Calm dog leaning against a pet parent at sunset in the Sonoran desert near Scottsdale, Arizona

Dog Behaviorist in Scottsdale, AZ for Aggression, Anxiety, and Reactivity

If your dog is growling, lunging, snapping, biting, panicking when left alone, guarding, or fighting with another dog in the home, you are carrying a kind of stress most people never see. Most of these behaviors are driven by fear, anxiety, or frustration, not defiance, and that means they can be changed. As a certified canine behaviorist serving Scottsdale, I help pet parents find the real cause and build a calmer, safer life with their dog, using evidence-based, force-free behavior modification.

No shock. No prong. No fear.

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Will Bangura, M.S., CAB-ICB

CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, FDM, FFCP

Arizona's only CAB-ICB Certified Canine Behaviorist through International Canine Behaviourists, and one of only three in the United States, with more than 35 years of experience working with severe aggression, fear, anxiety, reactivity, and complex canine behavior cases.

By identifying the underlying causes of aggression, anxiety, and other behavior problems and improving emotional regulation, Will helps pet parents across Scottsdale and the Phoenix metro area build safer, calmer, and more predictable relationships with their dogs.

M.S.

Psychology, Behavioral Focus

CAB-ICB

Certified Canine Behaviorist

CBCC-KA

Certified Behavior Consultant Canine

CPDT-KA

Certified Professional Dog Trainer

FDM

Applied Ethology / Family Dog Mediation

FFCP

Fear Free Certified Professional

Verified Google Reviews

Real Stories of Dogs Overcoming Aggression, Reactivity, and Anxiety

Some of these families arrived frightened, exhausted, or convinced that nothing would work. Here is what changed, in their words and in their dogs.

delphine valentin

82 days ago

We are so grateful we found Will Bangura and Phoenix Dog Training. After working with multiple dog trainers in Phoenix for our dog’s aggression and reactivity issues, nothing was truly helping because nobody was addressing the underlying fear and anxiety driving the behavior. Our veterinarian recommended working with a certified dog behaviorist, and that is when we found Will. Our German Shepherd had severe leash reactivity toward other dogs and strangers, and we were honestly afraid we might eventually have a bite incident. From the very first behavior consultation, Will was incredibly thorough, professional, and compassionate. He took the time to explain canine body language, stress signals, trigger stacking, and why punishment-based training can actually make aggression worse. What really stood out was that this was not just obedience training. This was real behavior modification based on science and positive reinforcement. Within a few weeks, we started seeing dramatic improvement. Our dog became calmer, more confident, and far less reactive on walks. If you are searching for a dog behaviorist in Phoenix, dog aggression training in Phoenix, or help for a reactive dog, we cannot recommend Phoenix Dog Training enough. Will Bangura is truly an expert in dog aggression, fear, anxiety, and reactivity. We finally feel hopeful again, and more importantly, our dog is happier and less stressed. Thank you, Will, for changing our lives and helping us better understand our dog.

Tzivia Masliansky

106 days ago

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you have a dog who’s been struggling — behaviorally, emotionally, or both — Will is your person. My dog Hank came to him as a genuinely difficult case, and the progress has been remarkable. Will doesn’t just address surface behaviors but gets to the root of the issue. He’s even collaborated with Hank’s vet to make sure his medication is properly equilibrated, understanding that behavior and biology aren’t separate conversations. That integrative, science-based approach is rare and makes a real difference. Will’s method is thoughtful and effective. He’s opened my eyes to how much sniffing can help a dog’s nervous system relax which has been critical to Hank’s progress. The results speak for themselves. Hank is less reactive, handles guests without going off the rails, is far easier to calm down when he gets overstimulated, and the humping situation is significantly more civilized. Will took all of it seriously without judgment and tackled each issue methodically. I’m excited to continue working with Will to help Hank keep making progress.

Mark Meyers

137 days ago

I have had pet dogs for for decades and have experienced several trainers. Lexi my Sheltie is a reactive dog and other trainers were unable to make much progress with her. One even suggested she be euthenized! Will has turned out to be the most knowledgeable and patient canine behavior expert/trainer I have met and has been successful in helping Lexi. He provided me with verbal, written and, at times, recorded instructions as well as videos all of which were very helpful. Will is genuinely concerned with his canine students as evidenced by his calls to check and see how Lexi was doing. Lexi's behavior is much improved as is her quality of life. I highly recommend him if your dog has a behavior problem.

Vicki Hayes

295 days ago

Will is amazing! He really knows what he’s talking about and what he’s doing. He’s very passionate about guiding you to train your dog with positive reinforcement and love. Our reactive Springer Millie has come a long way with Will’s guidance. Even though we are not always as consistent as we need to be, we/she have learned a lot and we will continue to implement all of the great stuff Will has taught us. He is accessible and cares about your dog. I highly recommend Will. We have used 2 other trainers in the valley that don’t even come close to Will! I am so glad I reached to him. 😊

Mitzi Krockover

343 days ago

Dr. Will Worked with me for about two hours. He did a thorough interview and observed Maggie my dog. At the end of the session, I had insights about potential health challenges, ways to change her behavior and I felt hopeful that we were on the right track. Maggie was comfortable with Dr. Will and I feel like it was a great session. I look forward to putting into practice his suggestions.

Megan W

372 days ago

Will helped us to train our young, reactive rescue dog. He taught us so many different ways to handle the issues we were experiencing, as well as recommended resources to help us better understand her behavior. It is obvious that Will is an expert in dog behavior and passionate about what he does. There isn’t a doubt in our minds that if we hadn’t reached out to and worked with Will that we wouldn’t be where we are today with our dog. We are grateful for his direction, dedication, and commitment to helping us. Thank you, Will!

Julie Davis

453 days ago

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If I could give 10 stars, I would! Will Bangura at Phoenix Dog Training is hands down the best when it comes to dog aggression positive based training in Phoenix. I met Will when I needed assistance with a difficult dog training situation that required a behaviorist. I was looking for a dog/canine training behaviorist in our area, that supported anxiety and aggression cases leveraging a positive approach. That was the start of a wonderful mentorship and ultimately friendship that has grown out of mutual respect and admiration. Will goes above and beyond in everything he does, is a wonderful human, willing to jump in and help at a moment’s notice. If you're looking for help with dog aggression training in Phoenix, I can't recommend Will Bangura at Phoenix Dog Training highly enough. He is a certified professional dog behaviorist in Phoenix with deep expertise in working with dogs that have reactivity, separation anxiety, fears, and phobias. His approach for behavior modification and training is rooted in science-based dog training and he uses only positive reinforcement and force-free methods - something that was incredibly important to me when choosing a behavioral trainer. He is an expert who changes lives—for dogs and their people. If you're struggling with serious behavior challenges, he’s the professional you want in your corner.

