At A Better Dog Home Dog Training, our dog training methods include positive reinforcement and humane,
dog-friendly exercises to teach your dog proper and acceptable manners and behavior. We can address all of the problems that you are experiencing with your dog, including everything from raising a well developed puppy to controlling fear and aggression.
dog-friendly exercises to teach your dog proper and acceptable manners and behavior. We can address all of the problems that you are experiencing with your dog, including everything from raising a well developed puppy to controlling fear and aggression.
Common Dog Behaviors
Understanding your dog's behavior is the first hurdle to addressing and resolving their behavioral problems. All of the following dog behaviors can be controlled and even eliminated with proper training.
If you recognize any of these behaviors in your puppy or dog, please contact us
to discuss how we can assist you.
to discuss how we can assist you.
- Obedience Training Commands
- Correction Training Commands
- Recall .. Coming When Called
- Leash Control and Manners
- Aggression Over Resources
- Housebreaking .. Marking
- Crate .. Kennel Training
- Nervousness .. Timidness
- Destruction of Property
- Jumping .. Mounting
- Mouthing .. Nipping
- Biting .. Chewing
- Control at the Door
- Dog Aggression
- Puppy Training
- Pack Structure
- Doorbell Manners
- Separation Anxiety
- Stealing From Counters .. Tables
And Any Other General Dog .. Social Manners Issues
- Correction Training Commands
- Recall .. Coming When Called
- Leash Control and Manners
- Aggression Over Resources
- Housebreaking .. Marking
- Crate .. Kennel Training
- Nervousness .. Timidness
- Destruction of Property
- Jumping .. Mounting
- Mouthing .. Nipping
- Biting .. Chewing
- Control at the Door
- Dog Aggression
- Puppy Training
- Pack Structure
- Doorbell Manners
- Separation Anxiety
- Stealing From Counters .. Tables
And Any Other General Dog .. Social Manners Issues
By training your dog to respect the pack structure within
your home we expect to have them under control and
looking to you for their cues on how to behave within
three sessions. If more sessions are needed, you will
receive them at no additional cost. Our programs provide
unlimited sessions without additional fees.
your home we expect to have them under control and
looking to you for their cues on how to behave within
three sessions. If more sessions are needed, you will
receive them at no additional cost. Our programs provide
unlimited sessions without additional fees.
Separation Distress Syndrome (SDS)
(courtesy of the SPCA)
"Dogs with separation anxiety exhibit behavior problems when they're left alone. Typically, they'll have a
dramatic anxiety response within a short time (20-45 minutes) after their owners leave them. The most
common of these behaviors are:
dramatic anxiety response within a short time (20-45 minutes) after their owners leave them. The most
common of these behaviors are:
- Digging, chewing and scratching at doors or windows in an attempt to escape and reunite with their owners.
- Howling, barking and crying in an attempt to get their owner to return.
- Urination and defecation (even with housetrained dogs) as a result of distress.
- Howling, barking and crying in an attempt to get their owner to return.
- Urination and defecation (even with housetrained dogs) as a result of distress.
We don't fully understand exactly why some dogs suffer from separation anxiety and, under similar
circumstances, others don't. It's important to realize, however, that the destruction and house
soiling that often occur with separation anxiety are not the dog's attempt to punish or seek revenge
on his owner for leaving him alone, but are actually part of a panic response.
circumstances, others don't. It's important to realize, however, that the destruction and house
soiling that often occur with separation anxiety are not the dog's attempt to punish or seek revenge
on his owner for leaving him alone, but are actually part of a panic response.
Separation anxiety sometimes occurs when:
- A dog has never or rarely been left alone.
- Following a long interval, such as a vacation, during which the
owner and dog are constantly together.
- After a traumatic event (from the dog's point of view)
such as a period of time spent at a shelter or boarding
kennel.
- After a change in the family's routine or structure
(a child leaving for college, a change in work
schedule, a move to a new home, a new pet
or person in the home).
