The Iditarod Is Cruel & Dangerous As an author, Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) and Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT), I feel compelled to respond to a recent article about Dorada, an Alaskan Husky who recently dropped dead because of the Iditarod dog sled race. Author Mark Derr of Psychology Today defends the race in his best […]
animal rights
Ear Cropping, Tail Docking & Declawing Ethical?
Is Ear Cropping and Tail Docking Ethical? (Updated 2022) Throughout my dog training career, I have seen many unpleasant examples of animal exploitation. For example, why do we dock the tails and crop the ears of dogs (mutilate and disfigure) for our pleasure? In this article, I will be focusing primarily on Canis lupus familiaris […]
Pet Ownership: Right or Privilege?
Dog “Ownership” A Basic Human Right Or Privilege? (Updated 2023) Here are all of the dog training equipment, collars, harnesses, and pet products that we recommend I was speaking with a Los Angeles dog training friend of mine and we got to talking about traditional and balanced dog “trainers” with regard to corrections (typically used […]
Pitbull Service Dog
Can A Pitbull Be A Service Dog? (Updated September 2023) The question of “Can Pitbulls be service dogs?” comes up often in cities and counties with regressive, discriminatory Breed Specific Legislation and Breed Discrimination Legislation (BSL/BDL) laws. With so many people parenting “Pit Bulls,” and ignoring ignorant it got me thinking about how many working […]
How to Use a Shock Collar Correctly
Should You Use A Shock Collar? (Updated January 2023) If you are considering using a dog training collar such as a shock collar (euphemistically referred to as a vibration collar, static collar, pager collar, tingle collar, tickle collar, E collar, recall collar, electric collar, positive reinforcement collar, stimulation collar, remote “training” collar, prong collar […]