Sharon Winters

495 days ago

I needed a mobility-balance dog, but $50,000.00 was not in the budget. We went to Maricopa County Care and Control and found a large but skinny dog. He was at least nine-years old and looked into my eyes with kindness. I wanted him. At home we fed him Farmers Dog and treats of meat. In eight weeks he gained twenty pounds. His veterinarian pronounced him to be a good weight and healthy. He was a happy boy and ready for training. We hired Phoenix Dog Training to train him. Charley was ready to work in four months and didn’t have to leave home for his training. He was trained with kindness and love. It’s been three years since we took Charley home. Charley helps me navigate outside my home, up and down curbs, stairs, over cracked parking lots, and bumpy sidewalks. He is welcomed in every office, store, and restaurant. He never barks (except at home), obeys his twenty-three commands, and understands twelve hand signs. He went to a concert today with us. We couldn’t love him more. A trained service dog is a blessing.

Nathaniel Shepherd

672 days ago

I just recently meet with Will for an in-person appointment and couldn't be happier with my experience. Will’s knowledge with canine behavior is beyond exceptional leaving me feeling confident in training my dog. If you ever want knowledge and training from the best of the best Will is your guy.

Dillon Denney

727 days ago

I can’t recommend Will Bangura enough! My dog had severe fear aggression, as well as crippling anxiety and separation anxiety. After trying several other trainers with no success, I found Will, a certified dog behaviorist, and our lives have changed completely. He truly understands the complexities of dog aggression and anxiety and works from a science-based approach that made all the difference. Within just a few sessions, Will helped my dog feel more confident and less reactive. He taught me how to read my dog’s signals and how to manage situations that would usually trigger fear or anxiety. Now, my dog is much calmer and happier, and the fear-based aggression is significantly reduced. His separation anxiety, which used to cause so much stress for both of us, is no longer a major issue. Will’s expertise in dealing with aggressive dogs with anxiety is unparalleled, and I’m so grateful for his guidance. If you’re dealing with dog aggression or a dog with anxiety, I highly recommend working with Will Bangura. His professionalism, knowledge, and care for both the dog and the pet parent are outstanding.

Odalys Garcia

773 days ago

Bella, our Chihuahua, had intense fear and aggression towards other dogs. We were recommended to Will Bangura at Phoenix Dog Training by a friend. Will's approach was gentle yet effective. Through consistent positive reinforcement training, Bella gradually became less fearful and more sociable. We saw a dramatic change in her behavior. Bella can now interact with other dogs without fear or aggression. Will is an exceptional dog aggression trainer in Phoenix, and his dedication to his work is evident in the results.

Kayla Marsteller

779 days ago

Life-Changing Dog Training, Will Bangura and Phoenix Dog Training Transformed Our Aggressive French Bulldog I can't say enough about the incredible experience we had with Phoenix Dog Training and Certified Dog Behaviorist Will Bangura. We brought our 4-year-old French bulldog, Max, to Will because of severe aggression and reactivity towards people and other dogs, as well as debilitating separation anxiety. From the very first consultation, it was clear that Will's expertise and compassionate approach set him apart. He took the time to thoroughly understand Max's history, behavior triggers, and our concerns as pet parents. His knowledge and experience were evident as he explained the science-based techniques he would use to help Max. Will implemented a comprehensive behavior modification plan tailored specifically to Max's needs. His step-by-step guidance and positive reinforcement strategies made a world of difference. Within a few sessions, we noticed a significant reduction in Max's aggression and reactivity. Will's methods not only helped Max become more relaxed and confident around people and dogs but also strengthened our bond with him. One of the most challenging issues was Max's separation anxiety. Will provided us with practical and effective strategies to ease Max's anxiety when left alone. His approach was gradual and thoughtful, ensuring that Max was comfortable every step of the way. Thanks to Will, Max can now stay calm and relaxed even when we're not home, something we never thought possible. What truly sets Will apart is his dedication and genuine care for his clients. He was always available to answer our questions and provide support throughout the process. His passion for helping dogs and their families is evident in every interaction. If you're looking for a certified dog behaviorist who delivers real, lasting results, look no further than Will Bangura at Phoenix Dog Training. He has transformed our lives and given Max the chance to be a happy, well-adjusted dog. We highly recommend Will to anyone struggling with dog behavior issues. Thank you, Will, for your outstanding work and for giving us the gift of a harmonious life with Max!

Yolanda Smith

780 days ago

Our Pitbull Sasha suffered from debilitating separation anxiety and reactivity. We were at our wits' end until we found Will Bangura at Phoenix Dog Training. Will's expertise in positive reinforcement was exactly what she needed. He taught us how to create a safe and calm environment for Sasha reducing her anxiety significantly. She was able to stay alone without panic, and her reactive behavior has diminished greatly. Will is a certified dog behaviorist who truly cares about the dogs he works with. We can't thank him enough

Viviana garcia

785 days ago

Will Bangura at Phoenix Dog Training was a lifesaver for our husky Ivy. Ivy had severe dog aggression issues that made walks and social outings a nightmare. Will's positive reinforcement methods worked wonders. He crafted a personalized training plan that helped Ivy overcome his aggressive tendencies. Now, Ivy can walk calmly by other dogs and even enjoy playdates. Will is, without a doubt, the best dog behaviorist in Phoenix. We highly recommend his services to anyone struggling with dog aggression

Isaiah Ishmail

787 days ago

I can't thank Will Bangura and Phoenix Dog Training enough for the incredible work they did with my dog, Poolie. Poolie struggled with severe dog aggression, anxiety, and was a very fearful dog. Will, as a top-notch behaviorist, provided a comprehensive behavior modification plan that truly transformed Poolie's behavior. From the first consultation, Will's expertise in training for an aggressive dog was evident. He was patient, understanding, and used evidence-based techniques that catered specifically to Poolie's needs. The improvement in Poolie's anxiety and fearfulness was remarkable, and I now have a much happier and more confident dog. The personalized training sessions were highly effective, and Will's dedication to Poolie's progress was unwavering. If you're facing challenges with dog aggression or have a fearful dog, I highly recommend Will Bangura and Phoenix Dog Training. Their approach to behavior modification and training for an aggressive dog is truly exceptional.

Loren Miller

1354 days ago

Had such an amazing experience with Phoenix Dog Training and Jordan! We rescued a wild and high energy husky that is now a lot more calm and listens to others than just myself. Jordan was great to work with an accommodated for our work schedule. I would highly recommend them in the future!

