How To Spoil A Dog

Read my latest article on this common dog behavior problem: Spoiling

Dog Training In Phoenix, AZ

Here are the locations in which I do most of my dog training. It has been quite a switch, moving from Seattle several years ago to here. I love training dogs here, but there are some significant differences in how I now operate. Take a look at the following articles:

Locations Serviced: Ahwatukee, Anthem, Avondale, Buckeye, Cave Creek, Chandler, Chandler Heights, DC Ranch, Fountain Hills, Gilbert, Glendale, Goodyear, Laveen, Litchfield Park, Mesa, Paradise Valley, Peoria, Phoenix, Queen Creek, Scottsdale, Sun City, Sun Lakes, Surprise, Tempe, Tolleson

10 Foolish Things People Do With Dogs

1.) Foolish Training: Wrong trainer, wrong class, unscientific training, no reasonable goals, no maintenance training, not training at all, method bias, not taking obedience to off leash control.
2.) Foolish Dog Selection: Wrong breed, not considering all the factors of ownership, not enough research, purchase more on looks than traits, wrong pup from litter or shelter or breeder.
3.) Foolish Feeding: table scraps, obesity, fad diets, improper puppy feeding, improper elderly feeding, not using medical diets when prescribed by vet, let dog eat garbage, give chocolate (poisonous) to dog, allowing dog to eat or lick things off the ground.
4.) Foolish Situations: bought a dog, but should own a dog; kids don’t treat dog properly, bought dog as a gift for someone else; don’t have enough time for the dog; got a dog just before having a baby and don’t have time for dog; not physically capable of managing dog; dog doesn’t match your living situation (your apartment doesn’t allow dog ownership); person you live with doesn’t like dogs; marry someone who doesn’t like dogs; dog can’t act mannerly in situation so gets in trouble or bites someone
5.) Foolish Leadership: bought a dog for a kid (kids are not mature enough to manage a dog); “master” isn’t the master; different commands for every person; unfair demands of dog; no set rules for household; dog doesn’t have a master at all
6.) Foolish Supervision: peeing and pooping problems in the home; chewing problems; not on lead in public; not having a fenced yard; not in crate when not supervised as a pup; dog overheats in summer and freezes in winter because of inadequate housing and supervision; not being careful of goofy neighbors.
7.) Foolish Breeder/ Breeding: stupid place to buy your dog (pet store, puppy mill breeder, backyard breeder); breed own dog when you don’t know what you are doing (and produce unwanted, unhealthy or unstable dogs); no reasonable health care of pups and parents; breeding just for looks and not working ability and stability as a pet; no temperament testing of breeding stock; breeding younger dogs instead of older dogs (should collect semen and breed dogs if still healthy after 10 years old to eliminate many genetic diseases)
8.) Foolish Safety: dog in back of pickup truck; play with children unsupervised; tied out to pole; not vaccinated; let run loose in neighborhood; rough play; letting strangers hurt your dog; tying dog outside of store unsupervised; not knowing natural hazards around you
9.) Foolish Aggression: no proper training and supervision; not knowing what causes dogs to bite; not knowing the law; not knowing enough about the breed you own; not knowing enough about other dogs you meet; teasing a dog; messing with a dog you don’t know; rough play; rough treatment; bad breeding.
10.) Foolish Politics: animal rights folks want to ban domesticated dog ownership; “claw and bite” laws; unfair “menacing” laws; opposing tail docking and ear cropping in some breeds; breed bans; pit bull and other breed biases; poorly written “vicious dog” ordinances and insurance prohibitions; hiking bans; travel bans; unfair self protection laws for humans and dogs; overly restrictive leash laws; uninformed candidates running for office or in office; unreasonable animal control policies; not caring when you see an injustice concerning dogs; reactionary laws and actions after dog biting incidents that don’t relate to the average dog owner; being uninvolved in dog issues

UPDATED: Buying A Dog / Choosing A Breeder

Every once in a while, I do an update on one of my articles. If you are looking to buy or adopt a dog, you should read this first.

Today is a good day to train your dog!

Training Owners to Train Dogs

If I can't understand a dog owner's personal situation, and get to know them, I can't get their dogs to behave them properly.

Animal Neglect

Case study of two dogs that are neglected by their owners... and there's nothing we can do about it.

