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 …
Awesome Rant: Things To Consider Before Getting A Dog
Apparently, this is my long lost heavily accented relative. Agree with everything!
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 …
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 …
Dogs Are Crazy Super Fans
I like to use analogies when I learn. When I teach martial arts, I go to the analogy “well” quite a bit! I think they help everyone learn, not just me. So, one I came up with for understanding how some problems develop in dogs, is……. “The Super Fan!” None of the dog trainers that I’ve told it to, like …
Happy Holidays
Whatever you celebrate…… Enjoy it! A lot of people are either having guests over. Or are leaving their pets at home for longer than usual while they go somewhere. If you have a “difficult” dog, this can be daunting. I’m very familiar with the urge to cancel holiday plans because it just doesn’t seem worth the “dog” issues. But, over …
Can’t Make An Omelet Without…….
I’ve dedicated a ton of energy over the past 2 decades to change the public perception of the vastly misunderstood American Pit Bull Terrier. I’ve been responsible for changing the mind of countless people. I’ve personally been credited with a dozen or so adoptions that would NOT have gone with a Bully breed, had they not met my dogs. And …