Jessie Bolz

1357 days ago

We reached out to Phoenix Dog Training to help with our 5-year-old rescue, Saint. Saint was a stray before we rescued him from the county shelter where he was set to be euthanized for uncontrollable anxious behavior. Because of this, he had severe anxiety and his reactivity to other dogs, people, cars, loud noises, large objects, etc. and it was only getting worse. Taking Saint to the vet, on a walk, or outside of the house for any reason brought so much stress and anxiety not only on us, but of course him as well. Thankfully, we found Phoenix Dog Training and our trainer Jordan helped us work through all of our issues with Saint. Phoenix Dog Training offers a full service approach and trains not only your dog, but teaches you so much as well so you can fully understand your dog and make both of your lives better. Jordan was extremely thorough and worked with our veterinarian to rule out any underlying health conditions that could possibly explain Saint's prior behavior. Once we started training with Jordan, Saint became a totally different dog. It has changed our life to have Saint turn into this relaxed, calm, obedient dog. Now, anyone who meets Saint cannot believe it when I tell them about his past or that he was an anxious dog. Everyone who meets him says they wish he was their dog and that he's the best and sweetest dog they've ever met! That would not have been possible without the help of Phoenix Dog Training, especially Jordan. Don't give up on your dog or their potential, if you need help, don't hesitate to reach out to Phoenix Dog Training ASAP!

Sarah Bodnar

1362 days ago

Amazing experience!

Ja Na

1527 days ago

So proud of our boy Rocky. He finished his last training and his aggression and people skills gotten so much better! Rocky (Husky and German shepherd) has high energy, anxiety, aggression, he’s stubborn, lunges, and likes to nip a lot. Went through 4 different places with numerous trainers. At 4 months, we were warned he is going to be a handful and we’ll have to pretty much turn our lives around if we decided to keep him. We tried all kinds of training from group classes, personal training, 30 day boot camp which they end up just keeping the deposit and didn’t want to take the rest of our money because they couldn’t train him. Another place advise us to euthanize him. He was 11 months at that time 😭😡. We felt hopeless. Did some research on dog aggressive trainers and found phoenixdogtraining.com. They talked about board/training, anxiety, fear, aggression and what really popped out was their quote, “PLEASE BEFORE YOU PUT YOUR DOG DOWN CONTACT US. WE CAN HELP WHERE OTHERS CAN’T” Got introduced to Jordan and been working with him since June 2021. He gave us hope. We did half training at home and the other half at the park. Rocky is so much better and we’re not afraid to bring him around people. We know how to train people to be around him and what not to do around him. We just had to find the right trainer that deals with these kind of dog personality/behaviors, take what we learned, train him, and give him lots of love!! Still need some work and consistent training but he’s a good boy. Proud of Rocky 🐾 🤍🤎🖤

Spencer Andrews

1569 days ago

Thank you, Jordan, for helping us train our German Shepherd, Cookie. We have learned a lot.

Venetzia Madison

1618 days ago

Listen to Will and Jordan's show every Saturday and you will completely understand why they are the best in the business. Interesting topics and great advice for pet parents no matter what your geographical location. By listening to one show on a Saturday morning and calling in, I was able to learn enough about my dog's behavior to correct it. Now Ms." Gimme your sammich" no longer begs or throws a tantrum. Sometimes pet parents need training too.

Trevor Campbell

1630 days ago

Phoenix Dog Training was excellent to work with. Both Will and Jordan were great at explaining what we needed to do to work with our dog and provided plenty of resources for us to better understand how to read our dog. I would highly recommend them to anyone who wants to learn how to work with their own dog.

Sergiy Kostenko

1673 days ago

Nicole Lucas

1679 days ago

Jordan has been a god sent. I uprooted my puppy from SC to AZ when my husband deployed. She regressed immensely and became dog aggressive to boot. I was overwhelmed and felt like a dog mom failure for putting her through this. It’s been four months and my girl is still this wild crazy lab, but she’s seen so much positive improvements since we started training. She’s listening, obedient, her anxiety has decreased, and we were able to walk the park this week. Jordan’s been amazing and responsive with all my questions when I’m at home and training. I cannot wait to see where Sesi is at in another 3 months.

kinzie teixeira-farmer

1702 days ago

Jordan was such a help with my puppy, Roscoe! He explained how I could stop my puppy from jumping all the time and even helped me with potty training by sending a very detailed course on how to properly potty train my dog. I cannot explain how helpful this radio show is and how professional they are and how much they know about dog behavior.

Anne Van Leeuwen

1704 days ago

During our first meeting with Will and Jordan we were very impressed with how attentively they listened to our concerns and issues. After our first meeting we felt confident that the goals we set for our dogs would be achieved. Our dogs have exponentially exceeded our expectations. The knowledge and tools that Jordan provided have not only made us better pet owners but we now have a much deeper understanding of animals and their behaviors. The training REALLY works! But you have to own the tasks, take the time, and put the work in (we know it's easier said than done!). Occasionally when things didn't come together, Jordan and Will always took took the time to formulate a new and successful plan. Jordan always had time to listen, was always present, and never made our training sessions feel rushed. Had we only known Will and Jordan a couple of years ago, we would not have lost a precious young dog. We have worked (unsuccessfully) with other trainers and have never met a more caring, compassionate, understanding, and effective trainer as Jordan. Highly recommend Phoenix Dog Training. Can't say enough good things...as you can see 🙂

Tammy Marsteller

1739 days ago

Phoenix Dog Training has some of the most knowledgeable trainers I’ve ever interacted with. Will and Jordan really understand the behavior behind why my dog kept barking and whining all the time. With their help I was able to let my elderly mother walk in my home again without the fear of my dog jumping on her.

Rubyan Rodriguez

1741 days ago

Todd Palmo

1752 days ago

Bill came out and met with 15 week old puppy, Koda and I. I was amazed right from the start at how he was able to get Koda to do things very quickly and easily within the first 15 minutes. Bill was very knowledgeable and gave me some homework to work with Koda on. I followed his instruction. Upon Bills return I came to the conclusion the one who needs the most training is me. I was once again impressed at the way Bill seems to be able to communicate with Koda. I am truly impressed and feel I made a great decision in calling Phoenix dog training. I think we have a dog whisperer right here in our home state. Watch out Cesar Millan 🙂 Thank you so much for your help with Koda and I. Sincerely, Todd

Cody W

1786 days ago

Will has been an incredible resource for me and my wife when it came to training our new puppy. He was extremely knowledgeable and provided insight into psychological and behavioral issues that my wife and I didn’t even realize were concerns. He had great communication, set clear expectations and goals that we could track, and provided resources and videos for the many questions we had. He has an easy to imitate hands on approach and does the training sessions during in home visits to make sure our puppy was learning in the environment it will always be in. And to top it all off, Will stayed over an hour longer than our last expected appointment time because of questions and training struggles that we were having. It was obvious that he really cared about our success and making sure we understood all the information he provided, which just meant so much to us. If you are looking for someone to help guide you and your dog through training, Will is your best chance at success!

