Articles

Dogs are incredibly social animals, much like us humans. They thrive on relationships, and part of building those bonds involves communicating their needs. What we

Dogs don’t act out “just because.” Their behavior is shaped by built-in instincts from their wild ancestors, mixed with what they’ve learned living with us.

Introduction Behavioral changes in dogs, such as sudden reactivity or apparent aggression, can stem from a range of underlying factors, including environmental influences, developmental stages,

What Modern Dog Behavior Research Teaches Us About Living Together Safely Most families don’t experience trouble with their dogs because the dog is “bad,” “dominant,”

Abstract Domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) exhibit a range of social behaviors rooted in their ethological heritage, which may contribute to mutual health benefits, including potential

Abstract Dog owners in wildlife-adjacent areas face bidirectional challenges: not only their pet’s instincts toward wildlife but also wildlife’s perceptions of dogs as threats, rivals,

An Ethological and Learning-Theory Analysis Across Breeds and Contexts Abstract Force-free, fear-free, and positive-reinforcement-based (R+) approaches have become widely adopted in contemporary dog training and

Common Mistakes That Make It Worse Separation anxiety is one of the most stressful behavior problems a dog owner can face. Dogs may bark or

The Christmas season brings a unique blend of joy, faith, family gatherings, and festive traditions, and for many, it includes the heartwarming addition of a

The application of learning theories in companion dog training has advanced considerably, with positive reinforcement methods gaining prominence for their humane emphasis on motivation. Among

Understand why comprehensive dog training evaluations matter in the BASSO METHOD. Learn how detailed questions lead to a Structured Needs Analysis and Owner Implementation Plan

Many dog owners and trainers have met dogs who seem scared of everyday things, shut down easily, or react strongly to triggers. These signs often

Hey there, fellow dog lovers! If you’re reading this on PoochMaster.blogspot.com, chances are you’re about to welcome a fluffy bundle of joy into your home—or

As a dog owner, you’ve likely noticed how your furry companion learns from the world around them—whether it’s figuring out how to snag a treat

Dog training has seen many trends over the years, with some methods claiming to be purely “science-based” by focusing almost entirely on one approach to

Understanding canine behavior requires clear, consistent language. Precise terminology helps owners, trainers, and professionals communicate effectively, leading to better outcomes in training, behavior modification, and

Dogs, as domesticated descendants of social pack animals, exhibit strong needs for companionship, security, and environmental control. These needs manifest in attachment behaviors, stress responses

In contemporary animal welfare, the paradigm MUST shift decisively away from prolonged warehousing in large facilities toward rapid transitions into foster homes and permanent adoptions. 

Ethological Insights into Dog Vocalization and Neighbor Relations Living with dogs in shared communities brings profound benefits, fostering companionship, physical activity, and emotional well-being for

Insights from Ethology and Real-World Patterns As a professional dog trainer with decades of experience working with dogs and their owners, I’ve dedicated my career

Observing Calming and Escalation Signals for Better Communication Dogs don’t speak our language, but they communicate volumes through their body language, sounds, and behaviors.  Today,

Your Dog Has Escaped Imagine the heart-wrenching moment: your beloved dog slips through the gate, vanishing into the neighborhood or beyond. Days, weeks, or even

In the misty forests of New Zealand’s North Island, where ancient podocarps tower over fern-choked understories, a quiet drama unfolds between two unlikely actors: the

A Science-Backed Guide for Better Training Outcomes As a dog trainer with nearly 30 years under my belt—starting back when flip phones were cutting-edge—I’ve walked

This is a calm, science-rooted guide for real dog owners, rescue volunteers, and sincere trainers who just want to help the dog standing in front

Why Language Matters for Your Dog’s Future by Sam Basso, professional dog trainer – SamTheDogTrainer.com & Poochmaster.blogspot.com . I am not an attorney and nothing in this

Ethical, Practical, and Legal Insights for Pet Dog Owners As a dog trainer with years of experience helping owners build harmonious relationships with their pets

Introduction: The Bulldog as a Versatile Archetype The term “bulldog” evokes images of sturdy, wrinkly-faced dogs, but historically, it refers to a functional type rather

Using Tinbergen’s Four Questions and Real-World Observation to Read, Understand, and Guide Any Dog with Precision and Kindness Ethology – the biological science of animal

Few topics cause more confusion — and more unnecessary punishment of dogs — than the idea that “my dog is territorial just like a wolf.”

