Do You Need a Dog Trainer or Behaviorist:

February 23, 2025February 22, 2025 by Will Bangura, M.S., CAB-ICB, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, FFCP

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, …

Stop Dog Chasing

February 23, 2025February 21, 2025 by Will Bangura, M.S., CAB-ICB, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, FFCP

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 …

Force-Free Positive Reinforcement Muzzle Conditioning Guide

February 14, 2025 by Will Bangura, M.S., CAB-ICB, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, FFCP

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 …

Dog Trainers in Phoenix: Why Certification & Credentials Matter

February 13, 2025 by Will Bangura, M.S., CAB-ICB, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, FFCP

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 …

Understanding Why Dogs Wake Pet Parents at Night

February 5, 2025 by Will Bangura, M.S., CAB-ICB, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, FFCP

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 …

Understanding Behavioral Euthanasia for Dogs: A Compassionate Guide

January 24, 2025 by Will Bangura, M.S., CAB-ICB, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, FFCP

Old dog on black background representing behavioral euthanasia decision.

Behavioral euthanasia, a term that carries an immense emotional weight and ethical complexity, refers to the decision to humanely end the life of a pet whose behavioral issues pose a significant risk to the safety and well-being of the pet itself, other animals, and humans. This decision is often considered in cases where severe aggression, profound anxiety disorders, or other extreme behavioral conditions cannot be effectively managed through training, behavior modification, or medical intervention. The essence of this choice stems from a deep commitment to the welfare of the pet and the safety of all beings involved, acknowledging a situation …

Limiting Visual Triggers for Reactive and Aggressive Dogs: A Complete Guide to Reducing Stress and Barking

January 18, 2025 by Will Bangura, M.S., CAB-ICB, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, FFCP

Collage of a privacy fence screen, car window shades, and window films illustrating how to reduce visual triggers for reactive or aggressive dogs.

How Blocking Your Dog’s View Can Help Curb Reactivity and Aggression Table of Contents Introduction and Overview Benefits of Limiting Visual Exposure Understanding Why Blocking the View Helps Identifying the Triggers and Vulnerable Areas Selecting Materials and Methods to Block the View Step-by-Step Guide to Limiting Your Dog’s View Troubleshooting and Special Considerations Additional Management and Training Tips Putting It All Together Introduction and Overview Dogs, just like people, have varying temperaments and comfort levels when it comes to the sights and sounds of everyday life. Some dogs calmly watch the world go by, while others grow anxious or upset …

Dog Leash Reactivity Training

January 11, 2025 by Will Bangura, M.S., CAB-ICB, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, FFCP

Small dog barking and lunging on a leash outdoors during leash reactivity training.

Comprehensive Guide to Leash Reactivity (Fearful Reactivity) in Dogs Below is an in-depth guide to understanding, preventing, and treating leash reactivity—particularly fearful reactivity—in dogs. This article will walk you through the underlying causes, management strategies, and detailed behavior modification protocols grounded in force-free, science-based methods. By following these steps, you’ll help your dog feel safer, become more confident, and reduce reactive outbursts over time. However, if you need specialized support, you can always seek Dog Training in Phoenix from professional trainers, or work with a Certified Dog Behaviorist in Phoenix for more complex cases. Table of Contents What Is Leash …

What to Do If Your Dog Becomes Aggressive: A Comprehensive Guide for Pet Guardians in Phoenix

January 5, 2025 by Will Bangura, M.S., CAB-ICB, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, FFCP

Two large dogs, one black and one brown, baring their teeth in a heated confrontation outdoors, illustrating canine aggression.

What to Do If Your Dog Becomes Aggressive: A Comprehensive Guide for Pet Guardians in Phoenix Aggression in dogs can be alarming, stressful, and even heartbreaking for the pet guardian who just wants a peaceful, happy life with their canine companion. Contrary to popular belief, canine aggression is not a sign of a “bad” dog; rather, it is a complex behavior with multiple underlying causes, ranging from fear or frustration to territory guarding and medical issues. Because aggression may put family members and the community at risk, early recognition and intervention are key. This comprehensive guide is designed to help …

Top 50 Best Dog Trainers In The World

October 4, 2025January 3, 2025 by Will Bangura, M.S., CAB-ICB, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, FFCP

Collage of a professional trainer working with multiple dog breeds, highlighting advanced training techniques such as positive reinforcement and behavior modification. The bold arc across the top reads “The Top 50 Best Dog Trainers in the World,” emphasizing the focus of this comprehensive guide.

THE TOP 50 BEST DOG TRAINERS IN THE WORLD Below is a ranking list of fifty (50) of the most prominent canine professionals (trainers, behavior consultants, applied animal behaviorists, and veterinary behaviorists) according to perceived authority and influence in the field. Factors considered include scientific contributions, clinical work, published works, professional leadership, public visibility, and overall impact on evidence-based, humane canine behavior practices. It is important to note that many equally qualified experts could appear on any such list, and omission does not imply lesser expertise. So who is the best dog trainer Dr. Ian Dunbar (BVetMed, MRCVS, PhD) has …

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