The Pack Leader Theory (sometimes referred to as the Alpha Theory, or Dominance Theory) in dog training is always a controversial topic. The main reason? Most audiences claim it's debunked and no longer effective in training dogs.  But is it?  In my years as the beloved Doggy Dan, I have found immense success in the training style I teach my clients: establish outstanding leadership your dog can trust, and the rest will fall into place.  But why is the training principle that makes dogs change now criticized and dismissed? In this blog, we will talk about why the Pack Lea ..read more

Reactive dogs are not made equal. While most reactive dogs have unique triggers, there are dogs triggered by almost everything — something that puzzles their dog owners!  Dogs that are reactive to everything can be terrified of other dogs and people, dislike certain elements such as fire or water, be reactive to all kinds of sounds, or resistant to new experiences.  But why are some dogs more reactive than others?  Intervention and training are necessary if your dog shows signs of reactivity because unresolved reactivity can turn into aggression. And let's face it: reactivity ..read more

If you walk with a leash-reactive dog, you can expect this scenario: they lunge at other dogs out of nowhere, they bark endlessly and uncontrollably, and they can't help but pull on the leash every time. When a dog is leash reactive, their agitated behavior is on once the leash is on!  If we only base it on your dog's reaction to the trigger (in this case, the leash), it's easy to assume that your dog is aggressive. They bark, they jump, they're restless, they look like they're going to attack! But here's what I want every dog owner to know: understanding the difference between leash re ..read more

Reactive dog behavior comes as a surprise to most dog owners. Their sweet, gentle dogs can instantly throw a hysterical bark fest at the sudden sight of a person, a thing, or an animal.  “Doggy Dan, why is my dog so reactive?” If your dog is a sweetheart one moment and an agitated barker the next, you can be dealing with a reactive dog.  Quick disclaimer: a reactive dog is not always an aggressive dog. Reactivity and aggression look the same, but these behaviors are not alike. Most reactive dogs react to a trigger by barking, growling, and lunging. This behavior is mainly fueled by ..read more

Walking your dog is a crucial part of raising and training them; thus, knowing the two types of dog walks can make a HUGE difference to your training experience. “Doggy Dan, is there more than just one way to do dog walks?” Yes… and my goal is to help dog owners tap into the power of switching walking styles to make the most out of dog walks. In this blog, I will talk about the two types of dog walks, why you need to know both, and how to know which type to use best. Read on to learn more. The Two Types of Dog Walks: Why You Need More Than Just One Type of Walk All walk and no play makes your ..read more

When dog owners come to me for help on how to stop leash pulling, I feel for them, especially when I hear the frustration in their voices. It's understandable why having a dog pulling the leash can be such a pain! If all you want is to enjoy a quiet, peaceful walk with your dog, the constant struggle for control can be exhausting. And most of the time, the leash pulling happens at the start of the walk, making you wonder, “Is going out for a walk even worth it?” Why do dogs do this? Why is there even a power struggle? And should you persist? In this blog, I will talk about my biggest theory o ..read more

Seeing dog owners letting their dogs run wild when the car door opens is quite a familiar scene. It’s adorable at face value… but it’s a tricky if you want to have calm walks with dogs. “Doggy Dan, do you mean I also have to keep an eye on how my dogs exit the car so I can have peace while I walk outdoors with them?” Yes, you’re right. All your problems with leash pulling, aggression, overexcitement, and yes, even protectiveness will be reduced by simply ensuring you take control WAY BEFORE your dog steps out of the car. Key Takeaways: Control Starts with the Car Exit: The way dogs exit the ..read more

If I asked you to write down at least three dog-walking problems, I am sure I’d find leash pulling and misbehaving somewhere on that list. Why? Because almost 80% of those who come to me for help on walking their dog have those issues. And here’s the truth: the solution is fairly simple. The problem starts when dog owners dismiss their dog's little quirks and defiance during walks as nothing serious… until they are. Fortunately, you can flip the switch by doing one simple thing: really making your dog see you’re in charge. How? Read on to learn more. Key Takeaways Leash pulling, barking, and ..read more

Dogs don’t always say what they’re feeling, so it’s understandable why we want to know the reason why dogs yelp. Each sound our dog makes is crucial; it can signify hunger, distress, and pain. So it’s no surprise our dogs’ sudden yelping sounds can make us spring into protective, worrying mode. Yes, a yelping dog can be a dog in pain. But a dog letting out a high-pitched, petrifying sound isn’t always a pained dog… and it’s an essential truth owners should understand. Key Takeaways: Dogs yelp for various reasons, not always due to pain. It's important to discern the context of their yelping ..read more

If you signed up for the webinar this coming Thursday, at 3pm EST (USA), then these are the times it will be happening around the world: The post Webinar Times In Your Timezone appeared first on The Online Dog Trainer ..read more