Category Archives: behavior modification

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 […]

What is the Relaxation Protocol for Dogs?

Relaxation protocol for dogs

Picture courtesy of Labradoodle Home What is the Relaxation Protocol for Dogs? What is the relaxation protocol for dogs? By Will Bangura, M.S., CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, (Dog Behaviorist) Certified Behavior Consultant. Relaxation protocols have been developed for dogs who exhibit anxious, fearful, and aggressive behavior. Karen Overall, a renowned veterinary behaviorist, has created a relaxation protocol […]

Look at That Dog Training: How to Train Reactive Dogs Effectively.

Look at that dog training (LAT)

Look at That Dog Training: How to Train Reactive Dogs Effectively. Look At That Dog Training: How to Train Reactive Dogs Effectively by Will Bangura, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, (Dog Behaviorist), Certified Behavior Consultant. Training a reactive dog can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be. Look at That (LAT) Dog Training is a practical, positive […]