: 2 minutes, 44 seconds

You hear it all the time:

”I have a bad dog; she’s dangerous.”
”Bill needs to get rid of his bad dog.”
”Debbie’s dog is a bad dog and should be put down.”

Before I go any further, let me expound on the type of “bad dog” I’m writing about, since there are two types. The first type has to do with dogs who have poor manners. By “poor manners” I’m talking about dogs who annoyingly jump on people, chew on shoes, bark constantly, etc. You get the idea. This type of “bad dog” would more properly be described as unruly. I don’t like when people apply the “bad dog” moniker to these types of behaviors, but it’s a more acceptable use of this term than it is with the second type of “bad dog” detailed below.

Average Reading Time: 2 minutes, 1 second

Do dogs feel things in the same way as humans? This is a question I’m asked frequently. Quite frankly, if you’re a dog owner, it’s a question you probably ought to be asking yourself.

After personally working with thousands of troubled dogs, my personal opinion is that, yes, dogs do have many, if not all, of the same or similar emotional feelings that humans do. I have that belief for both scientific and experiential reasons. But, I do have one caveat; I’m not so sure dogs feel things exactly like we do.

Average Reading Time: 1 minute, 25 seconds

You’ve heard dog trainers on TV say something to this affect, “Your dog is not a balanced dog.” Apparently, this must really be bad. They say it with such authority that you have to assume this must really be a “thing”. I mean, they are on TV. We all know that everything on TV, and on the internet for that matter, is true.

Average Reading Time: 4 minutes, 57 seconds

You have finally located the dog you want to adopt from a local rescue organization or animal shelter. She’s pretty; she’s the age you want; she’s the breed you want; she’s the size you want; she’s friendly; she’s healthy; everyone in the family loves her.

These are things that are important when selecting a dog to adopt. However, there’s another dimension that adopters frequently overlook. Does this dog have any serious behavior issues? As someone who works with dogs with major behavior issues, I can confidently tell you that some problematic behaviors can dramatically and negatively impact the dog ownership experience.

Average Reading Time: 5 minutes, 4 seconds

I’m going to review and grade the eight most common dog collars and comment on how effective and humane they are for reducing pulling. I’m going to start with the least effective (#8) and work toward the most effective (#1). One of the key variables in my review is how humane these collars are. Punishing types of collars lose points fast with me.

Average Reading Time: 2 minutes, 1 second

In the fall of 2014, I had my once-in-a-lifetime dog euthanized for health reasons. He had become so debilitated and sick that the vet was adamant it was time. To say I was heartbroken is the understatement of understatements. I am still sad and find myself reflecting and crying at times about the loss of this absolutely magnificent animal.

His name was Fred. He was a beautiful German Shepherd. Godspeed Fred.

After his death, I had two questions. Will I see him again? That’s a very interesting question I will address in a future article. The other question I had was, how will Fred’s death affect my other living dog? My other dog was a sweet-as-can-be Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Reagan. They enjoyed each other’s company.