There are various approaches that try to explain canine aggression. The nature approach argues that canine aggression is inherited from the parents and therefore part of the dog’s genetic make-up. As Fogle states, ‘Dominance aggression is primarily influenced by genetics…the dog’s natural genetic predisposition is to find his place in the pecking order, the dominance hierarchy.’ (Fogle, 1990, p. 11-12)
This would indicate that the behaviour is innate and therefore difficult to resolve. Fisher asserts that ‘There are two areas of aggression where a complete cure is almost impossible, we …

There are many advantages to using positive reinforcement rather than any other form when training. As Karen Pryor states, ‘Behaviour that is already occurring, no matter how sporadically, can always be intensified with positive reinforcement.’ (Pryor, 2002, p. 1) This is supported by Richardson & Cole who argue that ‘By using positive reinforcement, we increase the chances of a particular action occurring again.’ (Richardson & Cole, 2001, p. 149)

Dogs carry out behaviours that bring them the highest reward, so if we use positive reinforcement – that is to say, …

Why is it that many dog owners I come across pride themselves on being the next Cesar Millan?
It frustrates me no end to hear how successful they are at being ‘pack leader’ and how they always, always, ALWAYS go through doorways first and eat before their dog – because if you don’t, he might just usurp you and take your place as ‘dominant dog’…
Even yesterday, my other half was speaking to one of these ‘alpha leaders’ and told her quite bluntly what a load of old codswallop it all is. …

A lot of people I come across who are trying to train their dogs often tell me that their dog is stupid and doesn’t do what he’s told to do – or what he’s told not to do.
They tell me that they repeatedly tell their dog to do something ie ‘stay’ but Fido ‘ignores’ them and does his own thing…or he can’t do it because he’s ‘thick’ and doesn’t know what they want him to do…
And that last sentence is the most crucial. If Fido doesn’t know what you want …

How old should your pup be before you start training?
The general consensus amongst the owners that I have met, is that they think training should start at 6 months old.
I find this so surprising as by then, most dogs are well on their way into ‘teenagerhood’ and the owners have missed out on some valuable training time.
Between 6-18 months is the time when pups might begin to get that extra mischevious spark about them – yes that’s right, chewing the skirting boards, pulling up the carpet, eating your favourite …