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...

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...

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,...

Dog Training & The ABCs of Instrumental Conditioning

There are three distinct pieces to a voluntary behavior, called the ABCs. The “B” represents the behavior. “A” is for Antecedent, which is anything present in the environment before a specific behavior. The A precedes the behavior. “C” is for Consequence, which is the immediate result of the behavior. Here’s an example of the ABCs of a voluntary behavior....

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...

Pet Dogs for Protection Dogs?

On How’s Bentley Private Services Enrollment Form, the box labeled “For Protection” is often selected as one of the reasons my clients acquire their pet dogs. I understand why people select a pet dog for a protection role. I have worked with more German Shepherd Dogs in the past year than the previous 3 years. I believe the current political and social cultures are responsible for...

Alan J. Turner Launches New Web Site

Alan J Turner is a companion animal behavior counselor and trainer.  Alan operates How’s Bentley in Memphis Tn.  Alan works full time in the companion animal field. Alan’s specialization is canine behavior and offers group and private dog training classes. Many of Alan’s clients have dogs who are aggressive or fearful. Alan works closely with the veterinary community in Collierville,...