The American Dog Whisperer

24/04/2025

ATTA GIRL, ANGEL! 🐾❤️
Last week was a consultation in Indianapolis with this giant three-month-old bundle of sweetness and mischief! Mastiff Angel‘s parents have been clients of mine for some time, and when they added her to the family, they wanted to make sure and start her out right! They had also added a new little human member to the family, and wanted to make sure the dynamic between the little one and Angel was harmonious and proper. There had been a few challenges with Angel’s behavior, and some calibration was needed. ☺️

Angel turned out to be quite a handful when I first began the consult I had to ratchet up my firmness quite a bit before she understood she needed to pay attention and be respectful!

She tried puppy nipping, ignoring me, and a variety of other techniques to let me know she didn’t think she needed to listen. 🙃 I explained to her human parents it was important Angel learn to respect them as she would her biological parents. This would require them to hold her to some basic rules, enforcing them with canines style body language cues and movements. I demonstrated these techniques, and Angel began to show signs of listening and attentiveness. That was great to see!

I also explained the importance of Angel giving the little human in the home respectful space, and approaching him carefully. I demonstrated how to teach Angel that the little one was a “claimed entity” and she needed to be careful in the little one’s personal space. Angel responded very well to this and started being much more careful around the little guy.

All-in-all, Angel ended up doing great! She’s a smart girl will grow up to be a great adult dog as the principles and techniques I’ve been teaching her human parents are lovingly but firmly implemented.

Great to see you all again! You all got this! 😊👍🐾

09/04/2025

A few moments of rest and relaxation this afternoon with Dolly, my friend Scott Hockett’s sweet pittie.

05/04/2025

A MEETING WITH MADDIE! 😊🐾❤️
This afternoon was a consultation on the north side with this quirky, charming girl. Terrier mix, Maddie, had been struggling with initial reactivity toward guests, and outlandish reactions while on walks.

When I arrived, Maddie was in the enclosed porch in the back of the home, and as I approached the glass door that led to the porch, Maddie went off barking and growling. I opened the door slightly and gave a correction, then made as if I was going to step onto the back porch. Maddie immediately backed off, which told me she didn’t actually intend to come at me – she just wanted me to believe she would! 😄

In a minute or two Maddie was much calmer, and I was able to open the porch door all the way and let her inside. She immediately ran to get a toy, and was happy-go-lucky after that. 😊

During my time with Maddie and her family, I explained and demonstrated some house rules she needed to follow in order to recognize her human parents as the ones running the show! I was pleased to see how quickly Maddie complied with this process. She’s a smart girl, and had no desire to push back. 👍🏻

One area we focused on in particular, was Maddie’s reactivity to the front door. I demonstrated how to address her for this, and in no time at all she was showing remarkable self control as I banged on the door again and again. I explained that a bark here and there was acceptable and good, but “machine gun” barking was not!

It was a pleasure to meet Maddie and her kind human parents. I have no doubt they will see notable improvements in Maddie’s behavior as the system I introduced today is lovingly but firmly enforced!

You all got this! 😊👍🏻🐾

03/04/2025

THAT’S BETTER, BODHI! 😊💙
This afternoon was a consultation in Westfield with 10-month-old Bernedoodle, Bodhi. His human mom got a hold of me because the rambunctious puppy seemed nearly uncontrollable much of the time – nipping, jumping, racing around the living room, and disregarding his human mom’s orders.

When I arrived, Bodhi was indeed out of control, leaping wildly all over me. I had to get pretty stern with him before he realized I was going to demand respect in my personal space. Once he got that message, he started regulating his behavior—and that was encouraging to see! 😊

I explained to Bodhi’s human mom that her furry family member needed to honor certain rules in home. I explained and demonstrated how to teach these rules to Bodie, coaching her in the use of canines style body language cues that helped Bodhi understand what was being asked of him. I also showed Bodhi‘s mom some canine-style methods of addressing his nipping and jumping.

Bodhi was very responsive to everything, and even though he challenged me a few times, in the end he was very respectful and careful in my personal space. He even gave me some gentle kisses on the nose. That was my favorite part of the consult! 😀

I have no doubt Bodhi is going to show remarkable progress in his behavior as his human mom lovingly but firmly holds him to the new system I introduced her to today. 👌

You got this! 😊👍🏻🐾

26/03/2025

A VISIT WITH MAX, MIKEY, IVY & TIMMY!
💙❤️🧡💚
Last week found me in Greenfield to meet up with these charming pack mates and their kind human parents. I had known and worked with Mikey Ivy and Timmy over the years, but Max was a newcomer and his human parents wanted some help with a few behavioral questions.