- Following a long interval, such as a vacation, during which the
owner and dog are constantly together.
- After a traumatic event (from the dog's point of view)
such as a period of time spent at a shelter or boarding
kennel.
- After a change in the family's routine or structure
(a child leaving for college, a change in work
schedule, a move to a new home, a new pet
or person in the home).
Because there are many reasons for the behaviors
associated with separation anxiety, it's essential
to correctly diagnose the reason for the behavior
before proceeding with treatment. If most, or all,
of the following statements are true about your
dog, he may have a separation anxiety problem:
associated with separation anxiety, it's essential
to correctly diagnose the reason for the behavior
before proceeding with treatment. If most, or all,
of the following statements are true about your
dog, he may have a separation anxiety problem:
- The behavior occurs exclusively or primarily when
he's left alone.
- The behavior always occurs when he's left alone,
whether for a short or long period of time.
- He follows you from room to room whenever
you're home.
- He reacts with excitement, depression or anxiety to your
preparations to leave the house.
- He displays effusive, frantic greeting behaviors.
- He dislikes spending time outdoors by himself."
he's left alone.
- The behavior always occurs when he's left alone,
whether for a short or long period of time.
- He follows you from room to room whenever
you're home.
- He reacts with excitement, depression or anxiety to your
preparations to leave the house.
- He displays effusive, frantic greeting behaviors.
- He dislikes spending time outdoors by himself."
Dog Aggression
(courtesy of "The Dog Owner's Guide")
"There are several types of aggression: defensive or induced by fear, pain, or punishment; dominant;
possessive; territorial; intra-sexual (male-to-male or female-to-female); predatory; or parental. A dog may
exhibit more than one type of aggression.
possessive; territorial; intra-sexual (male-to-male or female-to-female); predatory; or parental. A dog may
exhibit more than one type of aggression.
Dominant-aggressive dogs are characterized as confident, macho, and "on the muscle." They stand tall, up on
their toes, with their ears up and forward. They carry their tails high and wag it slowly and stiffly from side to
side. They often have their hackles up, stare menacingly, and emit a low growl with lips pursed and teeth
exposed. They will place a paw on the shoulder of another dog, mount people's legs, and push children aside
when going through a door. Dominant-aggressive dogs are demanding of attention. They demand to go
outside, demand excessive affection, are possessive of their sleeping areas, and stop eating commands
(such as "down" or "wait"). Males lift their legs on everything, even in the house, even if their bladder is empty.
Most dominant-aggressive dogs are purebred males.
their toes, with their ears up and forward. They carry their tails high and wag it slowly and stiffly from side to
side. They often have their hackles up, stare menacingly, and emit a low growl with lips pursed and teeth
exposed. They will place a paw on the shoulder of another dog, mount people's legs, and push children aside
when going through a door. Dominant-aggressive dogs are demanding of attention. They demand to go
outside, demand excessive affection, are possessive of their sleeping areas, and stop eating commands
(such as "down" or "wait"). Males lift their legs on everything, even in the house, even if their bladder is empty.
Most dominant-aggressive dogs are purebred males.
Defensive-aggressive dogs are much more ambivalent in their behavior. They display submissive body language
(ears back, often flat against the head; avoidance of direct eye contact; lowering of the head and body; tucking tail
between the legs; submissive urination) and they lick hands and roll over to expose their bellies. They resist
handling, hate to have their feet touched, don't like to be groomed, and often shy away from human hands. These
are the fear-biters; they may snap if cornered and will often bite at people who turn and walk away.
(ears back, often flat against the head; avoidance of direct eye contact; lowering of the head and body; tucking tail
between the legs; submissive urination) and they lick hands and roll over to expose their bellies. They resist
handling, hate to have their feet touched, don't like to be groomed, and often shy away from human hands. These
are the fear-biters; they may snap if cornered and will often bite at people who turn and walk away.