GACMA Artists and Events

1797 days ago

As a disabled Vietnam Vet and American Patriot who has owned several dogs, (raised from 4month old puppies) I decided to contact these folks to help me with a new dog, when I saw they were veteran owned! She is a 2yr. old Greaat Dane who is very friendly and lovable, but has "dog aggression" issues. Will and Jordan have gone above and beyond to make sure I get the help I need to make her not only a well behaved Great Dane, but a well trained great dog. I spend my money wisely and always look for the best value for my dollars. These folks know their stuff and are a credit to the profession.

John Smith

1982 days ago

I can't recommend Phoenix Dog Training LLC enough. We have had at least 10 dogs over the years but this last shepherd that we bought was more than we could handle so we reached out and started training under the expertise of Phil Behun. We tried several trainers from other companies before Phil, none of which were satisfactory. Working with Phil has been a pure joy, he really knows what's going on inside the dog's head which makes him such a valuable trainer. There is no situation that surprises Phil and you can tell that he's lived through every possible dog scenario that could possibly happen which gives us as dog owners the confidence we need to overcome all types of difficult situations, especially when my dog shows aggression. I want to thank PDT and especially Phil for all they have done to help my dog and my family.

Robert Santana

1989 days ago

I can't give this guy enough credit. I was a frustrated first time dog owner and I was that annoying client that sent him novels of complaints about my dog. I feel like a dog training apprentice after working with him. get compliments on my dog's behavior everywhere I go now. I walk an 18 month old pitbull around Old Town Scottsdale without a leash and no issue and have been doing so since she was 12 months. The real challenge came at my girlfriend's house. My girlfriend had two untrained, misbehaved adult dogs. One is a 4 year old Boston Terrier and one is an 8 year old French Bulldog/Boston Terrier mix. Will, as well as several trainers I shopped when I found him, explicitly told me that all dogs must be trained to get the desired behaviors and all humans must be on the same page about expected dog behavior. I got my dog to the point where she was well trained everywhere except my girlfriend's house, where she would turn into a Tasmanian devil. I did everything I could to try and avoid training the other two dogs. I ended up trying to board and train them elsewhere only to find mistakes in the training with my now trained eye and ended up having to pull up my bootstraps and put the work in. The house is much more peaceful now and the dogs are behaving much better and I could not be more thankful. He will make you work but by damn he gives you some life skills that I'm not sure you will find elsewhere. Will is a very gifted trainer and I hope that he forgives me for harassing him so much in the early months!

Nancy Townsend

2048 days ago

I am very pleased with the training of my German Shepard. The best part for me is that I'm able to txt or call Mr. Zorn with questions about my dog. And the answers are always professional and helpful!

Kristin Buchanan

2062 days ago

Steve Zorn, of Phx Dog Training is amazing. He helped us adopt the sweetest husky/shepherd mix. He’s worked with us on helping her overcome her anxiety and is teaching us to teach her basic commands. He knows a lot about dog behavior, is responsive if we ever have questions or concerns, and our dog Rocky absolutely loves him. I’ve already recommended him to several friends and if you want a well trained, well adjusted, and happy dog, I recommend him to you too!

Bobbi Dosher

2088 days ago

If I could give Steve 20 stars, I would! He was absolutely amazing with my puppy. My dog is so well behaved and, most importantly, HAPPY. I would recommend him to anyone

Ashley Newell

2222 days ago

Phoenix Dog Training is absolutely worth every penny! Our trainer, Phil, was incredibly knowledgeable and taught us so much about our puppy's behavior and our own! He really listened to what we wanted with training our puppy and tailored each lesson to exactly what we wanted. We are thrilled with our puppy Westley's progress after 3 lessons with Phil. We also have some tips and tricks in our back pocket from talking with Phil as we move forward continuing to train Westley. Highly recommend!

Lucile Henderson

2224 days ago

Steve did a wonderful job training our Australian Shepherd (Maverick). Maverick had some opportunities when it came to aggression and recalls. Post training he is no longer aggressive, great with recalls, and we have no behavioral concerns. Steve did a great job at sharing his knowledge and expertise towards dog training to help us achieve the behaviors we were looking for. Steve was always timely for our sessions and very enthusiastic to see Maverick. Steve really is passionate about dogs and training them. We would recommend Phoenix Dog Training to all those looking for her with dog training.

susan

2238 days ago

We got a puppy two weeks ago. And from the first night, I realized how ill equipped i was to handle it. I was so very frustrated and tired the first few days, I seriously wanted to give her back. But because I am stubborn and i want this to work, i knew I needed someone's help. I contacted another trainer that blew me off, so I called phoenix dog training and had an appointment and some hope within 20 minutes. I have only had one session from Phil so far, and it was only 3 days ago, but I already am so happy and have so much more hope for our puppy and family. The biggest thing he said that stuck was that I had to stop thinking that a dog thinks like a human, so I had to shift my thinking about it. I learned that I can't correct before or after she does something wrong because she won't know why she is in "trouble." I learned that in order for her to learn anything, it just needs to be done over and over. And while it is tedious and takes a lot of time, it will ultimately be the best for her and for our family. Phil has responded to texts and given great advice. It is WELL worth the money. And that is coming from one session. I can't wait to see how much more my puppy progresses

Dan Dever

2517 days ago

The perfect combination of knowledge, professionalism and kindness to both animals and people alike. The instruction that Will has provided to us has been the single most productive thing that we have ever done for any dog that has been in our family. Would give the highest possible recommendation!!!

Chawka

2576 days ago

Duke x

2736 days ago

Yuk and Yak are totally brand new dogs since I took them there.

Allan Buenaventura

2736 days ago

T Gant

2736 days ago

I would highly recommend to any dog lover! He’s the best.

Marilyn Knapp

2738 days ago

Awesome caring wonderful experience!! The best there is for dog whisper!!! Highly recommend would not go to anyone else to train a problematic dog!!

Amadu basse

2738 days ago

Bill is an expert in his field and I highly recommend him

Hannah Bangura

2739 days ago

He is knowledgeable very professional. I highly recommend him

Robert Weedman

2741 days ago

I own vizsla and he was more than rambunctious at only 4 months. After training with Phoenix dog training he is now good in public and in dog parks off leash. I never knew I could have a dog be so obedient and loving. Thank you for making my pet a full time best friend for life.

Carol Peck

2777 days ago

Bill did a terrific job training our little rescue dog and us! Ziggy was about a year old when he was dumped in neighborhood and hadn't even been house trained. He's come a long way thanks to Bill.

Ashley Katers

2797 days ago

Melinda McClean

3012 days ago

My wife and I are more than happy with the work that Bill did for us, and our dog. We reached out to him for one-on-one training, frustrated and concerned about her reactive behavior. His knowledge of dog behavior is extensive, and his ability to impart that knowledge was exceptional. We learned more in one day, than we did in 6 months of group training with another organisation. Bill guided us through the training, and explained how we should progress through to maintenance, so that our dog's progress could continue. We've received many positive comments about our dog's improved behavior and we highly recommend Bill. He's given us the knowledge and confidence that we need to work with our dog.

