The Canine Behaviorist

08/15/2024

Do you have a question about dog behavior, or obedience training? Would you like to learn more about pet nutrition, and how to choose the healthiest food for your dog?
The Canine Behaviorist is always here to help!

For anyone who is looking for dog behavior modification or obedience training, Remember that only The Canine Behaviorist has The Lifetime Resources Program! After completion of your program, The Canine Behaviorist will always be available if you have questions or need help. Any future sessions that are needed will be provided at no additional cost for as long as you have your dog.

Everyone is Welcome to join my group for pet parents and anyone who loves dogs.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/792060264874134/?ref=share_group_link

08/09/2024

🐕‍🦺The Importance of Socializing Your Dog🦮

For pet parents of a dog, there are many responsibilities. But there is one in particular that is very important for every dog, and that is Socialization!
Every dog needs to be socialized, preferably from an early age. The process of socialization helps a dog develop the ability to tell a friend from a threat. Dogs that haven't had any Socialization are more likely to develop anxiety around strangers. Some dogs may even become aggressive towards strangers. If your dog has been properly socialized, he/she will be able to sense a person's energy and recognize the difference between someone who is friendly and someone who might be a threat. Socialization will also help your dog develop good social skills around other dogs as well.
But, in order for Socialization to have the desired effect, it must be done correctly. Socialization can't be rushed, especially in dogs that have already become anti-social. Also, socialization isn't just introducing your dog to other dogs and people. Your dog also has to be taught how to behave around other dogs and people. And it is important to socialize your dog in lots of different places, and expose your dog to all kinds of sights, sounds, activities, and environments. You need to socialize and expose your dog to the world and everything in it. That way your dog will not have any reason to be anxious or aggressive when meeting a new person or dog. And a new environment, or strange activity won't bother your dog because he has experienced that kind of thing before, and has learned that there is nothing to be nervous about.
So take the time to socialize your dog. It will help your dog become a well behaved dog with good social skills.

08/04/2024

🐕‍🦺Ways to improve your dog's behavior.🦮

Does your dog seem to have way too much energy? Is he/she always jumping on people? Does he/she bark a lot or dig holes?

If you answered yes to these questions, then the following advice will be helpful.

Many behavior problems stem from the fact that the dog isn't getting enough exercise. Your dog has to have a constructive outlet for his/her energy. If your dog isn't getting enough exercise, then he/she is going to find a way of using that energy, and sometimes they use that energy in a destructive manner.
All dogs need regular exercise, just like people.
Your dog should get a 30 minute walk at least 1 or 2 times every day. Not only does this provide exercise, but it also helps to fulfill your dog's natural desire to explore. A walk is also a structured activity that gives you the opportunity to reinforce your position as pack leader. It also provides the opportunity to socialize your dog.

Another area that many pet parents over look is the fact that dogs are very intelligent and need a lot of mental stimulation. Your dog needs activities to do that make him/her think. Dogs that don't have any constructive activities will often get bored. And a bored dog looking for something to do will often get into trouble.
Make sure that your dog has activities to keep him/her occupied. There are lots of puzzle toys available for dogs that make the dog use their mind. You can also make your own toys for your dog. A simple Kong toy stuffed with peanut butter and then frozen can keep your dog busy for quite a while. The key is finding the right toy for your dog. You don't want a puzzle toy that is too difficult, or your dog might just give up after a little while. You also don't want a puzzle toy that is too easy, because your dog will figure it out too fast, and it won't keep him/her occupied for very long.

So remember, it is important to make sure that your dog gets enough exercise and mental stimulation. These simple steps can help make a big difference in your dog's behavior.

Courtesy of The Canine Behaviorist

08/03/2024

This month's article will be about Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

CBT is a problem focused form of behavioral treatment that helps people see the relationship between beliefs, thoughts, and feelings.
CBT helps people understand that it is a person's perception of events rather than the events themselves that determines how they will feel and act.
CBT helps people adjust their thoughts, which will influence how they feel. This process is called Cognitive Restructuring.