The late Dr. Harvey Braaf VMD listed the following symptoms of dog aggression. None of these symptoms
should be ignored; each can be a predictor of serious aggressive behavior. A professional trainer should be
contacted if the owner cannot deal with the problem.
should be ignored; each can be a predictor of serious aggressive behavior. A professional trainer should be
contacted if the owner cannot deal with the problem.
In no case should the animal be abandoned to a shelter or rescue organization for adoption by an unsuspecting
new owner. If you think your dog is aggressive check the following symptoms:
new owner. If you think your dog is aggressive check the following symptoms:
- Excessive barking;
- A tendency to snarl, growl, or snap to protect food;
- Overprotectiveness of possessions;
- Fearfulness in new situations or around strangers;
- Severe attacks on other animals, such as cats or livestock;
- Attempts to mount people's legs;
- Snapping and snarling when petted, groomed, or lifted;
- Frequent attempts to chase moving objects such as bicycles, skateboards, cars and trucks;
- Repeated escapes from home and long periods spent roaming free.
- A tendency to snarl, growl, or snap to protect food;
- Overprotectiveness of possessions;
- Fearfulness in new situations or around strangers;
- Severe attacks on other animals, such as cats or livestock;
- Attempts to mount people's legs;
- Snapping and snarling when petted, groomed, or lifted;
- Frequent attempts to chase moving objects such as bicycles, skateboards, cars and trucks;
- Repeated escapes from home and long periods spent roaming free.
Treating aggressive behavior is best handled by a professional, reputable animal trainer. There are a number
of individuals who call themselves animal trainers who are poorly qualified. They often resort to brutal and
sadistic methods such as "hanging" and shock collars to correct aggressive dogs. Excessive force and
punishment are their main tools."
of individuals who call themselves animal trainers who are poorly qualified. They often resort to brutal and
sadistic methods such as "hanging" and shock collars to correct aggressive dogs. Excessive force and
punishment are their main tools."
When seeking a professional trainer, carefully interview trainers to find the one who uses the least
amount of force necessary.
amount of force necessary.
Dominance
(courtesy of the SPCA)
"In order to understand why your dog is acting "dominant," it's
important to know some things about canine social systems.
Animals who live in social groups, including domestic dogs
and wolves, establish a social structure called a dominance
hierarchy within their group. This hierarchy serves to maintain
order, reduce conflict and promote cooperation among group
members. A position within the dominance hierarchy is
established by each member of the group, based on the
outcomes of interactions between themselves and the other
pack members. The more dominant animals can control
access to valued items such as food, den sites and mates. For
domestic dogs, valued items might be food, toys, sleeping or
resting places, as well as attention from an owner.
important to know some things about canine social systems.
Animals who live in social groups, including domestic dogs
and wolves, establish a social structure called a dominance
hierarchy within their group. This hierarchy serves to maintain
order, reduce conflict and promote cooperation among group
members. A position within the dominance hierarchy is
established by each member of the group, based on the
outcomes of interactions between themselves and the other
pack members. The more dominant animals can control
access to valued items such as food, den sites and mates. For
domestic dogs, valued items might be food, toys, sleeping or
resting places, as well as attention from an owner.
In order for your home to be a safe and happy place for pets
and people, it's best that the humans in the household
assume the highest positions in the dominance hierarchy.
Most dogs assume a neutral or submissive role toward
people, but some dogs will challenge their owners for
dominance. A dominant dog may stare, bark, growl, snap or
even bite when you give him a command or ask him to give
up a toy, treat or resting place. Sometimes even hugging,
petting or grooming can be interpreted as gestures of
dominance and, therefore, provoke a growl or snap because
of the similarity of these actions to behaviors that are
displayed by dominant dogs. Nevertheless, a dominant dog
may still be very affectionate and may even solicit petting and
attention from you.
and people, it's best that the humans in the household
assume the highest positions in the dominance hierarchy.
