Chad Mackin, renowned dog rehabilitation expert, told me once that “The slack leash should be the primary reinforcer”. I know from my stints of wasted time at the various correctional facilities of my youth, that being restrained is infuriating. The problem is, the way most people use the leash, it is strictly a device of restraint. It keeps them from …
I’ve Changed My View On Pit Bulls And Dog Aggression
Ok. Ring the bells. Blow smoke out of the chimney…. I’ve changed my mind about something. Now, if you know me, you realize how big a deal that is. I’m a tad stubborn. But, I think it’s only a fool that keeps their old position in the face of new evidence. So here is my revelation: All Pit Bulls are …
Awesome Rant: Things To Consider Before Getting A Dog
Apparently, this is my long lost heavily accented relative. Agree with everything!
Quite Possibly The Best Post Ever On Operant Conditioning
Wow. Scientific information, AND, Southpark?!?! That, my friends, is a hard combination to beat. Check out this amazing post on TerrierMans Daily Dose. It is really something special. It has a layman’s description of operant conditioning that actually works. It has references to Cesar Milan, who as cliche’ as this sounds, was one of my big inspirations for starting this …
Screw Yellow….. Get A Muzzle?
By now, you’ve all seen the “Yellow Dog Project“. You know…. The yellow paraphernalia that indicates your dog needs space. At first I thought this was a good idea. You know, very polite way of saying, “please don’t molest my dog”. The problem that I find developing, is two fold: 1. Most “non-dog” people won’t know what the hell it …
Leash Rant Revisited.
OK, when you’re REALLY, REALLY pissed about something, you have to stop and look at it and figure out, is my anger completely righteous, or, did I contribute to it, and that’s why I’m so mad? Well, I was good and pissed. So, naturally the next part of the process was introspection. Mad, is only a good thing, if it …
Michael Ellis Speaks The Truth!
Man, I like Michael Ellis. Very balanced trainer. Very, very clear instruction. Solid science behind his methods. Tries like hell to use softer, enjoyable methods, but understands that “corrections” must be used in some situations. Still, attempts to use them as little as possible. And this is on SUPER high drive performance dogs that are VERY hard to manage. But, …
Hang In There!
We’ve always gravitated towards the difficult dogs. So, we’ve had our fair share of issues. We’re in the middle of one right now. Jax (our newest addition), is just reaching his new home crescendo. He’s been here long enough, and developed enough confidence to really open up and be a shithead. For example, when he first arrived, a sound may …
The Pit Bull Problem Video
This is a ridiculously hard video to watch. But….. It’s one of the most moving videos I’ve ever watched. If you are a Bully lover, you must watch it.
Tough New Years Day
In the spirit of making you feel better about your situation…. I thought I’d share our monster of a New Years Day. Awaiting the “New Year”, we have a lapse in attention of our newest member of the Bully crew. Jackson is still learning house manners, and will absolutely flip out at unexpected sounds late at night. Of course, when …