Will Bangura, M.S., CAB-ICB, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, FFCP

The Use of Secondary Reinforcers in Canine Counterconditioning

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Diagram illustrating secondary reinforcers in canine counterconditioning, showing a clicker as a predictive signal influencing emotional learning through the amygdala, medial prefrontal cortex, and hippocampus.

The Use of Secondary Reinforcers in Canine Counterconditioning: A Classical Conditioning Perspective By Will Bangura, M.S., CAB-ICB, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, FDM, FFCP Introduction Some professional guidance, including position statements by veterinary behavior organizations, has appropriately emphasized that secondary reinforcers are not required for counterconditioning and may be unnecessary or inadvisable in certain cases, particularly when working with noise-sensitive dogs or novice handlers (Todd, 2025). The present discussion does not dispute this position. Rather, it examines the conditional role secondary reinforcers may play when analyzed strictly through classical conditioning and affective neuroscience, particularly in applied contexts where perfect timing and stimulus control …

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The Illusion of the Unfazed Dog: A Scientific Analysis of Shield K9’s High-Level E-Collar Demonstration

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A man sitting in a car beside a Cane Corso dog, looking at each other closely, with overlaid text reading “Haz Othman Shield K9 Dog Training or Abuse? You Decide.”

Will Bangura, M.S., CAB-ICB, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, FDM, FFCP The Illusion of the Unfazed Dog: A Scientific Analysis of Shield K9’s High-Level E-Collar Demonstration A recent video featuring a trainer, Haz Othman,  from Shield K9 Dog Training in Canada shows a working-line German Shepherd performing precision obedience under repeated high-intensity e-collar stimulation, reportedly having two electronic collars on one collar strap on the dog’s neck at level 127, the collar’s maximum output. The trainer presents this as proof that such tools are not aversive, claiming the dog is working “happily in drive.” To many viewers, including professional trainers, including Haz himself, …

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How to Help a Fearful Dog: Evidence-Based Training, Tools, and Support for Anxiety and Reactivity

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Fearful dog showing anxiety with tucked body posture and wide eyes

By Will Bangura, M.S., CAB-ICB, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, FFCP Certified Canine Behaviorist | Dog Behavior Consultant | Author & Educator Helping Fearful Dogs: A Science-Based Guide to Understanding, Training, and Support Table of Contents   Introduction to Training Fearful Dogs Fear in dogs is far more than a passing emotion. For many, it is a life-defining experience that shapes how they interact with the world, their families, and even themselves. A dog who trembles at the sound of fireworks, hides from strangers, or growls when approached is not simply “misbehaving.” These are outward signs of an internal state, a nervous system …

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Why Punishment Fails: Dog Aggression & Reactive Dog Training

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Aggressive dog baring teeth mid-snarl, wearing a collar, with bold text warning that corrections for dog aggression make behavior worse

By Will Bangura, M.S., CAB-ICB, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, FFCPCertified Canine Behaviorist | Dog Behavior Consultant | Author & Educator The Hidden Damage of Punishment in Dog Training: Science-Backed Solutions for Aggression and Reactivity in Phoenix Dogs Table of Contents Walk into almost any pet supply store and you will find a wall full of “training” tools: prong collars, choke chains, and electronic shock collars. Some are sleek and modern, others medieval in appearance. All promise control. Some even claim to stop aggression or reactivity in dogs. But the truth is, punishment-based tools do not fix behavior problems; they deepen them. When …

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Leslie McDevitt’s 1-2-3 Pattern Game

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A pet parent in a city park calmly handles two leashed dogs, one of whom is slightly reactive, demonstrating behavior training techniques like Leslie McDevitt’s 1-2-3 Pattern Game.

