Why is my dog so aggressive to other dogs? This can usually be diagnosed with a detailed history: no play ever, hereditary, mother was sick or a guarder, or over socialized with aggressive or rough playing dogs. Cycle of On-Leash Aggression (created problem from humans), as described in the Culture Clash, by Jean Donaldson, “The Bully […]
Dog Aggression and Communication Signals Read More »
Interesting study reported in Psychology Today. I am not surprised by the findings — just further confirmation of my Training approach. Judy Moore The Effect of Training Method on Stress Levels in Dogs | Psychology Today Discipline-based training increases stress levels in dogs. At a dog training seminar that I attended recently I
Positive Reinforcement Training is Best Read More »
This is an example of an email I receive from distressed puppy owners several times per month…. “My dog was taken to the dog park at least 6 times a month during the first 7 months of his/her life, in addition to daily interactions with dogs we let him play with all the dogs on
How to Raise a Dog Friendly Puppy Read More »
Protect your dog from becoming aggressive by knowing where he is and who his playmates are. The topic of leash aggression arises so often, I feel the need to address it often in my blogs. For dog trainers it is very clear why we do not let our dogs greet unknown dogs while on leash.
Preventing Dog to Dog Aggression Read More »
I am often called to a home where a dog has nipped or bitten a child. Parents often admit they have punished the dog for growling in the past. Not all our dogs have grown up with children and some are worried. When there is a language barrier between two species, communication is often misunderstood
A Growl is Better Than a Bite Read More »
Dogs with low social skills often become resource guarders as it is very rewarding to them. Zeke, my foster dachshund, was surrendered because he continually fought with another dog in his home. This was particularly sad because he was given up by the family who adopted him as a pup. It was the only home
Once a guarder, always a guarder? Read More »
BIG NEWS!! I am very proud to announce my hard work and continued education has earned me the title ofAssociate Certified Dog Behavior Consultant- ACDBC. I am the only ACDBC south of Bangor, and the only one in Portland, Maine. My desire to better understand dog behavior and behavior problems is on going and I will
Associate Certified Dog Behavior Consultant now available in Portland Maine Read More »
I recently went to a home with a sweet male terrier mix who barked all the time according to the owner. As I approached the front door I realized I was not feeling safe based on the body language and rapid barking which was being sent my way through the screen door. I took a
When I think of unwanted behavior, I think of stress as the two are often related. My goal here is to help you identify your dogs stress signals so you can get them help before this stress causes unwanted behavior. Science clearly states that stress leads to health problems, negatively affect relationships with others and
What Does Stress Look Like? Read More »
When a dog is repeatedly frightened by the same stimuli, and is not ever given a chance to think and feel differently about this stimuli, you will likely see the same reaction long term to this stimuli whenever it presents itself. Systematic Desensitization and Counter Conditioning is the process of learning to think and feel
Have a Plan When Changing Behavior Read More »
