Category: Uncategorized

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; […]

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 […]