The dog world has been offering proof that the alpha dog theory is a myth, and that doing alpha rolls and forceful, dominant corrections are nothing more than bullying the dog. The first proof came when people realized that 70-80% of all dogs on earth live wild. So, instead of putting dogs and wolves in confinement and trying to study ‘natural’ behavior, researchers go in the wild to see what real canine behavior looks like….   Continue

This article is designed to help you solve minor problems, or to make an educated decision on what your ‘next step’ is. It is not intended to replace behavior therapy if your dog has bitten you, or is threatening you.   If you didn’t read Part 1 of this article you can read it here Alpha Factor Many of our puppy owners in the Great Beginnings program do not understand the importance of being alpha. They…   Continue

Frustration Tolerance (FT) is low in dogs with aggression or reactive problems. I am not discounting the fact that they may be fearful, or stressed. Yes, trigger stacking does play a major part in the problem. But, there is (almost always) a low frustration tolerance level in the dog. The problem is that most dog training methods are unaware, or ignore the problem of frustration tolerance. They dismiss its impact on anger, predator drift, and…   Continue

One of the most frustrating times to be a dog owner is when your puppy is between the ages of seven and nine months.  While this article will help anyone whose dogs have a low self-control level, it is aimed at the 9-12 month old adolescent dog. At 5-6 months your puppy ‘chemicals’ that make him cute and cuddly, obedient and passive, wear off. At 6 months your puppy starts a major ‘flight/fear’ stage. At 7-9…   Continue

Adopt, Don’t Shop Facts and Myth There are solid camps on either side of the Adopt Don’t Shop movement. Both have their facts and good points, and both have their myths. If you are considering bringing a dog into your home then take a few minutes to consider both sides of the issue. The Ugly Truth About Marketing First – you must realize that what you read on the internet is marketing. It is designed…   Continue