Category Archives: behavior modification

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 Teach Impulse Control in Dogs: A Comprehensive Guide

How to teach a dog impulse control

How to Teach a Dog Impulse Control: A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding and Modifying Impulse Control in Dogs By Will Bangura, M.S., CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, FFCP (Certified Dog Behavior Consultant/Dog Behaviorist) Defining Impulse Control in Canine Behavior Impulse control in dogs is a multifaceted aspect of canine behavior that involves their ability to manage spontaneous reactions […]

Classical Counter-Conditioning Treating Canine Aggression and Reactivity

BAT LAT CAT-SD/CC

In Defense of Classics: Why Classical Counter-Conditioning Reigns Supreme in Treating Canine Aggression and Reactivity By Will Bangura, M.S., CDBC, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, FFCP (Dog Behaviorist), Certified Dog Behavior Consultant In the nuanced world of canine behavioral therapy, there is no shortage of methods aimed at treating aggression and reactivity. While new approaches like Behavior Adjustment […]

Debunking Myths About Positive Reinforcement in Dog Training: A Comprehensive Guide

Differential Reinforcement

Debunking Myths: Understanding Positive Reinforcement and Differential Reinforcement By Will Bangura, M.S., CDBC, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, FFCP, (Dog Behaviorist,) Certified Dog Behavior Consultant The Myths and Why They Persist Myth 1: Positive Reinforcement Trainers Don’t Say ‘No’ Why It Persists The cultural myth of the stern, dominant dog trainer has been deeply ingrained through media and […]

Laser Pointer Obsession in Dogs: A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding and Behavior Modification

Dog Laser Pointer Obsessive Compulsive Behavior

By Will Bangura, M.S., CDBC, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, FFCP, (Dog Behaviorist), Certified Dog Behavior Consultant Section 1: Understanding the Laser Pointer Obsession The Predatory Instinct: A Deep-rooted Drive Dogs, despite the countless years of domestication, still carry the instincts of their wild ancestors. These instincts include hunting, chasing, and the urge to capture prey. Every time […]

Teaching your dog gentle or easy

How to teach gentle or easy

Teaching your dog gentle or easy by Will Bangura, M.S., CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, (Dog Behaviorist) Certified Behavior Consultant. Training a dog to be well-behaved and gentle is essential for both the dog’s well-being and the safety of those around them. One effective way to accomplish this is by teaching your dog the “gentle” or “easy” command. […]

Treat and Retreat Dog Training

Treat and Retreat Dog Training

Treat and Retreat: An Overview of Suzanne Clothier and John Fisher’s Systems by Will Bangura, M.S., CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, (Dog Behaviorist,) Certified Behavior Consultant. Dog training is an essential part of responsible pet ownership. It involves teaching dogs new behaviors and reinforcing desirable behaviors through positive reinforcement techniques. While there are several approaches to dog training, […]

Understanding Thresholds and Canine Body Language : The Key to Successful Counterconditioning and Desensitization

Canine Thresholds

Understanding Thresholds and Canine Body Language: The Key to Successful Counterconditioning and Desensitization by Will Bangura, M.S., CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, (Dog Behaviorist) Certified Behavior Consultant If you have a dog with anxiety, fear, phobias, reactivity, or aggression, changing these emotional states and their corresponding behaviors is through a behavior modification process known as counterconditioning and desensitization (D/CC.) […]

Stop Saying “No” and Start Saying “Good Dog!”: A Positive Approach to Training Your Furry Friend

Stop-Saying-No-and-Start-Saying -Good-Dog

Stop Saying “No” and Start Saying “Good Dog!”: A Positive Approach to Training Your Furry Friend Stop Saying “No” and Start Saying “Good Dog!”: A Positive Approach to Training Your Furry Friend By Will Bangura, M.S., CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, (Dog Behaviorist,) Certified Behavior Consultant. Hello, pet guardians! As we all know, it can be challenging to […]

What to Do if Your Dog Becomes Aggressive Towards Family

What to Do if Your Dog Becomes Aggressive Towards Family

What to Do if Your Dog Becomes Aggressive Toward Family. What to Do if Your Dog Becomes Aggressive Toward Family By Will Bangura, M.S., CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, (Dog Behaviorist), Certified Behavior Consultant. Aggression in dogs can be a serious and dangerous problem for the pet guardian, other household members, and other dogs in the home. Sudden […]