Important Disclaimer This article is for general informational purposes only. I am not an attorney, physician, or mental-health professional, and nothing here constitutes legal or

(Age-Appropriate Guidelines, Breed Considerations, and Risk Mitigation for Lifelong Health) Important DisclaimerI am not a veterinarian. The information in this article is compiled from publicly

As a dedicated dog owner, you’ve likely experienced those moments when your furry friend’s enthusiasm crosses into chaos—perhaps an enthusiastic jump on guests or an

Many people ask: “how can I use dog enrichment for behavior problems?”  As a professional dog trainer and behaviorist with nearly three decades of experience,

My Disturbing Encounter Using AI Maybe you are about to enter something like this into your AI application: “How to Use AI (ChatGPT & More)

A Professional Trainer’s Perspective on Serious Aggression (Sam The Dog Trainer’s Perspective on Serious Canine Aggression and Abnormal Aggression) My Background Dealing With Dangerous Dog

There are two completely different phenomena that all get called “resource guarding in dogs.” The first is a behavioral disturbance that needs to be fixed.

Why Rescue Dogs Bite Suddenly – Hidden Pain & Trauma Explained LEGAL DISCLAIMER – READ THIS FIRSTThis article is for general educational purposes only. It

Hi, I’m Sam the Dog Trainer. I’ve been training dogs for nearly 30 years, and I’m here to help you with your dog. It is

I was watching another one of those dog training videos that pop up in my social media feed. In this case, it was of a

I have trained a lot of French Bulldogs. I think the first one I trained would have been about 25 years ago. I was hired

When training a dog, it is a good idea to categorize the level of training the dog has completed. I use the similar terminology that

Contemporary dog training landscapes reveal a predominance of programs emphasizing restrictive management techniques, such as prolonged confinement to a mat or cot, suppression of leash

Here is one of my students and her Chihuahua. Adopted from a rescue, with an unknown history, this dog started out with very little to

I’ve seen a lot of dog things over the years. Some stick in my memory and represent significant discoveries. First, I participated in group classes

One of the latest trends in the dog world is the creation of neighborhood, for profit, playgrounds for dogs. Basically, an amusement park for dogs.

The idea of “ball addiction” is bonkers. There is no such a thing. Here’s how the theory goes, however. You play fetch with your dog

I have a new student. Nice pup, but with a few challenges. They signed up for a 2 week “board and train” program, paid the

As a result of the “dog whisperer” phenomenon, there has been the coalescence of a few online trainers preaching a calm-submissive philosophy of dog training.

There is a “business model”, for lack of a better term, that quite a few board and train programs use. You could probably find one

What are some of the main differences between competition and pet dog training? I’m not referring here to the dogs that are selected, I’m referring

What is the origin of the “certified veterinary behaviorist”? Who should be using the title, “Behaviorist”? The first veterinarians “certified” by the American Veterinary Medical

Many dog problems are a result of the owner intentionally, or accidentally, practicing and rewarding bad habits over a very long time. Then, when they

I encounter a lot of dog owners that are concerned that their dogs are growling and snapping at them. In some cases, the dogs are

An observation. Most times when I work with students that have dogs fighting in the home… the dogs have had no formal training. In other

For a very long time, I’ve watched internet forums on dog issues and behavior. One concerning pattern is for people to ask complete strangers (with

I have studied dog behavior for many years. But study alone doesn’t give you enough knowledge or wisdom to diagnose or treat many dog behavior

I overheard a conversation the other day about the difference between good and great athletes. The assertion was that aggression was something that wasn’t inherent

A familiar exercise in sport protection events is the Bark and Hold. A dog is sent to “find” a “hidden” bad guy behind a blind.

When I am training a dog, I like the owner’s feedback along the way and later after the lessons are over. Every lesson, and then

I work with a lot of small timid doggies. Many are so timid they won’t let you put on a collar, pick them up, sometimes

When evaluating a dog, a lot depends upon what the owner and trainer can’t perceive about the situation as well as what they can’t predict.