Anger Has No Place In Dog Training

This article is a case study regarding anger. Dog training doesn't go so well if you get angry with your dog.

Another Dog Attack That Didn't Have To Happen

A man was handing out fliers, door to door, for a restaurant. Instead of leaving them at the gate of one house, he entered the gate and was attacked by the owner's pit bulls and severely injured. The owner had a Beware of Dog sign, which the man couldn't read. Here's my opinion...

Look, I hate it that this man was injured. I'm not a violent person. I don't ever want someone to be hurt. But, it's just stupid to enter into someone's property, past a gate, without permission. You can be shot. You can be attacked by their dogs. That's life. It sucks, but people and dogs do things to protect themselves from intruders, such as install gates, post warning signs, and getting dogs. Everyone knows this. Thus, this guy did something stupid and paid the price of his stupidity. And so did the owner since one of the attacking dogs died in the custody of animal control.

My only suggestions for the owner in the future would be to put a lock on your gate (though I've posted stories of people climbing fences and being attacked by dogs, so even that isn't fool proof), and posting a No Trespassing sign, to increase the legal cost to the intruder for entering without permission. My suggestions to those who would pass out fliers... stay on public property, and don't enter private property without permission. Sorry this guy got hurt, but there's no way to legislate IQ or wisdom. Do stupid things, pay the price.

Antisocial Dogs

Not all dogs are safe to pet. I am amazed at the number of people who get bitten when petting dogs they don't know. I never do this. I take time to get to know a dog, and for the dog to get to know me, before I start petting any dog. Dogs don't just bite out of fear. Some are socially aggressive. Here are more thoughts on this topic.

Do You Need A Personal Protection Or Guard Dog?

Are you buying a dog to protect you from criminals? Better read this article!

So, You Want To Be A Dog Whisperer?

A lot of people want to know what a "dog whisperer" is, and how you become one. This article explains what it means and what it takes.

Cancer Propensity By Breed Of Dog

Is your dog at high risk for getting cancer? Trupanion pet insurance released a study today that might help answer that question. Cancer-related pet insurance claims were most common in German shepherds, golden retrievers, rottweilers and doberman pinschers

Strange. There doesn't seem to be a common thread here regarding which dogs get cancer and which ones don't, except maybe based on the past popularity of the breed.

I ALWAYS recommend putting dogs away when having a large party at your home. Too much risk the dogs will get in trouble or guest do something stupid

If you haven't trained your dog in a while, I'm sure you & your dog need a tune up. If you live in the Phoenix / Scottsdale AZ area give me a call

Its important to be able to keep your cool and stay positive and clear headed when trainin or handling a dog

I'm more determined than even the most willful and stubborn dog

A dog is a daily obligation. If you are responsible don't get a dog

These upcoming elections on the local level will directly affect your dog. Vote Pro Dog! (Pro-dog activists listed on sidebar)

I know of dog trainers that fake their credentials. There are crooks in every field of human endeavor

Even trained dogs need tune ups

I see way too many fat dogs doing hard hikes. Hey, its not safe to overwork an unfit dog!

Your emotional wellbeing directly affects your dog's behavior

A lot of the worst dog laws are the product of a bunch of attention seeking politicians.

If I can't get an owners thinking straight, I can't get their dog to behave them properly

Ever consider that the reason your dog doesn't obey is because YOU don't know what you are doing?

I was *accused* of being a bookworm today by a good friend. Maybe I am ;) its one reason I know so much about dogs & dog ownerw

Most dog breeds need genetic help, outcrossing to related breeds to freshen their gene pools. Check out the LUA Dalmatian

A Catahoula Leopard Dog is more complex than the average pet.

If your dog is a year or older and still peeing and/ or pooping in the house it is time to hire a professional dog trainer. your dog isn't trained!

There's something wrong in your beliefs if you believe that doing evil acts will earn you a place in heaven.

Just bcuz some people treat their religion like a cult doesn't mean there is no God or that He approves of their evil acts

Never forget 9/11 bcuz 20 yrs from now there will be people who will deny it ever happened

Most people don't know how to pet a dog

The longer you postpone dealing w your dogs serious behavior problems the more likely the remedy will be harsh for everyone

Can't tell you how many dog owners I meet w untrained dogs who also are devoted Cesar Millan fans. Watching isn't doing folks

I really get fed up with lazy dog owners, esp those who blame the dog for things that are really the fault of the owner being lazy

Its important to make your yard safe BEFORE you get a dog.