Linda Shoemaker

3026 days ago

My husband, our Great Dane Misty, and I are so glad we signed up for training. We so appreciate all the training we received to help us better manage our girl. So much better but still a ways to go and now we have the knowledge and help we needed. We also know that anytime we have a question or issue that Bill will be there to help. Highly recommend. Jack, Linda, and Misty Shoemaker

Jamie Janofsky

3150 days ago

Such a great service, knowledgeable & easy to work with. Highly recommend!

Keri Grunert

3150 days ago

Phoenix Dog Training is Phenomenal!! From the very beginning we knew we were in good hands. They worked so well with our whole family. Getting the kids involved in the training was brilliant. We would definitely recommend this company.

Bernard Wunder

3270 days ago

Hiring a dog trainer you can trust in Phoenix is not easy. Phoenix Dog Training was recommended by my Veterinarian who has referred their clients to Phoenix Dog Training for years. I called, spoke to the owner, set up a assessment and evaluation, and a training program was customized to my dogs challenges and my goals. Today I have the perfect trained dog because of Phoenix Dog Training. I recommend Phoenix Dog Training to anyone who wants a super well behaved and trained dog.

Numb Brrr

3270 days ago

Phoenix Dog Training is AMAZING! They rehabilitated my aggressive PitBull when 3 other trainers failed and told me the only option was to euthanize my dog. Boy am I glad I did not listen to the other trainers and hired a real Dog Behaviorist. It is very different working with a professional Dog Behaviorist than just a Dog Trainer. It was worth the money and the time to save my dogs life. Definitely hire Phoenix Dog Training.

Lisa Stone

3270 days ago

I want to give a big thank you to Bill, and Phoenix dog training. Bill was our dog behaviorist. Our shih Tzu, Loki was very fearful and would not respond to commands, walk on a leash, and would not learn to go potty outside. Phoenix Dog Training did an excellent job explaining to me exactly what I needed to do to help Loki be calm, relaxed, and listen to me. It has been 2 months now and Loki is doing great. Thank you again for the great service.

Paras Dhankecha

3271 days ago

I really want to thank you guys. Phoenix Dog Training has made my dogs life and my life so much better. I get to finally enjoy my dog. Walks are now a pleasure. She sits and stays when I tell her. When I call her to me, now she comes. I love the "place" command and that seems to be her favorite command too. I'm looking forward to the Polishing and Maintenance classes that Phoenix Dog Training offers after our completion of our private at home dog training lessons. Thank you again.

B B

3273 days ago

I am so grateful I found Phoenix Dog Training. I live up in North Scottsdale and have a large yard. We get a lot of wild animals that come onto our property. Coyotes, Havelina, Bob Cats Mountain Lion, you name it. The problem I was having was my dog Skip would not come when called. No matter what we did he would not come when called. He would call me when there were no distractions. He would come when nothing was going on. But up another dog or another person or another animal is there, he will not come for anything! I have tried several other dog trainers in Scottsdale. They all promised me they could get my dog to come, and they did a great job getting my dog to listen to me when there were no distractions. But if there's another animal, they were not able to get my dog to come when called. Out of frustration and skeptical, I called Phoenix dog training. They said they had a money back guarantee. I figured if there was ever a time they would have to honor their money back guarantee it would be with myself and my dog Skip. To my absolute amazement, the dog trainer from Phoenix Dog Training was able to get Skip to come with the distraction of another dog he brought with him within about 3 minutes! It was absolutely crazy!!! No one had been able to produce any results, and here they have skip coming when called with another dog around, skip would normally go crazy. But this time he was coming when called! I would definitely recommend Phoenix Dog Training!!! They saved my dog from being eaten from a Mountain Lion I'm sure!!!

Mark Ashton (Paint by Numbers)

3276 days ago

Phoenix Dog Training literally saved me from having to put my dog down. My dog Sophie, is a rescue dog, and we believe she had been previously abused. She had severe fear aggression, as well as other severe phobias such as thunderstorms, she could not ride in the car, and she would not let us put a leash on her or take her for a walk. The Dog Behaviorist Phoenix Dog Training sent, was incredibly knowledgeable and compassionate. It took a lot of work, but it was worth it to be able to keep Sophie. Today Sophie can enjoy being a normal dog. I would definitely recommend Phoenix Dog Training.

Jose Rivas

3327 days ago

My wife and I highly recommend Phoenix Dog Training. Our dog, a Labrador Retriever/German Shepard Mix, (Mr. Pickles) was trained last summer and we could not be more happy with the results. Mr. Pickles has been an excellent dog ever since his training. Everyone that comes in contact with our dog is amazed by his obedience and uncanny maturity even though he is not even three years old. He has acted perfectly on an international flight in-cabin, in the grocery store, restaurants and practically any situation one can imagine. My wife and I have Phoenix Dog Training to thank for training our dog to be the most well behaved dog we have ever seen or met. Phoenix Dog Training understands dog behavior and knows how to train a dog to meet the needs of their owners. Phoenix Dog Training utilizes empathetic, efficient, and effective methodologies in training dogs and we give them an emphatic recommendation!

Judith MAKOWSKI

3345 days ago

NOW THAT WE ARE TRAINED, WE GO FOR PEACEFUL WALKS. IT IS LIKE A MIRACLE! BILL IS WONDERFUL AND MAGICAL! HE PROVIDES EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE AND SINCERELY CARES. I AM THRILLED WITH THE RESULTS.

Polly Laubach

3403 days ago

Phoenix Dog Training is a miracle worker! Soon after we purchased our sibling Jack Russell puppies, we discovered one of our puppies, Sophia, was completely deaf. We were dedicated to keeping her, but knew we were going to need help training a deaf dog. Not only did our trainer train Sophie, he trained us! We implemented the training techniques we learned with our other puppy, Walter, and now our 7 month old puppies are better trained than our 10 year old Jack Russell. Because of Phoenix Dog Training, we are able to communicate effectivey with all of our dogs and the bond we have with our deaf dog Sophie is just as strong as with our dogs. Thank you Phoenix Dog Training, you have changed the quality of all of our lives!