Yes, I know, many dog owners balk at using a muzzle because they envision their dog looking like Hannibal Lecter. Here is how I look

One of the many lessons I’ve learned over the years is that dogs will always do something unexpected. And you need to have a good

I enjoy doing in-home puppy training classes. Since I understand the important things a puppy must know to turn out into a great adult dog,

It is interesting doing a first lesson with an untrained 1- or 2-year-old dog. They are often impulsive and have no clue what you are

I have a series of Training Milestones (goals) that I use to organize dog training lessons. For example, for a Puppy, up to 4 months

Dog training trends are interesting to me.  The current one I’m watching is how younger trainers out there are basically throwing their hands in the

Twenty something years ago, I joined a Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy (dojo). It was a bit intimidating that first time, not knowing what to expect.

You are interviewing dog trainers. You find there are two choices: Which should you choose? What does an e-collar manufacturer recommend? I own the book,

What is the biggest mistake dog owners make with their dogs? They pursue a finite result on a timeline. Here’s more of what I mean

Is it a good training idea to ignore a dog for several weeks with the goal of forcing them pay attention to you? No. In

Do you think dogs should be trained the same way today as they were in the “old days” (and I’m referring to decades ago)? Of

Before you train a dog, it would be ideal that you understood the psychology of the dog. There are differences between a child and a

If you look at my photos and videos, you’ll notice I don’t wear a uniform when training dogs. I used to. I used to have

Why are so many goofy, and sometimes cruel, dog training ideas spread all over the internet? It is even worse when these bad ideas are

Have you ever noticed how professional musicians play in such an effortless way? They can be playing some amazingly complex song while at the same

Ooh… a dog trainer just told you about their dopamine method or tool. Must be some kind of Jedi Master dog training guru stuff, right?

Do I think there is anything wrong with using clickers and positive reinforcement? No way. I probably have a clicker in my pocket right now.

If you have worked with me, you know I use a light touch on all dogs. I try to be smarter, not harsher. I’ve spent

Can a dog trainer “addict” a dog to an e-collar, meaning causing a dog to want to repeatedly receive an aversive stimulus (of any kind)?

What is the difference when choosing a training program for a rescued dog versus a dog that you purchased from a breeder? Generally, it is

An alarming trend in the dog training industry is the marketing of these online “become a dog trainer” franchises and systems. The dogs are going

Play is an essential part of being a dog. No one needs to create a dog that plays. It is already in them. Some dogs

Putting a puppy or dog in a crate and “letting them cry it out” is the wrong approach. It is cruel and unnecessary. New dogs

Has “dominance theory”, extrapolated from the study of wolves, been debunked for both wolves and dogs? First, let’s define “dominance”. Dominance is “Social interactive behaviors

The Typical Claims About Using Dog Treats For Training: So, what is the deal? What is right and what is wrong? Is it OK to

Let’s say your requirement for hiring a dog trainer is that you only want to use positive reinforcement (R+) training. What does that mean for

How many lessons does it take to train a dog? I understand why this question comes up: budget, setting expectations, maybe shopping around for answers

Remember a few years ago there were all these dog trainers filming themselves doing “pack walks” with groups of dogs? The trainer was in the

How do you assess your dog’s level of training? Here’s how I do it. Thus, if I see a dog that won’t respond to any

Is it wrong to allow a dog to be at your feet in the kitchen when you are preparing their food bowl? Some trainers would

Is it OK to let dogs play with squeaky toys? Do squeaky toys teach dogs to kill? You see a lot of weird made-up stuff

Do you know I have a second blog, called PoochMaster? There are things I post there that I don’t post on my web page. It

Really? Should you make your dog meet strange dogs? On walks? At dog parks? In your neighborhood? In your home? We can impose either reasonable

If you have been around dogs long enough, you will see these “dominance” focused trainers, owners, and rescue volunteers end up seriously injured. These stories

Do you have a gentle dog? I have worked with a lot of very gentle dogs. You better know what kind of dog you have

If a dog is pulling ahead of you whether on leash or off leash, does that mean you are not your dog’s “leader”, that you

There is ongoing confusion regarding the idea of being a dog’s “leader”, being the “alpha”, and controlling a dog’s dominance. Thus… the “Dog Whisperer” phenomenon,