Dog Behavior Modification vs Medications: What Works
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 alongside countless pups and their people through everything from joyful tail-wags to heart-wrenching growls. Early on, in the 2000s, I was one of the first in my circle to team […]
Science-Based Dog Training for Better Behavior
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 of them right now. I’ve spent about thirty years training dogs and the map that has never failed me (or my clients) is the one drawn by the real giants […]
Dog Ownership, Guardianship, Politics, Breed Bans and the Law
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 article is legal advice. I’m writing as a working dog trainer, summarizing what legal and ethical experts have said so that ordinary dog owners can understand what’s at stake. The […]
Agency and Bodily Autonomy For Pet Dogs
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 (as detailed on samthedogtrainer.com), I’ve seen firsthand how understanding a dog’s capacity for choice and independence can transform training and care. This article draws on philosophical, ethological, and legal perspectives […]
Bulldog Type Evolution: Crossbreeding Through History
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 than a single breed. This archetype emerged as a tough, determined canine designed for demanding tasks like controlling livestock. Rooted in medieval England around the 1200s, these early dogs were […]
Dog Training And Using Tinbergen’s Four Ethology Questions
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 behavior studied under the conditions in which it evolved – is the closest thing we have to a universal dog translator. It is not mystical; it is not dominance theory […]
Territorial Behavior Dogs vs Wolves vs Coyotes Explained
Few topics cause more confusion — and more unnecessary punishment of dogs — than the idea that “my dog is territorial just like a wolf.” The reality, shown by decades of field research on a.) wolves, b.) coyotes and c.) free-ranging, working, or pet domestic dogs, is far more nuanced and far more useful. This […]
Service Dog Rights; Emotional Support Dogs; An Overview
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 medical advice. Laws change and vary by location. Always consult a qualified professional and the relevant government agencies for advice specific to your disability, your animal, and your jurisdiction. The […]
Dog Exercise Guidelines for Every Breed
(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 available scholarly research and general veterinary consensus for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Every dog is an individual, and […]
Teaching Dog Manners: A Comprehensive Guide
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 endless barking session at the doorbell. These behaviors, while natural, can strain your relationship and make daily life challenging. But here’s the good news: teaching dog manners isn’t about suppression; […]