During my visit I was able to provide a refresher course for the three dogs I had initially seen many years ago, as well was provided guidance for Max, who seemed to lack a bit of confidence.

We reviewed key house rules for the dogs, and I reminded the family to be vigilant with certain body language signals that could disrupt harmony in the pack.

The dogs all responded well as I fine tuned them, and it was a pleasure to see them again! I truly believe Max as well in his way to gaining confidence as his human parents inculcate and practice some of the recommendations I gave them. 😊👍🏻🐾

Great to see you all again! 😀

11/03/2025

SOME GUIDELINES FOR SUMMIT! 😊💙
This afternoon was a consultation in Greenfield with three-month-old Australian Shepherd, Summit. The little guy’s human pack mates got a hold of me wanting some help. Summit seemed nervous of people, and had taken to nipping as a defense mechanism. 😮

When I arrived, Summit approached cautiously, then decided to keep his distance—sporadically growling under his breath.

Summit’s human family members explained that he had had minimal contact with humans since his birth, growing up in the first three months of his life mainly around other dogs. 🐾

As we talked, it became clear to me that Summit had begun claiming some of his human family members. I explained that this would definitely add to his anxiety and tension as he would feel the need to let everyone who entered the house know he had human puppies inside!

I went over some rules and boundaries Summit need to follow in the home environment, emphasizing the use of canine body language signals so Summit would understand more clearly what was being asked of him.

Summit was a quick study, and picked up on everything lightning-fast—showing little to no pushback as we set house rules in place. He was a good boy! 😀

Before I left, we headed outside where I took the leash from one of the family members. Summit had avoided me touching him the entire consult, Anna now it was time for me to get him past his fear. As I drew the leash nearer and nearer, Summit began fighting the leash, even snapping his jaws a bit. But I persisted, and within a few minutes, I was able to pet Summit as he sat quietly. Good boy! 👌

I have no doubt Summit is going to make great progress in his confidence levels as his human pack members lovingly but firmly hold him to the new system that’s been put in place. 👍🏻

You all got this! 😊👍🏻🐾

25/02/2025

😊🐾❤️

Saffy, a five-year-old Pomeranian once confined to a breeding facility in Wisconsin, was terrified of nearly everything when she was adopted by Betsy Van Horn. To help her new pup gain some confidence, Betsy turned to Nathan Lowe, The American Dog Whisperer, for help. Saffy has made amazing progress...

21/02/2025

Fun segment this morning on WISH-TV with my client, Betsy and her charming bulldog, Brody. 🐾 In case you missed it, here it is… 

Discover how Nathan Lowe, the American Dog Whisperer, helped a bulldog named Brody overcome behavioral challenges with positive reinforcement and leadership.

20/02/2025

TOMORROW MORNING…☀️🎥
Don’t miss my Life Style Live television segment tomorrow morning with client, Betsy and her charming bulldog, Brody! Catch us during the 10 AM hour, on WISH-TV and streaming on wishtv.com! 🐾

20/02/2025

NOW NOW, NORMAN! 😊💙
This afternoon was a consultation on the north east side with this charming, sweet, but sometimes stubborn boy. Doodle, Norman, is a model citizen in many respects, but had growled on a couple of occasions at some young members in the family. He had also developed a habit of chasing cars up and down the driveway.

When I arrived and knocked on the door, Norman exploded into thunderous barking. But when the door opened and I was let inside, though Norman was a bit unsure, he stopped barking and began sniffing me (with some tentative tail wagging 😊). Norman never attempted to jump up on me. That was good to see! In a matter of minutes he was happily receiving pets from me. 😊

In conversation with Norman‘s humans, I began to understand what had caused Norman‘s occasional growling…

A dog named Buddy was a frequent guest of the home, and Buddy liked to plant himself squarely in the laps of the humans. I explained that this was a “claiming” behavior, and Norman knew it when he saw it. The family shared that when Buddy would leave for the day, Norman would press himself up against his human mom and be extremely “needy.” I clarified that what Norman was actually doing was reclaiming the humans in the home after Buddy left and could no longer claim them.