Nobody likes your bratty dog. Get off your lazy ass and do some training

All dogs can be house trained. Its no fun, I'm sure, to live in filth and your friends are grossed out by it too. Don't be lazy or cheap, get it done

Dog rescue is a great thing, helping many dogs. Downside is that there never seems to be enough homes for the dogs you help

I'm working today to find a home for a rescued pup found wandering the streets

Folks who complain about you always wanting to be right just want to justify why they can treat you or your dog wrong

If you've owned enough dogs over enough years, one of your dogs will get loose. Proper training might be the only way to call them home

I have hiked many miles with dogs. I pre-plan for their safety. I see way too many people hike unprepared w their dogs.

Here is an example of the abuse of police powers when it comes to your dog.http://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2010/09/your_dogs_papers_and_your_mone.html

A dog trained primarily with treats will never be well trained

Just got another great referral from one of my dog training students. Gives meaning to what I do

You have accomplished a lot when a dog will precisely & happily obey commands just to get your affection

Have you ever noticed how pit bulls often have almost cat-like agility?

Ever consider building a lap / exercise pool for your dog? Here is where to find a contractor: http://www.poolinfosite.com

There are some important safety precautions you should take before going camping with your dog

Old dogs need diets high in anti- oxidants

Fall and winter holidays are here. Train your dogs to be well mannered so nothing tragic happens

Good dog training is an art, operant conditioning isn't (which is why it is a limited theory of behavior)

Iran is implementing a new crackdown on dog owners. Muslims aren't anti-dog, just the cultists in positions of police power

If you are a terrible driver don't put your dog in your car

You should get seat belts for your dog or they will die in an accident

How well a person cares for their do, or yours, says a lot about their character, so pay attention

ALL dogs need periodic dog training tune ups

It often seems logical to treat pets like children, except they aren't. They're dogs

Dog Bite Insurance?

Here is an excellent and perceptive analysis of the dog bite scam by insurance companies. Hat Tip: KC Dog Blog

Give your dog a command. If s/he does it well, give verbal praise. If your dog doesn't wag a happy tail, you don't have a trained dog yet

Some things in dog training require personal style and artistry - things that can't be taught, only coached

It looks effortless when I work with your dog because I train dogs all the time. Skill takes coaching, effort and time

I have a lot of "tools" in my dog training "toolbox". No one method is always the *best* in all circumstances

Going Nuts Over Barking Dogs

I have written of this before, neighbors who go absolute nuts when they hear a barking dog. I know of actual cases. In this case, the story says that this goofy neighbor PURPOSELY antagonized the dogs next door in order to get them barking and in trouble. Read the whole thing here

Every dog has a story

I hate it when people let their dogs drink out of the toilet. Isn't it obvious why?

Want a cool giant dog? Check out the Leonberger

Not all dog foods are that good for your dog

Cats and dogs can live together peacefully, but normally only if they were introduced to living that way when very young. Sometimes it doesn't work out though

I'm not opposed to most dogs being allowed on furniture, but with some dogs it isn't a good idea

I always appreciate watching a well trained dog

If you are a dog hater, there's something wrong with you. Go get counseling

Lots of dogs die because they escape the premises. What have you done to prevent this happening to your dog?

One of the major reasons dogs end up in shelters is because of behavioral problems. Dog training is a life saver.

Every dog you see in any movie made at least 10 years ago is now dead. Dogs lives are very fragile, so treat them with respect and kindness

Question: did you make thos a good day for your dog?

Its a lot easier to prevent behavior problems in your dog than to fix them when they have become a long term habit; but you can

Family problems can often result in dog problems

There are good ways and bad ways to introduce a new dog into your home

A well trained dog doesn't look well trained in the hands of an untrained owner

Being a good dog owner is recognizing when you are in over your head. And then hiring a professional dog trainer

Akita Mauls Girl

Horrific. However, this goes to prove that ANY breed can attack, not just "pit bulls". Breed bans won't fix this. Sometimes animals act like animals.

Read My Favorite Dog Blog

I read a lot of dog news, pretty much on a daily basis. My favorite dog blog is KC Dog Blog. Check it out

Do You Read My Twitters?