This kind of therapy can be very helpful to anyone who is working with their dog. All animals sense energy. Our dogs know how we feel by sensing our energy.
Since our thoughts influence how we feel, any negative thoughts will result in negative feelings which our dogs will sense through our energy.
A good example would be a person who has a dog that is very difficult to walk on the leash. Perhaps the dog pulls hard, jumps on the owner, and bites the leash.
While getting ready to take the dog for a walk, the owner starts having thoughts such as "oh this is going to be a horrible walk", "he's going to pull me again", "he's going to jump on me again". The owner then starts to feel very anxious and nervous, perhaps even afraid.
The owner is setting them self up for failure before the walk even begins, because the dog will sense the owner's anxiety and fear.
This can cause your dog to feel anxious as well.
If your dog senses that you are nervous, anxious, or unsure, he may not respond to your commands because he can sense your lack of confidence, and he will be more likely to try and control you. That is why it is so important to keep your thoughts positive when working with your dog. You always want to be calm, confident, assertive, and in control. Those kind of feelings will be projected through your energy. Your dog will sense this, and be more respectful and willing to obey your commands.
You may have heard that it is important to be a strong pack leader for your dog. That is because a strong pack leader is always calm, confident, and in control.
If you learn to be a strong pack leader, you will earn your dog's respect. Remember, the way your dog responds to you, or reacts in a certain situation is influenced by what you project. In other words, your dog is influenced by what he senses through your energy.

So the next time you work with your dog, be aware of your thoughts and feelings. Don't think that something bad is going to happen just because you have had bad experiences in the past.
Take a deep breath, clear your mind, and think positive. Stand up straight, head up, and believe in yourself. Project confidence, and see what a difference it makes.

Courtesy of The Canine Behaviorist

07/31/2024

🦮🐕‍🦺 PUBLIC SERVICE 🐕‍🦺🦮
🦮🐕‍🦺 ANNOUNCEMENT 🐕‍🦺🦮

As a Canine Behaviorist and Pet Nutritionist for over 30 years, my goal has always been to help pet parents have happy, healthy, well behaved dogs. I have done that by helping pet parents understand their dog's language and behavior. I have also helped pet parents to be more educated consumers when choosing a pet food for their pets.
One of the most important decisions you will make for your pet is what kind of food you choose.
Over the past 30+ years that I have been working with dogs, pet foods have gotten better. But unfortunately there are still companies out there who are only interested in profits, and they have no concern for the health of your pets. Many of these companies lie to the public about what is in their products.
This is why it is so important to learn to read pet food labels. Many of these companies use harmful chemical preservatives, additives, coloring agents, and animal by-products. All of these ingredients are harmful to your pets and should be avoided.
Chemical preservatives such as Ethoxyquin, BHA, BHT, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Nitrite, and Red Dye 40, are examples of some of the chemicals that are used in many pet foods. If you see any of these ingredients on the label of your pet food, Stop Using It!!
Animal By-products of any kind should also be avoided. A By-product is any animal that was processed and found not to be safe for human consumption. These By-products are condemned, and denatured. This means that they are treated with very harmful chemicals. And unfortunately the USDA doesn't require companies to list these chemicals on the label.
Many pet food companies will claim that their product does not contain any chemical additives, or they will claim that they do not add any chemical additives to their product. This is a perfect example of how some of these companies lie to the public. They may not have added the chemicals themselves, but the chemicals were already in the By-products when they were added to the product.

We all want to have happy, healthy pets. And one way to help them have a long healthy life is to make the right choice of pet food. Also, better quality pet food doesn't cost more. The actual price of the product is often not much more than what you pay for a low quality food. But even if the price on the bag is a bit higher, your pet is going to be healthier, which means you will save a lot of money on veterinary care.

My best advice is, don't listen to the commercials on TV, they will say anything to get you to buy their product. Instead, become an educated pet parent and consumer. Read those pet food labels.

As far as brands, I never recommend a specific brand because every pet is different, and you have to find the food that is best for your pets.
However, I do recommend avoiding the pet foods sold in the grocery store. And whatever you do, stay far away from anything made by Purina

If you have any questions about dog behavior, pet nutrition, or pet foods, feel free to message me anytime.