Most dogs assume a neutral or submissive role toward
people, but some dogs will challenge their owners for
dominance. A dominant dog may stare, bark, growl, snap or
even bite when you give him a command or ask him to give
up a toy, treat or resting place. Sometimes even hugging,
petting or grooming can be interpreted as gestures of
dominance and, therefore, provoke a growl or snap because
of the similarity of these actions to behaviors that are
displayed by dominant dogs. Nevertheless, a dominant dog
may still be very affectionate and may even solicit petting and
attention from you.
You may have a dominance issue with your dog if:
- He resists obeying commands that he knows well.
- He won't move out of your way when required.
- He nudges your hand, takes you're arm in his mouth or insists on being petted or played with
(in other words, ordering you to obey him).
- He defends his food bowl, toys or other objects from you.
- He growls or bares his teeth at you under any circumstances.
- He won't let anyone (you, the vet, the groomer) give him medication or handle him.
- He gets up on furniture without permission and won't get down.
- He snaps at you.
- He won't move out of your way when required.
- He nudges your hand, takes you're arm in his mouth or insists on being petted or played with
(in other words, ordering you to obey him).
- He defends his food bowl, toys or other objects from you.
- He growls or bares his teeth at you under any circumstances.
- He won't let anyone (you, the vet, the groomer) give him medication or handle him.
- He gets up on furniture without permission and won't get down.
- He snaps at you.
Dominance aggression problems are unlikely to go away without your taking steps to resolve them.
Treatment of dominance aggression problems should always be supervised by an animal behavior
professional, since dominant aggressive dogs can be potentially dangerous."
Treatment of dominance aggression problems should always be supervised by an animal behavior
professional, since dominant aggressive dogs can be potentially dangerous."
A Note About Children and Dogs:
From your dog's point of view, children, too, have a place in the pack hierarchy. Because children are smaller
and get down on the dog's level to play, dogs often consider them to be littermates, rather than leaders. Small
children and dogs should not be left alone together without adult supervision. Older children should be taught
how to play and interact appropriately and safely with dogs; however, no child should be left alone with a dog
who has displayed signs of aggression.
and get down on the dog's level to play, dogs often consider them to be littermates, rather than leaders. Small
children and dogs should not be left alone together without adult supervision. Older children should be taught
how to play and interact appropriately and safely with dogs; however, no child should be left alone with a dog
who has displayed signs of aggression.
"The pleasure was all ours.
You have made a tremendous
difference in our home. We had
a loving, but unruly, dog before
we met you. Moose is now truly
a fantastic member of our family
(pack) and Tracy has taken to
him like I never thought
imaginable. She was sick of his
poor behavior and now she
spends a ton of time with him.
We are working hard at using
the right commands and WE
are coming along good. Moose
is behaving very well and has
taken us as leaders without any
argument at all. Thanks to your
teachings, we are better
owners and appreciate our
Moose more than we could
have ever thought possible.
Thank you! And we look forward
to seeing you whenever you
may be in the area with other
clients. And we'll be in touch
along the way to keep you
apprised of Moose's progress.
With our warmest appreciation,
THANK YOU!"
You have made a tremendous
difference in our home. We had
a loving, but unruly, dog before
we met you. Moose is now truly
a fantastic member of our family
(pack) and Tracy has taken to
him like I never thought
imaginable. She was sick of his
poor behavior and now she
spends a ton of time with him.
We are working hard at using
the right commands and WE
are coming along good. Moose
is behaving very well and has
taken us as leaders without any
argument at all. Thanks to your
teachings, we are better
owners and appreciate our
Moose more than we could
have ever thought possible.
Thank you! And we look forward
to seeing you whenever you
may be in the area with other
clients. And we'll be in touch
along the way to keep you
apprised of Moose's progress.
With our warmest appreciation,
THANK YOU!"
Neil, Tracy & Moose
Queen Creek .. Arizona
Queen Creek .. Arizona
"Hey there Steve, wanted to
give you an update on our
Zachariah. We are very well
pleased with Zach’s progress.