One of the occasions in which Norman had growled at one of the young human family members had been after Buddy had just left, and Norman had placed himself in “claim” position by his human mom. The growl to the little approaching human meant, “stay back, she’s my human puppy!” 😮

I coached the family in how to deal with Norman‘s response in this scenario, and emphasized the importance of keeping Buddy off of laps so a claiming rivalry would not be established. I also explained and demonstrated a few key house rules Norman needed to follow in order to recognize that his human family was calling the shots! 💪🏼

Before I left we went outside, where I demonstrated how to address Norman for chasing cars that drove in and out of the driveway. Norman responded quickly to this, and composed himself admirably! 😀

It was a pleasure to meet Norman and his kind human parents. I have no doubt this charming boy is going to make great behavioral strides in necessary ways as his human parents hold him to the new protocols I introduced them to. 🎉

You all got this! 😊👍🏻🐾

12/02/2025

BEFORE YOU GET A PUPPY…🐶
My friend, journalist Amber Hankins, interviewed me for this article. Yes I know, we’re well past the Christmas season, but the information applies whenever you are in the market for a puppy! 🐾❤️

Ask yourself these five important questions before committing to bringing a puppy into your home this year!

08/02/2025

MY GOODNESS, GUS! 😊💙
This afternoon was a consultation in Shelbyville with his goofy, mischievous, charming boy. Great Dane, Gus is as handsome as they come, but had issues with anything that flashed past his house, including bicycles, skateboards and delivery trucks! 😳

When I arrived, Gus was out in his e-fenced front yard, barking his large head off at me. When his human parents came out to meet me, he begin showing a little more curiosity, but would dart away if I reached to pet him. It was obvious to me he was challenging me, though not in an aggressive way. I had Gus’s human dad hand me the leash, and as soon as I took it, I ordered Gus to sit down, and he calmed down very quickly.

Ironically, the FedEx man pulled up as we were outside, and I was able to demonstrate in real time how to address Gus for his explosive response to the delivery driver. Within a matter of seconds, Gus was sitting in his right mind, watching the delivery man chat with Gus’s human parents. Yay!! 🎉

We went inside the home, where I reviewed some essential rules Gus needed to follow, coaching his parents in the use of canine-style body language cues that helped Gus understand more clearly what was being asked of him.

All in all, Gus did very well responding to the new system I put in place today. He was obedient to a fault when it came to me, but did challenge his human mom on a few occasions. But she held the line with him, and he ended up deferring and showing her some newfound respect! 😀

It was a pleasure to meet Gus and his kind human parents. I have no doubt this big boy will make great strides in his behavior as his human family lovingly but firmly holds him to the new boundaries! 👍🏻

You all got this! 🐾👌

01/02/2025

MAKING PEACE BETWEEN VEDDER & BOB
😊🐾🐾
This afternoon found me on the southwest side of Indianapolis to help two devoted dog owners reintroduce their dogs after an unfortunate misunderstanding between the canines.

The two dogs had enjoyed playing together frequently. But recently, an incident had occurred in which Vedder had accidentally gotten his paw stuck Bob’s harness. Bob seemed to think this was Vedder trying to be dominant, and turned on Vedder. Vedder than decided he needed to defend himself from Bob‘s flashing teeth. The dogs owners were concerned that relationship between the two dogs was altered since that event, and wanted to work them back toward their old friendship.

The incident had taken place at Vedder’s home, so that’s where we met up so I could evaluate where the dogs were at, and get them on a course to reconciliation.

It was great to see Vedder again. I had worked with him and his human dad on a couple of occasions. The sugary-sweet pit mix was delighted to see me again, and the feeling was mutual! Pit Dalmatian mix, Bob Barker showed up with his human dad shortly thereafter, abs I made this happy dog’s acquaintance for the first time.

To evaluate what was happening between the dogs, I set up some controlled interactions that would greatly minimize the possibility of any violence occurring between the dogs. I quickly noticed that Vedder was nervous and unsure of Bob, influenced, almost certainly, by the negative incident that had occurred between them. Bob, for his part, seem to wholesale ignore Vedder, but did display some dominant-excited body language cues as he roamed around the yard on leash marking everything he could.

After setting up a few different scenarios between the dogs, my recommendation was that the dogs co-adventure with their dads on neutral territory at first. When they were relaxed and peaceful in their body language, they would then share walks together with their human dads in the neighborhood, then learn to interact peacefully again in Vedder’s backyard. I emphasize the need for Bob to exhibit calmer, less dominant body language, and for Vedder to relax a bit more instead of watching Bob with suspicion.