Courtesy of
The Canine Behaviorist

07/18/2024

If you love dogs, this is the event for you!

https://www.facebook.com/100044490337001/posts/1017563786403290/?mibextid=Nif5oz

🐾 Save the date for DogFest 2024, presented by Best Friends Fur Ever Dog Daycare and Overnight Resort! 🐾

The ultimate canine extravaganza is taking place at the Baltimore Humane Society on Saturday, September 14th, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Join us for a day jam packed with fun activities and support our shelter animals in need!

Activities include:
🏆 Fun games and contests for you and your furry pal

🐕 K-9 demonstrations by the MD Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services K-9 Unit

🐶 Agility & lure course for dogs

🌊 Swimming for dogs in our Dippin’ Dogs pool area

🐾 Dogs can partake in TORC. TORC combines the fun of tricks, conditioning and obedience skills, where teams traverse through a course, scoring points along the way

🏅Have your dog tested for the AKC’s Canine Good Citizen. The C.G.C test is an opportunity to demonstrate your dog’s good social manners and earn a title

🎨Kids Kennel- Pet-themed arts, crafts, games, and a bounce house in our kids area

🍪Delicious treats from our food trucks, shopping at our vendor marketplace, and more

Looking to sponsor or set up a vendor spot? Follow this link: DogFest.org.

Stay tuned for ticket sales. See you there! *Please note our rain date of September 21st!

07/17/2024

Please help this beautiful dog find his forever loving home.

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=7883555908426883&id=100003176576796&mibextid=Nif5oz

Buckley was adopted!

‼️Urgent! Final plea ‼️Handsome devil, Buckley needs an approved rescue partner to take him in.

Baltimore County Animal Services is seeking rescue placement for Buckley. Buckley came to us as a stray and is seeking rescue placement. Buckley has shown some skittish behavior with people, but is very dog friendly. Buckley did show some resource guarding during his behavior evaluation, but he showed appropriate escalation. If you are interested in pulling Buckley, or have any questions, please let us know!

Name: Buckley

Age: 1.5 years

Gender: Male

Weight: 88.3 pounds

Breed: Rottweiler

Reason for Rescue: Behavior Transfer

Health Concerns: none seen

Behavior Concerns: skittish, some resource guarding

Intake Reason: Stray

Available for Adoption through BCAS: No

Available for Foster through BCAS: No


Thank you,
BCAS Rescue Team
Baltimore County Animal Services
13800 Manor Road
Baldwin, MD 21013
[email protected]

07/13/2024

As a Canine Behaviorist and Pet Nutritionist for over 30 years, it has been a mission of mine to help pet parents have happy, healthy pets through education.
I am often asked what dog foods I recommend.
I have never recommended any one brand. Every dog is different, and you have to find the food that is right for your dog.
It is important to become an educated pet parent and consumer. Learn to read pet food labels and avoid pet foods that contain animal by-products and harmful chemical preservatives and additives.
Even though I don't recommend any one brand of pet food, I feel it is my responsibility to inform pet parents about those foods that are harmful and should be avoided.
The one brand that I must recommend that you avoid is Purina. It is one of the absolute worst pet foods on the market. Over the years, I have seen more health problems in pets eating Purina than any other brand.
I am angered and disgusted every time I see one of their commercials claiming to be America's number 1 pet food. The only thing they are number 1 at, is lying to the public, making pets sick, and killing pets as well. That company should be shut down. The garbage that they make and have the nerve to call pet food, is nothing but chemicals and animal by-products.
These are ingredients that are harmful to your pets.
Make the right decision for your pets and choose a healthy pet food.
Avoid chemical preservatives like Ethoxyquin, BHA, BHT, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Nitrite, and Red Dye 40.
Avoid any kind of animal by-products. They are a poor source of protein and are treated with harmful chemicals.
AND DON'T BUY ANYTHING FROM PURINA!