Sabrina Bonar

3409 days ago

I am so thankful that I found Phoenix Dog training!! We got my daughter a multipoo for her birthday and let's just say it has been years since we had a puppy! The trainer that came out was fantastic!!! He had our little pup listening in no time and the best part was he was more than happy to work with our daughter too!! I am so happy I had them come out! He also is very helpful in all the other puppy questions I have along the way!! Thanks again Phoenix Dog training!!

kathie howard

3409 days ago

When our puppy was three months old we knew we needed a trainer. Phoenix Dog Training worked magic on the very first visit and it has given us such relief. In a short time, our Aussie Doodle has become a well trained, mannerly dog. We are hoping that she will one day become a therapy dog and Phoenix Dog Training is working with us towards that goal. We could not be more pleased with the training that we have received. Mack and Kathie Howard

Esther McCue

3410 days ago

Working with Phoenix dog training was absolutely amazing. The trainer was very professional. I now have an amazing service dog. I couldn't have asked for anything better.

Stacy L. Libricz

3415 days ago

We have a two-year old rescue dog who had aggression and behavior issues, specifically with men and children. We wanted to have children but knew our dog may have to rehomed. PHOENIX DOG TRAINING allowed us to keep our dog and have children. They use an e-collar that is water proof. I was skeptical of this at first, but then tried it on my self, and even at high settings does not hurt, is just an annoyance. With the behavioral modification techniques we learned we now have of the best behaved dogs around. We can have people over without them fearing for life! Our dog actually cries in excitement when Bill, the dog trainer, comes to our house. He went above and beyond to teach us how to train our dog to pay attention to us, techniques to control her anxiety, and ways to have an all around well bahved dog... she sits, stays, down, and also walks not only obedient but as happy healthy relaxed dog. Thank you PHOENIX DOG TRAINING!!

Ritchie Miller

3424 days ago

My experience with Phoenix Dog Training was very good. The trainer was very good at his job. My 15 month old Rottweiler has over the past 5 weeks has become different dog. I appreciate the fact that the trainer was very good, prompt and straight forward. I would recommend this company to anyone. In need this service.

J C (Thealmostfitpilot)

3429 days ago

Working with phoenix dog training has been nothing but wonderful. Phoenix dog training took 4 of my pups from horrible walkers to masters, took my 6 week old pup from being afraid of the leash/collar to loving it. Phoenix dog training took the time to educate me, give me resources, and kept in communication even after the training was done. Phoenix dog training in home Bootcamp was the greatest investment I've made for my pups and even after 6 months of watching/researching other companies/people, phoenix dog training was simply the best choice of them all.

robert ferrante

3641 days ago

In working with Phoenix Dog Training I found the results better than I expected. My dog has much less anxiety than when we started. He follows my commands with little effort on my part. The training is less complicated than I thought it would be. What a relief.

Get in Touch

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Tell me a little about your dog and what you are dealing with, and I will get back to you personally.

Tell Me About Your Dog.

What kind of training are you looking for?

Behavior, not just obedience

When Ordinary Training Is Not Enough

Obedience skills are useful, and a well-mannered dog is a joy to live with. But teaching a dog what to do is not the same as changing how a dog feels. Aggression, anxiety, fear, panic, separation distress, and reactivity are emotional behaviors that usually need more than another round of cues, and they are exactly what a dog behaviorist in Scottsdale is trained to address.

That is the difference at the heart of this work. Training teaches skills. Behavior modification changes behavior patterns and the emotional responses that produce them. Serious cases call for careful assessment, management that prevents the behavior from being rehearsed, trigger identification, gradual sub-threshold exposure, counterconditioning, desensitization, reinforcement-based skill building, and coaching for the whole family.

The pet parents who reach out to me from across Scottsdale, from Old Town and McCormick Ranch to the foothills around Troon and Pinnacle Peak, almost always describe the same thing. The methods that work for most dogs have done nothing for the fear, reactivity, or aggression they are living with every day.

Trained, and still struggling

A dog who can sit calmly at home may still lunge at another dog on a walk.

A dog who knows every obedience cue may still panic when left alone.

A dog who comes when called may still guard food, toys, space, or people.

A dog who has finished a basic class may still growl, snap, or bite when overwhelmed.

What this work covers

Behavior Problems We Help Scottsdale Pet Parents Address

If your situation is somewhere in this list, you are in the right place. Each of these is a behavior case, and each has a humane, evidence-based path forward.

Dog aggression toward people

Growling, snapping, lunging, or biting directed at family members, visitors, or strangers, often driven by fear or the need to create distance.

Dog-to-dog aggression

Intense reactions to other dogs at home, on walks, or in shared spaces, ranging from posturing to serious conflict.

Leash reactivity

Barking, lunging, and pulling toward dogs, people, bikes, or cars while on leash, usually rooted in fear or frustration rather than defiance.

Dogs fighting in the same home

Tension or outright fighting between dogs that live together, which needs careful assessment and a structured management and modification plan.

Resource guarding

Stiffening, growling, or snapping over food, toys, chews, beds, or people, a common and very workable behavior pattern.

Fear and phobias

Hiding, trembling, freezing, or fleeing from specific triggers such as strangers, surfaces, objects, or places.

Generalized anxiety

A dog who seems on edge much of the time, struggles to settle, and overreacts to ordinary daily events.

Separation anxiety

Genuine panic when left alone, shown through vocalizing, destruction, pacing, or house soiling, which calls for its own gradual approach.

Noise sensitivity

Distress around thunder, fireworks, vacuums, or other sounds, sometimes building into broader anxiety over time.

Visitor and doorway reactivity

Overarousal, barking, or guarding at the door and around guests, where the entry routine itself has become a trigger.

Handling, grooming, and vet visit fear

Fear or defensiveness during nail trims, brushing, restraint, or veterinary care, where cooperation can be rebuilt humanely.

Compulsive or repetitive behaviors

Patterns such as spinning, tail chasing, pacing, or excessive licking that may have an emotional or medical component worth assessing.

See your dog somewhere in this list? Help starts with a behavior consultation.

Schedule a Behavior Consultation Free 15-Minute Call

Scope of practice

Why a Certified Canine Behaviorist Is Different

Good trainers do valuable work, and many behavior cases benefit from solid training skills along the way. The question is not who is better. It is which kind of professional matches what your dog actually needs. The dog training industry is largely unregulated, so understanding scope of practice helps you choose well.

General dog trainer

Best fit

Obedience, manners, puppy foundations, leash skills, and household routines.

Limitations

Typically not focused on the assessment and emotional work that serious behavior cases require.

Choose when

Your dog is fundamentally comfortable and you want to teach skills and good habits.

Certified behavior consultant

Best fit

Behavior problems that go beyond manners, using assessment and structured modification plans.

Limitations

Cannot diagnose medical conditions or prescribe medication.

Choose when

Your dog shows fear, reactivity, or mild to moderate behavior problems that need a real plan.

Recommended for serious behavior cases

Certified canine behaviorist Will Bangura

Best fit

Aggression, anxiety, reactivity, fear, phobias, separation anxiety, resource guarding, dogs fighting in the home, and complex behavior cases.

Limitations

Works in collaboration with your veterinarian when medical or medication support is relevant.

