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; […]
New Ways To Modify Dog Behavior Problems Using Enrichment
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, I’ve seen it all—from destructive chewing and endless barking to aggression and separation anxiety. Traditional training often falls short because it focuses on commands and corrections without supporting your dog’s […]
AI Dog Training: A Cautionary Tale: (The Ultimate Guide to Using ChatGPT & AI for Dog Training and Health Advice)
My Disturbing Encounter Using AI Maybe you are about to enter something like this into your AI application: “How to Use AI (ChatGPT & More) to Train, Diagnose, and Manage Your Dog Like a Pro”. Well, maybe not that sensational, but you get the drift. But before you do that, keep reading… A True Story […]
When Is a Dog Truly Dangerous?
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 Cases After over 25 years working with dogs — from puppies to dogs with serious bite histories — I’ve learned that the question owners fear most isn’t “Will my dog […]
Resource Guarding in Dogs: Normal vs Fear-Based (Why It Matters)
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. The second is addressed with proper training and management. Real-life examples I have worked with Case Type 1: A friendly young Labrador suddenly becomes frightened of the owner’s adult son […]
Hidden Pain, Hidden Trauma, and Hidden Dangers: The Real Drivers of Canine Aggression – Why “Sudden” Bites Are Almost Never Sudden
Why Rescue Dogs Bite Suddenly – Hidden Pain & Trauma Explained LEGAL DISCLAIMER – READ THIS FIRSTThis article is for general educational purposes only. It is not veterinary advice, not behavioral treatment advice, and not a substitute for professional medical or behavioral evaluation. Sam Basso is a professional dog trainer, not a veterinarian and not a board-certified veterinary behaviorist (DACVB). Aggressive […]