07/11/2024

How to handle behavior problems.
A lot of pet parents don't realize that they are the cause of their dog's behavior problems. The way your dog behaves is influenced by you and the way you handle situations.
A lot pet parents treat their dogs like their kids. Trying to reason with their dog or expecting their dog to just understand that they shouldn't do that behavior. Unfortunately that doesn't work. They are dogs, not kids. And dogs have a very different language than we do. And we need to learn how to communicate with our dogs in a way that they will understand.
First, it's important to understand that dogs can sense your energy. They know how you feel. If you are nervous, anxious, or unsure, your dog is more likely to try and take control. It is important to always be calm, confident, and in control. If your dog is the stubborn type, then you need to be more persistent. Don't give up. Keep working with your dog until you get the behavior you want. If your dog steals something and you find yourself chasing your dog around the house. Stop doing that! If you keep chasing your dog, it becomes a game, and your dog is basically getting a reward when he/she steals something and runs away with it. Don't chase your dog. If your dog knows the "drop it" command, use it. Be firm and persistent. Remember, the way your dog reacts to you is determined by the energy you project. If you are calm, in control, and serious, your dog is more likely to respond the way you want. Also, never pull something out of your dog's mouth, and never play tug of war with your dog. They should drop the item when told to, instead of you taking it out of their mouth. That says that your dog understands that the item does not belong to him/her and shouldn't have been taken.

One point I need to make is that there is a big difference between discipline and punishment.
Discipline in necessary and fair. It is done by someone who is calm and in control. They make their point very clear, and are persistent until their dog understands that the behavior is not wanted. Then they take the time to calm their dog down and get their dog's focus, then redirect their dog to an acceptable behavior. This method of resolving behavior problems works because it involves being calm, in control, and fair. It sends a clear message, that not only says "this behavior is wrong", but it teaches the dog the kind of behavior that is good. And the dog learns that good behavior will bring rewards.

Punishment is usually done by someone who is frustrated, or angry. It often involves the use of physical punishment, pain, intimidation or fear.
None of these methods should ever be used! They do not work except temporarily. The only thing that these methods do is make your dog fear you. A dog that fears you has been taught nothing positive, and will never trust or respect you.

Learning to communicate with your dog in the right way will help you to handle behavior problems much more effectively. The most important part of dealing with a behavior problem is taking the time to teach your dog what behavior you want from your dog.
It is important that you earn your dog's trust and respect. And the way you handle a behavior problem will influence how much trust and respect your dog has for you.

The Canine Behaviorist

07/03/2024

I just wanted to give a big thank you to all the rescue and adoption groups out there, who give so much of their time to help dogs in need find their forever loving home.

If you are thinking about adding a new furry friend to your family, please consider adopting from a local rescue group.

There are so many wonderful pets out there in rescues that need homes. Right now many of the rescue groups have more dogs than they have room for.

It is heartbreaking to think that many great dogs are euthanized before finding a home. Please do what you can to help these animals in need.

Also remember, pet over population is a big problem. The number of dogs and cats that are euthanized in this country every year is appalling. Be a responsible pet parent, and have your dog or cat spayed/neutered.

When looking for a new furry family member, don't shop, Adopt!!

The Canine Behaviorist

07/01/2024

Highland, MD

Cisco is looking for a miracle- a very special foster home ��

He is 7 years old and has chronic ear infections, which require extensive surgery. To recover, he needs to be out of the shelter and in a loving foster home. This surgery will make him completely deaf.

His ideal home is with a very dog-savvy, laid-back individual. No other pets, no kids.

Can you be his super hero?

Apply here to foster Cisco:
https://caninehumane.org/how-to-help/foster/

_____________________________________

05/08/2024

Why should you train your dog?
I could probably spend all day writing out a list of reasons why you should train your dog.
But, here are a couple that every dog owner should think about.

1. Dogs, especially puppies, tend to explore the world with their mouths. Some dogs who are not well behaved have a bad habit of stealing anything they can get ahold of. This can lead to your dog eating something dangerous. It could be any number of things that your dog can't digest. Sometimes those items can cause an intestinal blockage, which will often require surgery. Your dog could also swallow medication or other toxic, poisonous substances, which can result in a trip to the veterinary hospital for emergency treatment, which can be costly. Surgery to remove a foreign object can cost thousands of dollars.
If that isn't enough to make you want to do whatever it takes to prevent this kind of thing from happening, the possibility that your dog could die, should be!
2. I constantly see posts about lost dogs who have escaped from their home and the owners are desperately trying to find their dog.
What I have never understood, is why dog owners let this happen over and over, and don't do anything to stop it. Your dog only has to run out of your house once, and into the street to get hit by a car and possibly killed.
Why continue to take this risk, when this behavior can be prevented with some basic behavior modification and training?

