Are pet whisperers legitimate? How can I truly understand my dog?

Reward-based training is a great way to build the bond between you and your dog - it's something fun that you can do together, and helps your dog understand how to "read" you better, which in turn fosters trust :) If you have any training classes like this in your area, I would suggest signing up for one to see if both of you like it. If not, I would highly recommend the book "How to Behave So Your Dog Behaves" by Dr. Sophia Yin. It does a great job of explaining how dogs learn and how our behavior influences them, and has lots of specific training suggestions that you can try.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach and for being brave enough to ask this question. The great news is that Callie is young! The best things I can recommend for bonding are training and play. Training doesn’t have to be rigid or be done for hours a day. Work on fun tricks together and if you feel that you (or Callie) is getting frustrated, stop for a break or try the next day. Training is so positive because it gives Callie clear expectations with predictable consequences and increases her trust in you as she learns to understand that you will react the same each time. Play is also important but obvious avoid any actions that she might be wary of. Eg, be sure to throw things away from her to fetch rather than toward her as she might confuse this with you throwing something AT her. In general, sqautting down to be at her level and keeping your hands mostly palm-up are helpful in avoiding scenarios that might make her anxious. Exercise in any form is good for her mental health and will decrease anxiety in general. I hope this helps and I wish you and Callie all the best in a brand new, wonderful relationship.

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. As for the theory behind making Oscar perform submissive behavior, the thought process is that you, as the owner, must place yourself as the "alpha dog" in your home. As is the case in many instances with things we hear, see, or are made to believe, there is much more to it than what meets the eye. Most of the major veterinary behavioral publications in today's literature suggests that establishing an alpha role over your dog's is more likely to cause damage than any good, particularly if left to folks who do not have an expertise in dog behavior or dog training. The majority of dogs will do all they can to escape a forcible submission into any position regardless of the level of comfort they might feel. Dog's will often prefer to fight or run than submit. In terms of achieving behavioral goals in your home and in order to best obtain the most rewarding relationship with Oscar, I would recommend positive reinforcement training. I would try something else only if that has shown to be ineffective over the course of many months with the assistance of a professional. Dominance training, punishment, and negative reinforcement training have all failed to produce results nearly as successful as positive reinforcement. Hope this makes sense.

That has to be frustrating for you! Dogs have different personalities, and although most dogs are very bonded to their primary caretaker, some dogs seem to take that person for granted. Your dog might just assume that you will always be around. and these other people are more exciting. To increase the bond with Maximus, I recommend you spend quality time together alone. This may be walking, cuddling. or playing with toys. I also recommend working on training sessions. This will help teach him to pay attention to you. Here is a link that discusses teaching 5 basic commands. If Maximus is already great with these commands, look into adding more. Make sure there is positive reinforcement with the training in the form of affection and treats! http://www.akc.org/content/dog-training/articles/teach-your-puppy-these-5-basic-commands/ Training is a constant project, and can be a fun game for you and Maximus. Thanks for using PetCoach.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is obvious how much you love Gabby and I suspect she loves you very much too! Most dogs are very bonded to their owners-especially dogs who have been cared for by the same person for years. There may be a reason that she does not want to stay with you in bed. Where does she go? Does she go straight to tile or wood because the bed is just too warm (my own dog started doing this recently). Do you toss and turn and it bothers Gabby? Does a fan blow on her? Is there a new candle or scent in your room? All these things may be reasons Gabby decides to lay down elsewhere. As with most dogs, you can strengthen your bond by petting and sitting together (try laying with her wherever she likes to lay for a few minutes). Playing with toys and working on training is also excellent for showing her you love her. You are doing a great job! Hope this helps and best of luck to you and Gabby!

Sorry . . . there's more to my answer! It printede too soon. Anyway, you do the feeding, walking, bathroom runs, etc. instead of her. The more you do, the more the dog will come to accept you. Good luck with this! If you need additional help, you can click on the prompt to initiate a consult.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I'd be careful getting updates from the receptionist. They tend to not have any medical background or even the full story. I would call to ask to speak with the Vet who saw your dog or the practice owner or manager. Get the true story. Maybe they can tell you which shelter and if it wasn't expensive you can pay your bill. I doubt they had you sign paper work under false pretenses. We as vets don't want animals to suffer or die with out treatment. That is why we offer to take over their care at our own expense. There is a lot of emotional and compassion fatigue with in our profession and I can be 100% sure they did this to benefit your pet and not to purposely hurt or trick you. Good luck!