Dog Puppy Behavior Training Help

To Play . . or Not to Play. . . Will Tug of War Make My Puppy Aggressive?

Australian Terrier Puppy Tug is defined “to pull hard” by Webster’s online dictionary. People play tug with their dogs by pulling on an item the dog is holding in his or her mouth. To win at tug, you take the item away from your dog. Many of my clients ask me, “Is it okay to play tug with my puppy?” Good question. I know why you ask. Tug of war is one of those controversial...

DANGER! Choking Hazard! Size Matters! Orbee Tuff Balls for Less!

Amazon.com Widgets Most of us who pitch an occasional ball or play sports think little about matching the diameter of the ball to fit our dogs. SIZE MATTERS! A medium or large dog should not play with any ball that could become lodged in their throats or stuck in their mouth. It’s rare, but I’ve known dogs who have choked to death while their owners watched. Balls that are just a bit...

Memphis Animal Shelter – Death Camp for Dogs and Cats is Raided by Shelby County Sheriff Department

As recently as October 27, 2009, the conditions at the city operated, Memphis Animal Shelter, would shock animal lovers and haters alike. Animals starved to death, at the hands of employees, at the Memphis Animal Shelter. The dead animals lay in their cages. Other animals were sick and neglected. Deputies of the Shelby County TN Sheriff Department raided the shelter last week, in response to complaints...

Ruger LCP 380 Pocket Handgun with Safety Off, or Half Trained, Aggressive, Protection Dog?

I view personal protection dogs for suburban families like handguns. Exactly where do you go that demands such a high level of defense? Why do you go there? What do you want your dog to protect, and when? Imagine a lady’s purse concealing a Ruger LCP 380 automatic pistol. Imagine the purse is filled with cosmetics, billfold, and numerous other goodies that ladies carry in their purses. Imagine...

Terrier Tested: Interactive Foraging Dog Toys, Free Range Bullie, Gentle Leader, Sure Fit Harness & Supplies (Not Balls)

Amazon.com Widgets I have these dog goodies linked on this site so my clients can find the best items at the best prices! I mention many of these items during group and private dog training sessions. You can get these toys at many stores. I SHOP at AMAZON and SIT STAY for the best deals from reliable sources. My 10 year old Australian terrier,Bentley, loves each of these items (well, except for...

Signs your Dog is Not Getting Enough Exercise

All dogs need exercise. The amount and type of exercise needed varies with each individual. The perfect amount of exercise is just enough for your dog to be tired enough to be a relaxed calm member of your household. If your dog has lots of unused energy, it will emerge as annoyances. Tired pups and dogs don’t jump up excessively, bark and whine excessively, destroy everything, run away, dig for...

iPhone 3Gs Video ** Submissive Dog Behaviors are Not an Indication of Guilt

Common submissive dog behaviors include lowering of head, tail, body, or rolling over and exposing the underside. Many people believe they are teaching their dogs by scolding. They place items the dog destroyed into their outstretched hands, fuss at the dogs, and the dogs cower away. The people support their misbeliefs by the phrase, “She knows what she did because she looked guilty when I held...

Amateur Shock Collar Use Starts Dog Fight

If you want to control your pet dog’s involuntary aggressive responses via force and intimidation, you are entering a spiral of blackness and doom. One day, your chosen method or equipment will fail; injuries and sadness will emerge. I’ve seen it many times. Point being, punishing the growl with a quick burst of energy via an e-collar, leash jerk, Caesar Milan hiss, alpha roll, spank on the butt,...

You Should Not Stop a Dog from Jumping Up on Counter

Forget about stopping naughty behaviors.:) Instead, spend a little time with your dog and teach him a behavior that is incompatible with jumping up on counters such as to Go-To-Place. If you focus on stopping behaviors, you are destined to make a full-time hobby out of training. For example- If you focus on stopping a dog from jumping on the counter and succeed, you really haven’t taught the dog...

The Great Curtain Battle of 1999

I’ll be perfectly honest. I made all the same mistakes as anyone who every owned and raised a pup. I’ll never forget one of the many incidents when my newly adopted, turbo terrier, 10-week old pup, Bentley, was unsupervised for only a moment. In less than 10 seconds, he breeched a baby gate and enthusiastically bolted into the off-limits, living room. He immediately attacked the most valuable...

Goals of Off Leash Obedience or Guard Dog Performances by the Family Dog

Okay, so you want your puppy to stay in the yard, when off leash. You want your puppy to ignore that sandwich your toddler is dangling at her nose level. You want your puppy to sit calmly while you vacuum. You want your dog to protect and guard your home and family. You want your puppy to grow into a combination of Lassie, a Guide Dog for the Blind, or a canine Police Officer. Good for You! Lofty goals...

Dogs and Puppies are Opportunists!

Dogs and puppies are opportunists. Dogs follow one rule – “What’s in it for me – right now?” Dogs have no concept of right or wrong, good or bad. I do not believe dogs are concerned about yesterday or tomorrow. I believe dogs are interested in the present and how they can get what they want at this instant in time. Dogs do what they do because their behaviors are instrumental in getting...