As pet parents you are responsible for your dog's health, well-being, and safety. Every dog needs training. It is one of the responsibilities of having a dog.
I have been working with pet parents and their dogs for over 30 years. I specialize in opening the channels of communication between pet parents and their dogs. I teach you how to communicate properly with your dog, and how to understand your dog's behavior.
Proper training gives you a dog that trusts, and respects you. You learn how to live in harmony with your dog.

Only The Canine Behaviorist has the Lifetime Resources Program. After completing a training program, any future sessions that are needed are provided at no extra cost for as long as you have your dog.

🐕‍🦺Free Evaluations 🐕‍🦺 Reasonable Rates
🐕‍🦺 References Available

05/04/2024

I was watching one of those programs filmed in a veterinary hospital. A case came in that demonstrates why it is so important to train your dog.
A young dog, a Visla, was brought in after it had jumped up to the counter at home, and eaten some of the owners prescription medicine. It was a medicine that can cause seizures in dogs and even death.
Just from watching the behavior of the dog with it's owners, I could tell that the dog hadn't had any training.
Lucky for the dog, they got him to the hospital in time. But your dog might not be so lucky. It only takes one time for your dog to swallow a medication, or some other dangerous item, that could kill your dog.
It is important that every dog has at least basic training. Every dog needs to have rules, just like kids. Most puppies tend to explore the world with their mouths. And dogs that are not trained to respect their owners home and belongings, will take whatever they want. And all too often, that gets them into serious trouble. Eating things that are not meant for dogs to eat, can send you and your dog to the veterinary hospital. Some dogs end up needing surgery to remove whatever they ate, which can cost thousands of dollars!! Even worse, eating the wrong thing can cost your dog his life.

Proper training can prevent these kind of dangerous behaviors.
Be a responsible pet parent and train your dog!

04/27/2024

Have you ever wondered why so many pet parents have so many behavior problems with their dogs? Over the 30+ years that I have been working with families and their dogs, there is one thing that I have come to realize. Most people who get a dog have absolutely no idea what they are doing. They don't understand how to communicate with their dog, and they do not understand dog behavior. And honestly, many of them are so irresponsible that they should not even have a dog.
The fact is that dogs are not born with behavior problems, pet parents create the problems. By not communicating properly with their dog, they end up teaching their dog bad behaviors, and even encouraging the bad behaviors.
The way dogs communicate is completely different than the way people communicate. We are a very vocal species, we talk. Dogs use body language, scent, and energy to communicate.
The way your dog responds to you, or the way he/she reacts in a certain situation, is influenced by what you are projecting. In other words, your dog is influenced by what he senses in your energy.
Many pet parents blame their dog for the bad behaviors. They don't realize that they are causing the problems by not handling the situation correctly, and sending the wrong message to their dog.
For example, if your dog gets very agitated, anxious, or even aggressive when he/she sees a stranger, and barks, growls, and goes crazy. How you handle that situation is extremely important.
If you are like many people who try to tell their dog that it is "ok", you are making the problem worse. By trying to tell your dog that it's "ok", and trying to comfort your dog, you are actually rewarding your dog's bad behavior. Basically you are telling your dog that it is "ok" to behave like that.
This is just one of many ways in which pet parents can make a behavior problem worse by not understanding how to communicate with their dog.
The key to living in harmony with your dog starts with learning your dog's language and behavior.
This will help to open the channels of communication between you and your dog. This will also let you develop the kind of relationship that will help you gain your dog's trust and respect.

If you have any questions about how to communicate with your dog, or you need help with any behavior problems, feel free to message me anytime.

