Articles written by Alfred, the smartest Golden Retriever ever.
Hello, two-leggers. Answer first The dog lunging at the end of the leash looks aggressive. It sounds aggressive. Every instinct you have — and every instinct the passing stranger has — says aggressive. It is very often not. Leash reactivity is a frustration and fear response that the leash itself creates, and the dog who…
Answer First Separation anxiety is not bad behavior — it is a panic response. The most common symptoms are destructive behavior, excessive vocalization, house soiling, and relentless pacing, all appearing specifically when the dog is left alone. If your dog does these things only in your absence, separation anxiety is the likely cause. Start with…
Hello, two-leggers. Answer First Dogs don’t make training mistakes. You do. The most common errors — inconsistency, late punishment, accidental rewards, sessions that go too long, shouting, and giving up at exactly the wrong moment — are all fixable once you can see them clearly. Start by picking one thing to change today, not six….
Hello, two-leggers. Answer First Excessive barking has one root cause: something your dog needs to communicate, and no better way to say it. The most effective solutions match the method to the barking type — territorial, demand, boredom, or anxiety each need a different approach. Start today by identifying which type you are dealing with,…
Hello, two-leggers. Answer First Dogs bark because we’re talking to you. The main triggers are territorial alerts, boredom, excitement, attention-seeking, and fear. Start by identifying which type your dog does most often and respond differently to each. If barking is constant or aggressive, consult a certified dog trainer or veterinary behaviorist. Now let me tell…
Hello, two-leggers. Answer First Dogs don’t misbehave. They communicate — and most humans simply don’t speak the language. The most common dog behaviors — barking, pulling, shutting down, reacting — all have a reason rooted in instinct, emotion, or unmet need. To understand your dog, stop asking “why is my dog bad?” and start asking…