It was great to see Vedder again, and to meet Bob for the first time. Both dogs were sweet as can be to me, and interacted acceptably with each other during our session. I have no doubt their human dads are going to put in the work, with the goal of getting the animals to be good buddies once again! 👌

You all got this! 🐾

25/01/2025

25/01/2025

THAT’S BETTER BRODY & DARLA! 😊💙❤️
Yesterday afternoon was a consultation in downtown Indianapolis with thoroughly-charming bulldog pack mates, Brody and Darla. Their human mom got a hold of me concerned, primarily, with Brody’s disrespectful nipping of her pant legs as she walked, as well as his intense pulling to get back into the house after a walk. Brody also was terrified of certain traffic sounds such as squealing bus brakes, or loud trucks. 😯

When I arrived and was invited inside the home, I found Brody to be very cautious and a little bit nervous of my presence there at first. Eight-year-old Darla, on the other hand, was thrilled to see me, and welcomed some pets and scratches on the head. 😄

After a few minutes Brody started warming up, sniffing around the area I was sitting and coming up to my hands to investigate. Within a few minutes he was good and I was able to pet an interact with him. 🤗

I explained and demonstrated some house rules both dogs needed to follow in the home environment in order to recognize their human mom as the authority figure. Both dogs did well listening to the new system, though Brody did push back a little with the kitchen rule, attempting to get into the kitchen by any means necessary when he had been asked to leave. But, his human mom proved more stubborn than he, and Brody finally sat outside the kitchen and stopped trying to make his way in. Even Darla pushed back a little on a couple of occasions, but ended up rolling with the program quickly. 🙃

I further demonstrated the best way to exit the home on the walk in a way that would help Brody understand his human mom was the one in charge in the outside space. I also established best practices for returning home so Brody wouldn’t pull so hard. He ended up doing very well with this! I further established a protocol to address Brody in the event he nipped at his human mouth while walking. 👍🏻

When it came to Brody‘s fear of outside sounds, I introduced a process that would help decondition Brody to sounds he was currently afraid of. Because he was very food motivated, treats were part of this process to help Brody understand that the things he was afraid of were harmless, and treats were on the menu instead! 🎉

It was delightful to meet Brody and Darla and their kind human mom. I have no doubt the dogs are going to enjoy more harmony and peace at home as the things I introduced yesterday are lovingly but firmly enforced. 😊

You all got this! 👌🐾

25/01/2025

A VISIT WITH PIPPA, PEACH & LAIRIE! 😊🐾❤️
Last night was a follow up visit with these three charming ladies. Their human parents originally hired me to help bring peace between the dogs. That had been accomplished as the humans worked on the program I put in place, but now an additional unwanted behavior had serviced – mainly, the dogs going absolutely bonkers when their human parents came home. Nothing seemed to calm them down, and I was asked to stop by to address the situation. 🐾

The scenario was as advertised, and all the dogs barked and shrieked with excitement, waiting to burst out of their kennels. I demonstrated how to calm each one, and established a protocol that would help keep the dogs accountable once they emerged from their kennels. 👌

The dogs responded very well, and calmed themselves quickly. It was so encouraging to see how well they are getting along, and I know they’ll be able to make great progress in this behavioral challenge too! 😀

You all got this! 😊👍🏻🐾

23/01/2025

WELL DONE, WID! 😊🐾💙
Yesterday afternoon was consultation on the southeast side of Indy with visually-impaired cattle dog mix, Wid. Wid’s parents got a hold of me because the little dog had shown some concerning intensity toward her human dad. 🥺

When I arrived and entered the home, Wid was frantic with excitement, and when let go of by her human mom, came rocketing toward me, jumping up against my legs and pawing me excitedly. (It was amazing how accurately she was able to detect my presence and location using just her nose and ears!) I corrected her appropriately as she continued to leap up on me. She then calmed down a bit and started lifting a pow up in the air and feeling toward me. That was acceptable, since her little paws had become her “eyes” given her visual impairment. ❤️

We sat down, and as I began discussing Wid’s history and behaviors with her parents, it became clear to me that Wid strongly claimed her human mom, and was uncomfortable with her human dad approaching. This meant I needed to coach the humans in the use of canine-style body language cues that would help Wid understand her human mom was not her puppy, and she needed to show respect to her human dad. 👍🏻

I did just that, also explaining and demonstrating a few rules that would help build Wid’s respect for both of her human parents. We replayed scenarios that had been troublesome for Wid, and I was delighted to see her respond obediently and quietly as she was asked to listen to a new set of boundaries. 🤗

Wid is a delightful girl, and learned to respect and make room for her human dad. Good girl! 😀🐾

Great job you all! Keep up the good work! 👌