Choose when

Your dog needs advanced behavior assessment and a humane, customized behavior modification plan.

Veterinary behaviorist

Best fit

Medical diagnosis, prescription behavior medication, and severe psychiatric or medical complexity.

Limitations

Limited availability, and often works alongside a behavior professional for hands-on implementation.

Choose when

Your dog needs medical diagnosis or medication as part of the behavior plan.

For most serious behavior problems in Scottsdale, the right starting point is a certified canine behaviorist who can assess the whole picture and build a plan, while recommending veterinary collaboration whenever medical factors or medication could help.

High-stakes behavior

Dog Aggression and Reactivity in Scottsdale

Dog aggression and reactivity behavior modification in Scottsdale, Arizona

Aggression is behavior, not a personality label. Growling, barking, lunging, snapping, and biting are things a dog does, usually to create distance from something that feels threatening. Calling a dog aggressive describes the moment, but it does not explain it, and it does not point to a solution.

Most cases that bring families to dog aggression training in Scottsdale involve some mix of fear, anxiety, frustration, pain, learned associations, guarding, territorial behavior, or a history of rehearsal. Punishing the warning signs can quiet the growl while leaving the underlying emotion exactly where it was, which removes the dog’s early warning system and can make the next incident harder to predict.

Effective dog behavior modification in Scottsdale works in the other direction. As a certified canine behaviorist specializing in aggression and reactivity, Will starts with a careful assessment, then focuses on safety, management that prevents rehearsal, trigger identification, changing the emotional response, building safer replacement behaviors, and coaching the family. Reactive dog training in Scottsdale follows the same logic, keeping your dog under threshold so calmer responses can actually be learned.

If your dog has growled, snapped, bitten, lunged at people or other dogs, or escalated around visitors, walks, grooming, handling, food, toys, doorways, or another dog in the home, the safest next step is a professional assessment before the pattern becomes more rehearsed.

Schedule a behavior consultation or read more about dog aggression training in Phoenix and Scottsdale.

The emotional side

Anxiety, Fear, Phobias, and Separation Anxiety

Anxiety is not stubbornness, and a frightened dog is not giving you a hard time. A dog struggling with fear or anxiety is having a hard time, and the behavior you see is the visible edge of an emotional state. That is why dog anxiety training in Scottsdale focuses on how your dog feels first, and on what your dog does second.

Fearful and anxious dogs tend to do best with predictable routines, reduced exposure to triggers, gradual sub-threshold training, enrichment, real decompression, and, in some cases, veterinary collaboration. Fearful dog training in Scottsdale is rarely about pushing a dog to face its fears. It is about lowering the emotional temperature so learning becomes possible.

Separation anxiety deserves a category of its own. It is genuine panic, and panic cannot be corrected away, which is why separation anxiety training in Scottsdale looks so different from general obedience. The plan has to prevent rehearsal of the panic, rebuild a feeling of safety when your dog is alone, and extend time apart gradually. A clear, step-by-step approach gives both you and your dog something workable to follow.

You can learn more about dog anxiety training in Phoenix and Scottsdale and about focused separation anxiety training for dogs.

A clear path

What the Behavior Consultation Process Looks Like

You do not need to have it all figured out before you reach out. The process is built to bring structure and relief, one step at a time.

Schedule your initial behavior consultation

Book your first session and take the pressure off. This is where the real work of understanding your dog begins.

Complete the behavior history questionnaire

You share your dog’s history, triggers, and the specific situations that worry you, so the assessment starts from a full picture.

Will evaluates the whole picture

Behavior history, triggers, safety concerns, environment, reinforcement history, medical considerations, and your family’s goals all inform the assessment.

You receive a customized behavior modification plan

A plan built around your dog and your household, with management, skill building, and emotional change at its core, explained in plain language.

Follow-up sessions coach the work

Ongoing sessions help you implement the plan, adjust criteria, track progress, and build safer, steadier behavior patterns over time.

Depending on the case type and safety considerations, your first session may be in-home, virtual, or a hybrid of both. Behavior modification is a clinical process, so the work is tailored rather than packaged, and progress depends on the individual dog.

The science, plainly

Why Punishment and Suppression Can Make Serious Behavior Worse

Punishment can stop a visible behavior for a while, but it leaves the fear, anxiety, pain, stress, or perceived threat underneath it untouched. The behavior may pause. The emotion does not.

Suppressing a growl or other warning is especially risky. Those signals are communication, and silencing them can produce a dog who appears calm right up until the moment it is not. A dog who goes quiet after punishment can still be deeply unsafe, because the warning system has been removed without changing how the dog feels.

Evidence-based behavior modification works differently. It changes the conditions, the emotional responses, and the learned associations that drive the behavior, so that calmer responses become genuine rather than forced. That is why this work relies on assessment, management, and humane training instead of intimidating a dog into silence.

Built around your case

In-Home, Virtual, and Hybrid Consultations for Scottsdale

The format is a clinical decision, chosen for your dog’s behavior, the risks involved, your goals, and safety. Each option is legitimate, and the right one depends on the case.

Because the most useful read on a dog’s behavior comes from where the dog actually lives, I come to you across Scottsdale, whether that is Old Town, McCormick Ranch, or the North Scottsdale neighborhoods up around DC Ranch and Grayhawk. How your dog responds in your own home and on your own street tells me far more than anything I could stage in a training room.

In-home

Best when the home environment, household routine, visitor setup, doorways, family interactions, or multi-dog dynamics need to be observed directly.

Virtual

Effective for behavior history, separation anxiety, fear, reactivity planning, safety management, family coaching, and cases where a stranger entering the home may change the dog’s behavior.

Hybrid

A flexible blend of in-home and virtual sessions, often ideal for stranger-directed aggression, safety concerns, or complex cases that need both observation and ongoing coaching.

Not sure which format fits your dog? That is part of what we figure out together.

Schedule a Behavior Consultation Free 15-Minute Call

In Their Own Words

What Pet Parents Say

If you have a dog who’s been struggling, behaviorally, emotionally, or both, Will is your person. My dog Hank came to him as a genuinely difficult case, and the progress has been remarkable. Will doesn’t just address surface behaviors but gets to the root of the issue. He’s even collaborated with Hank’s vet to make sure his medication is properly equilibrated, understanding that behavior and biology aren’t separate conversations. That integrative, science-based approach is rare and makes a real difference. Will’s method is thoughtful and effective. He’s opened my eyes to how much sniffing can help a dog’s nervous system relax, which has been critical to Hank’s progress. The results speak for themselves. Hank is less reactive, handles guests without going off the rails, is far easier to calm down when he gets overstimulated, and the humping situation is significantly more civilized. Will took all of it seriously without judgment and tackled each issue methodically. I’m excited to continue working with Will to help Hank keep making progress.