Leslie McDevitt’s 1-2-3 Pattern Game What It Is, How It Works, and How to Teach It What Is the 1-2-3 Pattern Game? (Video At The end of the Article on the 1-2-3 Pattern Game) The 1-2-3 Pattern Game is a structured behavior protocol developed by Leslie McDevitt, MLA, CDBC, CPDT-KA, author of Control Unleashed. It is part of her larger library of “Pattern Games,” which are designed to give predictable structure and reinforcement in situations that may otherwise trigger stress, reactivity, anxiety, or loss of focus in dogs. The 1-2-3 Pattern Game involves counting “1, 2, 3” out loud in …

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How to Train Dogs with Food the Right Way: Proper Use of Treats, Markers, and Rewards

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Dog receiving food reward during positive reinforcement training, showing correct use of treat pouch and timing

How to Use Food Rewards Correctly in Dog Training: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide By Will Bangura, M.S., CAB-ICB, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, FFCP Certified Canine Behaviorist | Dog Behavior Consultant | Author & Educator More Than Just Treats Table of Contents Food is magical to dogs. It’s not just fuel to keep their little engines running — it’s joy. It’s connection. It’s one of the fastest, clearest ways we can say, “You did something amazing.” And yet, using food in dog training gets a bad rap sometimes. Maybe you’ve heard things like, “I don’t want my dog to only work for treats,” …

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Unqualified and Dangerous: Why Many Protection Sport Dog Trainers Should Never Handle Pet Dog Aggression

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A sad, anxious dog wearing both a prong collar and shock collar, looking up with pleading eyes. Text overlay reads “Dogs Deserve Better.

Unqualified and Dangerous: Why Many Protection Sport Dog Trainers Should Never Handle Pet Dog Aggression By Will Bangura, M.S., CAB-ICB, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, FFCP Certified Canine Behaviorist | Dog Behavior Consultant | Author & Educator Table of Contents   Introduction In today’s dog training industry, one of the most disturbing and irresponsible trends is the increasing number of protection sport dog trainers—those who specialize in bite sports such as IGP, PSA, Mondioring, and French Ring— trainers such as Ivan Balabanov and others positioning themselves as experts in solving aggression problems in pet dogs. Armed with flashy trial videos, decoy suits, and …

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LAT Dog Training for Reactive & Aggressive Dogs |

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Dog practicing Look At That (LAT) training with pet parent during reactive dog training session in Phoenix

LAT (Look at That) Dog Training: A Practical, Personable Guide for Pet Parents and Trainers Table of Contents Listen to the (LAT) Look at That Podcast I still remember the first time I saw a pet guardian use “Look at That” with their anxious rescue pup. We were standing in a quiet little park, and their dog—let’s call him Charlie—would get worked up the moment he glimpsed a skateboard or even heard a skateboard’s wheels in the distance. It was like clockwork: he’d see the trigger, bark his head off, and lunge at the end of his leash. It wasn’t …

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12 Common Dog Training Mistakes Pet Parents Make (And How to Fix Them)

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A brown and tan dog raising its paw with bold text reading “Top 12 Dog Training Mistakes” on a bright yellow background.

The 12 Biggest Dog Training Mistakes Pet Parents Make—and How to Avoid Them You know that feeling when you’re attempting to bake something fancy—maybe a sourdough loaf that’s all the rage—only to realize you added way too much salt and forgot to preheat the oven? Suddenly, your kitchen is full of smoke and disappointment, and you start to wonder, “Why didn’t I just follow the steps carefully?” Training a dog can sometimes feel like that. You think you have all the right ingredients: a handful of treats, a new clicker, and good intentions. But then you discover there are little …

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How to Stop a Dog from Jumping on People: The Best Training Guide

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Golden Retriever jumping on a woman with text overlay saying, "Stop Dog Jumping the Positive Way Without Punishment." Learn how to stop dog jumping using force-free, science-based training.

How to Stop a Dog from Jumping on People: A Comprehensive Guide for Pet Parents Introduction Jumping is one of the most common behavioral concerns pet parents face with their dogs. Many dogs jump to seek attention, greet people, or express excitement. While this may seem harmless, it can be problematic, especially when it leads to scratched skin, knocked-over children, or frightened guests. Many pet parents unknowingly reinforce jumping behavior by providing attention—whether positive or negative—when their dog jumps. Additionally, some mistakenly believe that dogs will simply “grow out of it” or that punishment-based methods, such as kneeing the dog …

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