Usually when dogs begin to act aggressively, for example, barking, jumping and spinning, when they see another dog; most owner’s reaction is I need to socialize him, let’s go to the dog park.  That is the worst thing you can do for your dog.  First, it’s not fair to the young dog that is submissive and just wants to be loved by other dogs and second, if there is another dog that is reactive as well, you may be looking at a dog fight.  How can my dog not like other dogs?  When your puppy is with his litter and mother, he is learning dog on dog interaction.  But that interaction must…

Aggression is the most serious and dangerous behavioral problem that many dog owners need to deal with.  In my opinion, there is no place for any type aggression in our society.  It is unacceptable behavior which should be eradicated as soon as possible.  Aggression cannot be handled by reading a book, a trained professional is needed to diagnosis the type of aggression the dog has so to educate the owner and make him aware of situations that may provoke the dog.  The trained professional can also determine the prognosis and develop a cause of action.  In some cases medical conditions can contribute to aggression, therefore a complete physical examination and…

Aggression because your dog has a bone or food or toy in his possession is a dominance behavior.  In your dog’s mind, he is correcting the owner for going near HIS food or object.  This is the correct reaction by an Alpha dog to a subordinate.  By growling, your dog is asserting his position in the pack.  I break down this training into segments and recommend that you move slowly from each step.  It may take you more than the time allotted here to move from each step.  I use food as my example but you can train the same way and follow the steps the same way for bones…

In light of the recent Gorilla incident in Cincinnati, I feel in need to address the 200 lb gorilla in the room, no pun intended.  I have noticed that the beginning of each summer, there is an increase in the amount of dog bite calls I receive.  I believe it could be the Memorial Day kick off that has friends and family gathering for barbeques and everyone forgets that the dog is just as excited.  Fido has always been ‘very excited’, nippy, etc. but it isn’t until there is a tragedy like a dog bite do people reach out and want to train their dog.  I guess it’s the severity…