I have a dog Twitter page. I often post to it more than once per day. You can check it out HERE.

Lame Excuses

There are a lot of (lame) excuses for not training your dog on a daily basis. C'mon guys, it's not fair to not train your dog and then expect your dog to be well mannered or obedient.

Have Some Fun With Your Dog!

As a professional dog trainer, I'm often suggesting ideas to my students. One of those suggestions regards fun things you can do with your dog.

A dog is more than a walking carpet that you feed a couple of times a day.

Discover what you can do with your dog, and do it!

Dog Food Recall

Dick Van Patten's "Natural Balanced" Dog food has recalled some of its product over concerns about salmonella.

Animal Cruelty Syndrome?

I'm wary of creating new psychological disorders since they can create new classes of those with legally protected "disabilities". That being said, is there a justification for defining "Animal Cruelty Syndrome"? I do know this: that people who will abuse animals have something seriously wrong going on in their heads, and can cause a whole lot harm to animals and people. It's something that has attracted the attention of law enforcement, animal welfare activists, and the psycholocial community.

Hard Decisions

A man died trying to save his dog from drowning in a canal. These situations are always hard, and it's easy to say what you would or wouldn't do if you were faced with the same crisis. My rule in advance is always people safety first, animal safety second. This man had a wife (no mention if he had kids). They were relying on him, too. Sometimes you have to do hard things in life. What would you do in this situation?

Sick Pets And No Money

When people have to choose between medical care for their pets and survival, then the pet is put down. That's the truth and tragedy of this ongoing recession.

Cesar Millan Getting Divorced

Not good news. I hate divorce, yet I've been divorced. It really sucks. I wish both of them well.

Fat Dog Seized By Government

Council officials have seized a morbidly obese Bull Terrier from its owner and sent it to a "fat camp".

I'm not sure how I feel about this, from a legal standpoint. In my opinion, overfeeding a dog to the point it is suffering like this is clearly abuse. I support using the law to save abused animals. On the other hand, does this kind of thing set a precedent for other seizures of animals for reasons that aren't so serious? I just don't know. So, I guess I'll just wait and see...

Be Wise When Pooping Your Pup

Here's another story of someone who allegedly went bonkers and shot someone because they let their pup poop on their prized lawn. First off, if you have a dog, be as inconspicuous as possible when pottying your dog, and pick up after your dog. Second, if you are a nut about your yard and you don't want people pooping their pets in your yard, instead of packing a pistol, why not just build a fence? We all have to get along in this world, and nothing was worth the death of a human being over this kind of thing.

Marmaduke Movie

Here we go again. The new Marmaduke Movie comes out in theaters on June 4th. And once again, you can bet that people will go out and buy Great Danes without thinking about what they are getting into. Great Danes are a LOT of dog, not only in size but in cost and in terms of behavior. These were dogs designed to tackle big game. A number of years ago, I heard of two Great Danes attacking and mauling a black bear... Think about that some time. Danes aren't always good with other dogs, and you definitely don't want to get two of the same sex in the same home. Further, you MUST go to a reputable breeder, not a pet store or backyard breeder. With health problems galore, there are also dangerous behavioral instabilities that come along with certain colors, especially the merles.

That being said, I like the breed and have trained a number of them. But, they are not for the casual, impulse buyer. I already anticipate hearing stories of these dogs filling the shelters in about a year from now.

New Dog Web Page

I have been working for months on a new dog training web page. It features a lot of new content, a more user friendly look and navigation profile, and a new shopping cart. You can now order online lessons, dog food, and a variety of dog supplies. And there is a ton of other new stuff coming.

Check it out: Sam The Dog Trainer.com

Don't Feed Dogs Bones!

I've told numerous people that it is a mistake to give dogs bones from your dinner plate. They aren't the same as the ones you get from a pet store, nor are they similar to the bones a wolf would gnaw on in the wild. And sure enough, here is a warning from no less than the FDA confirming the same.'

Hat Tip: Dogster.com

City Bans Dogs From Park = Bans Dogs From City

A city in Britain has banned all dogs from all parks. At the same time, there are animal welfare laws in Britain making it mandatory for dogs to get walks. Isn't socialism wonderful? Isn't it time to just leave people alone?