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, FFCPCertified 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 accolades earned …

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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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How to Stop Dogs from Fighting in the Same House: A Science-Based Guide to Intrahouse Dog Aggression

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Types of Dog Aggression

How to Stop Dogs from Fighting in the Same House: A Science-Based Guide to Intrahouse Dog Aggression This comprehensive guide explores dog aggression  by focusing on effective ways to address dogs fighting  and offering strategies to stop dog fights. It provides evidence-based methods on how to stop dogs from fighting in the same house  and answers pressing questions such as why are my dogs fighting all of a sudden. Readers will learn about managing dog aggression between household dogs through practical steps and discover intrahouse dog aggression solutions  tailored to multi-dog environments. The guide also details how to reintroduce dogs after …

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Do You Need a Dog Trainer or Behaviorist:

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Phoenix Dog Trainer Will Bangura is a professional member of certified dog training associations

Do You need a Dog Trainer, Behavior Consultant, Behaviorist or Veterinarian? Table of Contents Making Sense of the Unregulated Nature of the Dog Training Industry One of the most critical points for any pet guardian to understand is that the dog training and behavior field is largely unregulated. There is no overarching legal standard that dictates who can call themselves a trainer, behavior consultant, or behaviorist. As a result, individuals with minimal to no formal education or practical experience may present themselves as experts. This absence of regulation places the responsibility on pet guardians to scrutinize credentials, review professional affiliations, …

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Stop Dog Chasing

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German Shepherd dog aggressively chasing a rabbit and rodent in the forest—training to stop prey drive and chasing behavior.

How to Stop Your Dog from Chasing – A Force-Free, Positive Reinforcement Guide to Tame Prey Drive Table of Contents Introduction to the Problem of Dog Chasing Hello, I’m Will Bangura, a certified canine behaviorist in Phoenix and consultant and I’m excited to welcome you to this comprehensive guide dedicated to understanding and modifying canine chasing behaviors through force-free, positive reinforcement methods. My goal is to provide pet parents and fellow professionals with a thorough resource that explains why dogs chase, the risks involved, and how to effectively address these behaviors using science-based strategies that prioritize the welfare of both dogs and …

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Force-Free Positive Reinforcement Muzzle Conditioning Guide

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Four photos of a black dog wearing a well-fitted basket muzzle demonstrating proper fit for full panting, half panting, a closed mouth, and sufficient snout length when pressing against objects.

Force-Free Positive Reinforcement Muzzle Conditioning Guide Introduction Muzzle conditioning is a critical step for pet parents, dog trainers, behavior consultants, and veterinarians seeking to manage canine aggression and ensure safer handling of dogs that display aggressive or reactive behaviors. Unlike punitive or aversive techniques, a force-free, positive reinforcement philosophy places emphasis on building a dog’s confidence, reducing fear, and promoting trust between the dog and their caregivers. This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step protocol for conditioning dogs to wear muzzles comfortably. It also addresses real-world applications, troubleshooting, and the importance of ongoing maintenance. Positive muzzle conditioning is a critical step …

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Dog Trainers in Phoenix: Why Certification & Credentials Matter

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Certified Behavior Consultant Canine Knowledge Assessed

The Unregulated Dog Training Industry: Why Certification and Credentials Matter The dog training industry faces an alarming and often hidden crisis: it is entirely unregulated. Unlike professionals in fields such as psychology, psychiatry, counseling, or veterinary medicine, dog trainers are not legally required to complete any formal, standardized education or to obtain licensure. This means that absolutely anyone—regardless of skill, scientific literacy, or commitment to humane, evidence-based practices—can call themselves a dog trainer or behavior consultant. As a result, pet parents are left dangerously vulnerable to misinformation, inadequate methods, and in worst-case scenarios, outright harm to their beloved dogs. The …

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Understanding Why Dogs Wake Pet Parents at Night

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A French Bulldog sitting on a person's chest in a cozy bedroom, gently pawing at them while they rest. Soft morning light fills the room, creating a peaceful and affectionate moment.

Managing Your Dog’s Nighttime Waking: Understanding Causes and Implementing Solutions For many pet parents, a restful night’s sleep can be disrupted by the sound of their dog stirring, whining, or nudging them awake. While an occasional nighttime wake-up call might seem harmless, a pattern of frequent disturbances can lead to exhaustion, frustration, and, in some cases, a significant disruption in daily life. Some dogs wake up their pet parents because they need to relieve themselves, while others do so for attention, comfort, or simply out of habit. Understanding the root cause of this behavior is essential to addressing and resolving …

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