Humans use names as identifiers. Dogs, however, don’t understand a name as an identifier so much as they view it as another command. Because dogs see their names as commands, it is important we teach what is expected when we give a dog’s name. A dog’s name is the command for “tune in,” meaning...

I once worked with a client whose dog was displaying aggressive behavior associated with fear. I worked with the client and the dog to start changing his behavior and to build his confidence. Prior to me working with him, the dog had been trained in a board and train setting using a shock collar....

Most of the behavioral issues I work with involve fearful dogs. A dog may exhibit many different behaviors when he is frightened. He may hide, whine, growl, snarl, snap or even lunge. The way humans respond to these behaviors ultimately shapes how dogs respond when they are afraid. Dog owners typically respond in one of...