He now has freedom to roam
around our home and he and
Martin are best buds. Quite
amazing to see him content to
sit on Martin’s lap and take a
snooze, from when we first got
him, Zach turned his head away
and wouldn’t sit still on Martin.
Thank you for your wisdom and
knowledge - we now believe
God had this precious little guy
made just for us - it took a few
months of diligence but it has all
paid off and we have a peaceful
family. Thanks ever so much."
give you an update on our
Zachariah. We are very well
pleased with Zach’s progress.
He now has freedom to roam
around our home and he and
Martin are best buds. Quite
amazing to see him content to
sit on Martin’s lap and take a
snooze, from when we first got
him, Zach turned his head away
and wouldn’t sit still on Martin.
Thank you for your wisdom and
knowledge - we now believe
God had this precious little guy
made just for us - it took a few
months of diligence but it has all
paid off and we have a peaceful
family. Thanks ever so much."
Martin, Linda & Zach
Surprise .. Arizona
Surprise .. Arizona
"Thanks for checking in and for
the great re-cap you emailed us,
it was very helpful! Things are
going much better with Ranger.
We have had many moments
over the last two weeks when
we have said “Steve is a
genius!!!!” We’ve definitely
made progress with the
things we’ve talked about.
We’ve been pretty good about
all the techniques you taught us
regarding pack structure. We
have even gotten to the point
where he will remain in a “Stay”
with treats on his paws and not
move till we say (even if
we are out of sight)!
Thank you so much!"
the great re-cap you emailed us,
it was very helpful! Things are
going much better with Ranger.
We have had many moments
over the last two weeks when
we have said “Steve is a
genius!!!!” We’ve definitely
made progress with the
things we’ve talked about.
We’ve been pretty good about
all the techniques you taught us
regarding pack structure. We
have even gotten to the point
where he will remain in a “Stay”
with treats on his paws and not
move till we say (even if
we are out of sight)!
Thank you so much!"
Kirsten & Ranger
Paradise Valley .. Arizona
Paradise Valley .. Arizona
"Thanks for the timely follow
up. I was going to write last
night to tell you that Dudley and
I had two of the best walks
yesterday. They were in fact the
best walks I have ever had with
a dog companion. Dudley was
well mannered and focused the
entire time. He responded well
to "heel" and we worked on
his "sit " when I stopped. We
need more work on that!"
up. I was going to write last
night to tell you that Dudley and
I had two of the best walks
yesterday. They were in fact the
best walks I have ever had with
a dog companion. Dudley was
well mannered and focused the
entire time. He responded well
to "heel" and we worked on
his "sit " when I stopped. We
need more work on that!"
Second Email
Tim, Kate & Dudley
Chandler .. Arizona
Chandler .. Arizona
"Dudley and I just got back from
a great walk. We met three
women, mother, daughter,
grandmother. We were heeling
along, we stopped, Dudley sat,
waited while they passed and
went on. The mother
commented on how well
mannered Dudley was and the
grandmother thanked us for
stopping to let them pass.
IT WAS FREAKIN GREAT!!!!!!!!"
a great walk. We met three
women, mother, daughter,
grandmother. We were heeling
along, we stopped, Dudley sat,
waited while they passed and
went on. The mother
commented on how well
mannered Dudley was and the
grandmother thanked us for
stopping to let them pass.
IT WAS FREAKIN GREAT!!!!!!!!"
"Just a quickie to let you
know that I took Shasta on a
50 minute walk today and
she was nearly perfect from
the get go! I can't believe it!
Maybe it was beginners luck
but I am just thrilled to enjoy
a walk with her and I really
think she enjoyed it too!
Thank you so much!"
know that I took Shasta on a
50 minute walk today and
she was nearly perfect from
the get go! I can't believe it!
Maybe it was beginners luck
but I am just thrilled to enjoy
a walk with her and I really
think she enjoyed it too!
Thank you so much!"
Jill & Shasta
Gold Canyon .. Arizona
Gold Canyon .. Arizona