04/02/2024

I have always enjoyed watching the TV series that are filmed at a veterinary hospital. There are several of those kind of shows on different networks.
One kind of case that the vets have to deal with quite often, is dogs eating things that they shouldn't eat. I've seen dogs eat everything from socks, to coins, wood, metal, batteries, you name it. Sometimes they eat things that are toxic or poisonous. They usually become very sick, and if they are not able to pass the objects, then they end up needing surgery.
Some dogs will continue this kind of behavior, eating foreign objects again and again. Unfortunately it seems that some dogs don't learn from their mistakes. But it's not entirely the dog's fault.
Obviously in order for a dog to eat these objects, he has to have access to them. The real fault lies with the owner. And it seems that the dog owners don't learn from their mistakes either.
If you know that your dog has this bad habit, a habit that could kill him/her, then you need to make sure that he/she does not have access to those kind of items.
Surgery to remove a foreign object can cost thousands of dollars. If that isn't enough to make you learn from your mistake, certainly the possibility that your dog could die, should be.

But I have seen the same dog eating foreign objects over and over and over, and the owner has obviously done nothing to stop the behavior.
Be a responsible pet parent, train your dog, condition good behavior, and make sure your dog doesn't have access to any items that are not edible.

10/24/2023

Are you experiencing behavior problems with your dog?
Does your dog need to be trained better?

The Canine Behaviorist offers Free Evaluations.
I will come to your home and spend some time with you, your family, and your dog. I will take the time to analyze your dog's behavior, and observe how you interact and communicate with your dog. Then I can advise you on what you need to do.

I also offer individual sessions for pet parents who are in need of just a little help with some basic issues. And I understand that many of us might be on a budget right now.
Individual sessions are 2 hours at your home, and a second follow up session is included.
Total Cost: $150

My goal with every pet parent is to open the channels of communication between them and their dogs. It is essential to learn your dog's language, and understand your dog's behavior.

And Remember, The Canine Behaviorist is the only one who has the "Lifetime Resources Program".
After completion of a program, any future sessions that are needed are provided at no extra cost for as long as you have your dog.

For over 30 years, I have been helping pet parents live in harmony with their dogs, and I can help you too.

10/24/2023

INTRODUCING THE NEW "GOOD DOG PROGRAM"

Includes 3 In Home Sessions.
The program will address any behavior problems you are having with your dog.
It will also cover diet and nutrition.
Your dog will also learn to walk properly on a leash without pulling.
The commands Sit, Wait, and Watch will also be taught.

The purpose of the program is to help pet parents learn the basics of how to properly communicate with their dog and be able to resolve any behavior problems without the use of harsh corrections or physical punishment.
You will learn to understand your dog's language and behavior. This will result in you and your dog being able to understand each other, and live in harmony together.
The program will also help you to establish routines with your dog that will condition consistent good behavior.

Total Cost: $250

30 Years Experience / References Available
Flexible Scheduling / Sessions Offered 7 Days a Week / Free Evaluations

10/20/2023

Hello Pet Parents,
I was watching some old episodes of a show called Treetop Cat Rescue. It's about these 2 guys that go out and rescue cats that climb a tree and can't get back down. Some of the cats are friendly and happy to be rescued. But some of the cats are very anti-social, and get very aggressive, some are scared. And that makes rescuing them rather difficult.
It got me thinking that this is a very good example of why training and socializing your pet is so important. It doesn't matter if it's a cat or a dog, some basic training and socialization can make a big difference.
Any animal could end up in a situation where they need help, or need to be rescued, just like the cat that got stuck in the tree.
Suppose your dog got out of your house and ran off through the neighborhood. He could find himself in a dangerous situation where he needed help. It could even be a matter of life and death! There may be plenty of kind, caring people who want to help.
But if your dog has had no training or socialization, it may be very difficult, or even dangerous for anyone to try and help your dog.
Pets that not socialized, are often fearful of people they don't know. Some dogs can become very anti-social and aggressive towards strangers. Some dogs will run away from anyone they don't know.

Imagine trying to help a dog that is running loose near a busy highway. The dog is very anti-social and runs away from the people who are trying to help him. A dog that has had some basic training and is well socialized, will have no fear of people, and is more likely to go to a friendly person who is just trying to help. The untrained, anti-social dog will probably run away, possibly into the street where he could get hit by a car and killed.

Even a simple trip to the veterinarian can turn into an ordeal if your pet is anti-social. Many pets have to be sedated by their vet for even basic procedures like a nail clipping.

The bottom line is, make sure your pet has some basic training, and get your pet as much socialization as you possibly can.

It could help save your pet's life one day!

If you have any questions about training or socializing your dog, feel free to message me anytime.