Tzivia Masliansky

Verified Google review

I have had pet dogs for decades and have experienced several trainers. Lexi my Sheltie is a reactive dog and other trainers were unable to make much progress with her. One even suggested she be euthanized! Will has turned out to be the most knowledgeable and patient canine behavior expert and trainer I have met and has been successful in helping Lexi. He provided me with verbal, written and, at times, recorded instructions as well as videos, all of which were very helpful. Will is genuinely concerned with his canine students as evidenced by his calls to check and see how Lexi was doing. Lexi’s behavior is much improved as is her quality of life. I highly recommend him if your dog has a behavior problem.

Mark Meyers

Verified Google review

Megan Wren

Verified Google review

About Will Bangura

Will Bangura, M.S.

CAB-ICB, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, FDM, FFCP

Will Bangura is a Certified Canine Behaviorist and behavior consultant with advanced training in applied ethology, specializing in severe dog aggression, reactivity, anxiety, fear, phobias, separation anxiety, and complex canine behavior problems. With more than 35 years of experience, he works with pet parents throughout Scottsdale and the greater Phoenix metropolitan area, and worldwide through virtual behavior consultations.

Will is Arizona's only CAB-ICB Certified Canine Behaviorist through International Canine Behaviorists, and one of only three professionals in the United States to hold this credential. He holds a Master of Science degree in Psychology and completed postgraduate studies in canine cognition through Harvard University.

In addition to his behaviorist credentials, Will is certified through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) as both a Certified Behavior Consultant Canine (CBCC-KA) and Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA). He is also a Fear Free Certified Professional (FFCP) and certified in Applied Ethology through Kim Brophey's Family Dog Mediation (FDM) program.

Will is the founder of Phoenix Dog Training, host of the Dog Training Today podcast, published author, public speaker, and expert witness in dog behavior and aggression cases. His work focuses on evidence-based, force-free behavior modification that addresses the underlying emotional causes of canine behavior problems rather than simply suppressing behavior through punishment.

Read Full Biography

Verified and Accredited

Professional Credentials & Affiliations

Science-based training, behavior expertise, continuing education, and professional membership, all grounded in the credentials and experience Will Bangura brings to every case.

Certifications

Continuing Education

Aggression in Dogs Master Course certificate of completion

Professional Memberships

Pet Professional Guild member, the association for force-free professionals

Association of Professional Dog Trainers member

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Related Scottsdale and Phoenix Services

Questions, answered

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I hire a dog behaviorist in Scottsdale?

Consider a behaviorist when the problem involves fear, anxiety, aggression, reactivity, panic, or guarding, rather than basic manners. If your dog has growled, snapped, bitten, lunged at people or other dogs, panics when left alone, guards food or space, or struggles with visitors, walks, handling, or grooming, that is behavior, not disobedience. A dog behaviorist in Scottsdale assesses why the behavior is happening and builds a humane plan to change it, instead of simply suppressing the warning signs.

What is the difference between a dog trainer and a dog behaviorist?

A dog trainer teaches skills and obedience, such as sit, stay, loose leash walking, and household manners. A certified canine behaviorist focuses on changing behavior patterns and the emotions that drive them, including aggression, reactivity, fear, anxiety, separation anxiety, and resource guarding. Will Bangura is a certified canine behaviorist and behavior consultant who works with serious cases that go beyond standard obedience training.

Can a dog behaviorist help with aggression?

Yes. Aggression is one of the most common reasons Scottsdale pet parents reach out. Growling, snapping, lunging, and biting usually function to increase distance from something the dog finds threatening, and they are often rooted in fear, anxiety, frustration, pain, or learned associations. The work starts with a careful assessment, then focuses on safety, management, changing the dog’s emotional response, and teaching safer replacement behaviors, rather than punishing the warning signs.

Can you help with leash reactivity?

Yes. Leash reactivity, the barking and lunging many dogs show toward other dogs or people on walks, is a frequent focus. The plan typically combines management that prevents rehearsal, distance work that keeps your dog under threshold, and counterconditioning that changes how your dog feels about the trigger, so calmer behavior becomes possible over time.

Can you help with separation anxiety?

Yes. Separation anxiety is genuine panic, not misbehavior, and it cannot be corrected away. It calls for a gradual, structured plan that keeps your dog under threshold, rebuilds a sense of safety when alone, and increases time apart slowly. Virtual consultations work especially well for separation anxiety, since the goal is to observe and coach your dog’s real behavior at home.

Do you work with dogs who have bitten?

Yes. Bite history is taken seriously and shapes the assessment, the safety plan, and the format of the work. The goal is to reduce risk, understand what is driving the behavior, and change the underlying emotional response, while coaching your family through clear management. Some cases are well suited to virtual or hybrid work for safety, and veterinary collaboration may be recommended when medical factors or medication could help.

Do you offer in-home behavior consultations in Scottsdale?

Yes. In-home consultations are available throughout Scottsdale and the Phoenix metro area, and they can be useful when the behavior is tied closely to the home environment. Whether in-home, virtual, or hybrid is the right starting point depends on the case, the triggers, the safety considerations, and your goals.

Do you offer virtual dog behavior consultations?

Yes. Virtual consultations are highly effective for behavior history, separation anxiety, fear, reactivity planning, management, family coaching, and many aggression cases where setup and safety matter. Working remotely also lets us see your dog’s natural behavior at home, without the disruption a stranger arriving can cause.

Do you use shock collars, prong collars, choke collars, or punishment?

No. The approach is force-free and evidence-based. Shock collars, prong collars, choke collars, intimidation, and dominance-based methods can suppress behavior without resolving the fear, anxiety, or stress underneath, and they carry real risk of making serious behavior worse. The work changes the conditions and emotions driving the behavior, then builds safer skills through humane training.

What should I do before the first consultation?

Start by noting when the behavior happens, what tends to trigger it, and how your dog responds, since those patterns guide the assessment. Keep your dog under threshold and avoid situations that provoke the behavior so it is not rehearsed, and keep everyone safe in the meantime. When you schedule, you will receive a behavior history questionnaire that captures the rest of what is needed to prepare your plan.

Ready to Get Serious Behavior Help in Scottsdale?

If your dog’s behavior is affecting safety, daily life, walks, visitors, other pets in the home, or your ability to relax, the next step is a professional behavior consultation. You do not need a generic training package. You need a careful assessment and a behavior modification plan built around your dog’s history, triggers, environment, and emotional needs.

Scottsdale is home, and it is where these behaviors actually show themselves, on the sidewalks of Old Town, the quiet streets of McCormick Ranch, the desert trails up around Troon. Lasting behavior change has to happen in those real settings, and that is exactly where I do the work.

Schedule a Behavior Consultation Free 15-Minute Call

Or call (602) 769-1411