Author Archives: Dog Behaviorist

Effective Strategies for Managing Resource Guarding in Dogs

A dog growling while guarding its food bowl, illustrating resource guarding behavior.

Resource Guarding in Dogs: A Comprehensive Fear-Free Approach Overview of Resource Guarding Resource guarding behaviors can be challenging to manage. Seeking professional help is encouraged, especially in severe or complex cases. Consulting a certified behaviorist, behavior consultant, professional dog trainer, or veterinarian provides valuable support and expertise in developing effective management and intervention strategies. By […]

How to Help Dogs Overcome Fireworks Anxiety – Tips and Solutions

A dog looking anxious with fireworks exploding in the night sky behind.

Comprehensive Guide to Managing Fireworks Anxiety in Dogs Fireworks displays, especially during holidays like the 4th of July, can be a source of extreme anxiety for many dogs. The loud noises, bright lights, and sudden bursts can be terrifying for our canine companions, leading to behaviors that indicate high stress and fear. According to statistics, […]

Distraction Training for Dogs: Teaching Focus and Engagement

Distraction Training for Dogs with Dog Behaviorist Will Bangura from DogBehaviorist.com

Distraction Training For Dogs: Mastering the Art of Distraction by Building Engagement and Focus Distraction Training for Dogs, By Will Bangura, M.S., CAB-ICB, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KIA, FFCP, (Certified Canine Behaviorist and Behavior Consultant) Read-Time 20 to 30 Minutes. In the bustling world we share with our canine companions, the ability to focus amidst chaos is not […]

Preventing Resource Guarding in Puppies Through Positive Reinforcement

preventing resource guarding in puppies training guide

Nurturing Generosity: How to Gently Discourage Resource Guarding in Your Puppy By Will Bangura, M.S., CAB-ICB, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, FFCP, Certified Canine Behaviorist and Consultant Defining Resource Guarding Resource guarding is a behavior exhibited by puppies and dogs, where they show possessiveness over their resources, such as food, toys, or other valuable items. This behavior may […]

Beyond Dominance Theory: Unveiling the Truth About Dog Aggression and Modern Training Methods

Rethinking Canine Behavior Beyond Dominance

The Dangers of Decades of Disinformation on Dogs, Dominance Theory, and Dog Aggression Training By Will Bangura, M.S., CAB-ICB, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, FFCP (Certified Canine Behaviorist and Behavior Consultant)  Introduction to Rethinking Canine Aggression Canine aggression is a widely discussed yet often misunderstood aspect of dog behavior. Historically framed within the context of dominance and power […]

Counterconditioning and Desensitization Training For Dogs

Person walking a calm dog on a leash, demonstrating counterconditioning and desensitization techniques.

Counterconditioning and Desensitization: The Two Pillars of Behavior Modification For Dogs By Will Bangura, M.S., CAB-ICB, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, FFCP, Certified Canine Behaviorist and Certified Dog Behavior Consultant. Unlike basic obedience training, which focuses on teaching commands, behavior modification aims to address and alter the underlying causes of behavioral issues, thereby achieving lasting change. It targets the dog’s […]

Stop Your Dog From Stealing Things

French Bulldog leaning not to steal shoes

How to Stop a Dog From Stealing Personal Items Through Positive Reinforcement Dogs, with their curious nature and love for exploration, may sometimes develop a habit of stealing personal items. While it might seem amusing at first, this behavior can lead to frustration and potential safety risks for your dog. Addressing this issue with understanding, […]

How to Stop Puppy Biting

A young golden retriever puppy gently biting a human's finger.

Effective Puppy Bite Inhibition: Gentle Training Strategies By Will Bangura, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, FFCP (Dog Behaviorist) Certified Dog Behavior Consultants In the journey of raising a well-mannered and sociable canine companion, teaching bite inhibition is one of the fundamental milestones. Bite inhibition, the ability of a dog to control the force of its mouth when biting, […]

The Quiet Command and How to Stop Excessive Barking 

Dog practicing the quiet command on grass to reduce excessive barking

Mastering the Quiet Command: A Comprehensive Guide to Reducing Exsessive Dog Barking By Will Bangura, M.S., CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, FFCP, (Dog Behaviorist,) Certified Dog Behavior Consultant Excessive barking in dogs is not just a disturbance to pet guardians and their neighbors; it’s a behavior that can signal underlying issues such as anxiety, boredom, or territorial behavior. […]

How to Train Your Dog to Stop Chasing: A Comprehensive Guide

Behavior Specialist for Dogs that Chase

How to Train Your Dog to Stop Chasing: A Comprehensive Guide   By Will Bangura, M.S., CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, FFCP, (Dog Behaviorist) Certified Dog Behavior Consultant Chasing behavior in dogs is a complex phenomenon that straddles the line between natural instinct and potential problem. At its core, the urge to chase stems from a dog’s ancestral hunting drive, […]