Do It Yourself Dog Training

What can and can’t you do when it comes to “do it yourself” (DIY) dog training? With the economy still being in the Great Recession, people are looking for ways of saving money when it comes to managing their dog’s behavior. There are many options, but not a lot of good choices.

Popular Dog Breed Reviews

What are the most popular purebred dog breeds? Here is a comparison of the breed lists from Britain and the USA.

Dog Training Goals

I believe it is important to set training goals for every dog. Too many dogs are adopted or on purchased without any consideration as to what is going to be expected in terms of behavior over time. I’ve met tons of people who expected 9 week old puppies to obey like adult dogs; rescue dogs with unresolved past issues; and adult dogs with little to no training and miserable to live with. Here are the goals I expect for most dogs

As I've Warned Before...

Some people go absolutely nuts in reaction to a barking dog. I don't get it, but I do accept it and warn dog owners to muffle their dogs barking as much as possible. This appears to me to be one of those cases...

A Ft. Pierce man has been charged with animal cruelty after he reportedly killed his dog by stabbing it more than two dozen times. The sheriff’s office said Barker, who is currently jailed without bail, told investigators he did it because he was tired of the dog’s incessant barking.

Why Do Isolated Dogs Attack?

Why is it dangerous to leave dogs isolated and neglected in a back yard? Why do dogs kept in kennels for day after day eventually resort to aggression? Why do these types of dogs escape and then attack?

The Most Annoying Dog In The World

I’ve never watched “Marley and Me”, nor read the book, but I’ve met many Marley’s over the years. I’ve even owned a “Marley”. If you have one of those very difficult dogs to manage and love, this is the article for you.

Here's A Testimonial From Yesterday

Dear Sam, THANK YOU VERY VERY MUCH. IT ALL MAKES PERFECT SENSE. I AM TRYING IT IMMEDIATELY TO TUNE UP OUR DOGS. JACK COMES TO ME IN 2-3 WEEKS. I WILL HAVE EVERYTHING READY AND REPORT BACK TO YOU. YOU ARE A GENIUS WITH DOGS. IT ALL WORKED WITH GRETL AND LIESL. I TRIED AND TRIED ALL THE DOG WHISPERER STUFF. HE IS SHARP ON TV. BUT IN REAL LIFE....IN MY CASE...IT JUST DOES NOT WORK. I AGREE: HE TALKS IN NEBULOUS NON-CONCRETE TERMS....LIKE "ENERGY", ETC. HE'S HOLLYWOOD I GUESS. THANK YOU. YOU ARE THE GREATEST. I AM WORKING NOW. Very Sincerely Grateful, Linda, Gordy, Gretl, Liesl, and now Jack

What Is The Right Way To Train A Dog?

When I’m interacting with a dog, I always filter my behaviors by asking myself, “what is going to be the effect of what I’m doing on this dog?” Whether I’m just visiting a friend and her dog comes over to be petted, or I’m walking past a dog in public, I am aware of what I’m doing and how that might affect that dog. Of course, I’m a dog trainer, so that kind of thinking comes more naturally to me than most other people. I’m aware of the cause and effects of human behaviors on dog behaviors.

For All Those Unbelievers

For All Those Unbelievers

It's become the fashionable thing these days to say there's no such thing as pack order with wolves. It's mostly promoted by folks that have an agenda. Fanatics always have an agenda of some sort. So, it was quite enlightening to read this article: I lived with wolves'I ate what they ate, mostly raw deer and elk, which they would often bring back for me, or fruit and berries'

"when all the wolves were feeding, I ate the wrong piece of meat – there is a strict hierarchy of who eats what part of an animal – and one of the wolves leapt on me in seconds because of my mistake. He took my entire face in his mouth and started to squeeze hard"

Yes, there is a pack order. Don't believe the fanatics.

New Dog Video

Check out my new dog training video. This was created for my new web page: http://www.samthedogtrainer.com

What Is The Best Way To Get A Dog To Obey?

Good dog training is about your relationship with your dog, not the clickers, electric collars, treats, toys, or special methods you use.

What Training Should You Do With A New Puppy?

There are several things you should consider doing with a new puppy.

This article describes them all

Abuse Of The Family Dog

I tell people: you can’t fool the dog trainer. When you’ve been around dogs and people for as many years as I have, I will eventually figure out what’s been going on with the dog. Dogs will “tell” me of the abuse because the signs become increasingly clear as I work with the dog. I’ve been with numerous people who tried to deceive me regarding what was going on in their homes, trying to hide that someone hasn’t been nice to the dog. Once I figure it out, I don’t pussyfoot around. As a professional, I confront it.

Experience Counts

How much experience should a dog trainer have before you hire them? It takes 3 weeks to become a dog trainer at most pet stores. Compare that to this study: Gladwell repeatedly mentions the "10,000-Hour Rule", claiming that the key to success in any field is, to a large extent, a matter of practicing a specific task for a total of around 10,000 hours. That's 5 years full time work. I've been at it full time, professionally, since the beginning of 1997. And I was studying it as an amateur since 1986.

I've learned through the school of experience. There is no school for dog trainers that can teach this stuff to you. So, if you want to become a dog trainer, consider the investment of time and effort before you take someone's innocent dog and practice on it. If you don't know what you are doing, then don't go pro.

Christmas Gifts For Dogs And Dog Owners

Not sure what to buy for Christmas? Here are some unique ideas. Instead of the typical toys basket, try some of these fun and practical ideas.

Training Your Dog - The Answers

* I am embarrassed by my dog. My husband won't work with the dog. My son can't even come in the house. My neighbors are complaining. I have to walk my dog at odd hours of the day and night. My dog is too friendly and jumps all over my guests.
* What’s it going to take to get my dog to stop jumping, pulling me on a walk, stop biting, stop chewing and destroying my furniture, to stop being afraid and anxious, stop running away, and to listen to me when I’m around distractions and come when called?
* What does it take to take an untrained dog and turn it into a trained dog?
* What are the steps involved?
* Are there any secrets to training a dog?
* How do I get a good dog trainer and avoid being ripped off by a bad dog trainer?

This article explains what you need to know

HSUS and Michael Vick... Which Is Worse?

To all you rescue volunteers... Know who you support. I am not a fan of the HSUS at all... and here's a good example: the strange connection between HSUS and Michael Vick

Hat Tip: KC Dog Blog

Are You Afraid Of Your Dog?

What do you do if you are afraid of being bitten by your own dog? This article explains the situation, and includes a case example.

Dog Problem or People Problem?

Not all dog problems are solved by just working with the dog. Good dog training involves teaching the owner.

Don't Play Rough With Your Dog!

A 15-year-old boy was taken to Enloe Medical Center Sunday morning after he was bitten in the neck by his dog and fainted. Porter Duggins was "rough-housing" face-to-face with the family dog, Bubba, a half-Labrador, half-pit bull mixed breed, when the dog nipped at the boy's neck, said his father, Jeremy Duggins

I tell people all the time to not play rough with their dogs. The dog doesn't see it oftentimes as a game, and at some point the dog might bite you to tell you it doesn't like what you are doing. It's unbelievable that this owner is now thinking of putting this dog down! The dog is innocent.