As your go-to pet behavior expert, Will Bangura, I'm shedding light on the crucial topic of dog bite prevention, sharing insights that could save you or your loved ones from becoming part of a staggering statistic. Nearly 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs each year, with a significant number of those bitten being children. In this episode, we navigate through the reasons why dogs bite, from fear to sheer excitement, and the importance of understanding their body language to avoid...

Embark on a transformative journey with us as we shed light on the humane evolution of dog training. Say goodbye to the intimidation of shock collars and the myth of dominance, and welcome the era of positive reinforcement. This episode unveils the science-backed techniques that build trust and foster a stronger bond between you and your furry friend. My personal pivot from punitive to compassionate training illustrates an industry-wide reckoning with outdated methods, and I wholeheartedly...

Ever found yourself puzzled by a young pup's behavior during vet visits? I certainly was when a four-month-old trainee of mine was hastily branded as aggressive. Together, we'll uncover the stark differences between fear-based reactions and genuine aggression in puppies, as I recount a story that serves as a cautionary tale for all pet owners. Misinterpretation of natural responses can lead to serious consequences, emphasizing why it's crucial to discern a puppy's genuine temperament and why...

Ever felt baffled by your dog’s unpredictable antics? You’re not alone. This episode peels back the layers on the mystery surrounding canine personalities and effective training methods. We're tapping into the latest AI research that's uncovered five unique dog temperament types, giving you a roadmap to better understand and train your furry friend. And when Tony from San Francisco reached out about his fear-plagued rescue dog, Scout, we tackled the issue head-on. Discover the powerful impact...

Dog Training Today with Will Bangura. Have you ever witnessed the intense focus your furry friend has when chasing the beam of a laser pointer? It may seem innocuous at first, but as your guide Will Van Gura, I'm here to illuminate the dark side of this seemingly playful activity. Our latest episode confronts the reality of laser point syndrome in dogs, a condition where the line between fun and fixation blurs, leading to potential obsessive-compulsive disorders. Through a thoughtfully...

Ever wondered why Fido turns fierce when it's crate time? This episode is your key to understanding and transforming crate aggression into crate affection! Your host, Will Bangura, peels back the layers of this canine conundrum, ensuring safety first with a step-by-step guide on positive muzzle conditioning. Learn how to create a strong, favorable relationship between your dog and their wire basket muzzle, setting the stage for a stress-free training journey. Join me as we embark upon a...

Ever been pulled off your feet by a dog with an eye for the horizon? We've got the rundown on why your furry friend might be more interested in chasing squirrels than chilling at your feet. Join us as we unpack the mysteries of canine behavior, diving into the psychology behind a dog's deep-seated urge to chase. You'll come to understand not only the 'why' but also the 'how' of managing this instinctual habit. Our conversation takes you through the nuanced world of dog training, with a focus...

Struggling with a four-legged friend who just can't seem to grasp the concept of potty training? Stress no more! Unleash the secrets to a mess-free home as I, Will Bangura, guide you through the maze of housebreaking your canine companion. I'll walk you through supervising and guiding your pup with the compassion and consistency needed to ensure that accidents become a thing of the past. From understanding your dog's body language to the correct use of crates and cues, I'm here to support...

Join me, Will Bangura, as I share a lifetime of insight from the dog training trenches, guiding you through the intricate process of finding the ideal trainer for your four-legged confidante. With over 35 years of experience, I've navigated the evolving landscape of dog training philosophy—from a balanced approach to becoming a champion of force-free, positive reinforcement techniques. In this candid discussion, I dissect the often misunderstood industry, breaking down why it's not just about...

Ever feel like you're at the end of your leash with your dog's impulsive antics? Buckle up, because this podcast is your ticket to transforming that frisky pup into a paragon of patience. Join me, Will Bangura, as we step beyond the basics and venture into the world of advanced impulse control for your canine companion. From mastering the heel position during walks to ensuring mealtime doesn't resemble a wild food frenzy, we're covering it all. Our discussion is a treasure trove of techniques...

Ever felt like you're at the end of your leash with dog training challenges? Well, you're in luck because National Train Your Dog Month is here, and we're unleashing a wealth of knowledge to help you and your pooch overcome those pesky behavioral hurdles. From potty training slip-ups to mastering the art of a calm sit-stay amid the jingle of doorbells, our latest discussion has got you covered. Tune in, and I, Will Bangura, your seasoned host with 35 years of dog behavior expertise, will...

Imagine a world where your dog navigates the chaos of a squirrel chase with the poise of a Zen master. In our latest conversation, we celebrate National Train Your Dog Month by unfolding the secrets to mastering your dog's impulse control. Say goodbye to the days of tug-of-war with your pooch at the sight of every passing bike, and hello to serene walks in the park. We tackle a lineup of exercises that will transform your furry friend's reactions to high-stimulation scenarios, and lay out...

Ever wondered how your canine companion can become the confident pooch you always knew they were? Unlock the secrets to your dog's self-assurance with our step-by-step guide through the world of pattern recognition and positive reinforcement. This episode delves into the art of using classical conditioning and clicker markers to not only train your pup but also to tackle their fears head-on. Discover the transformative power of creating predictable, positive experiences, and watch as your...

As we round off a year of profound transformation in the dog training realm, I, Will Bangura, extend my deepest gratitude to you, our valued listeners, for journeying with us through the shifting tides of canine training philosophies. From the intense debates on balanced versus force-free training to the rising wave of animal welfare-focused practices, we've dissected the controversial aspects of our industry together. Our discussions have not only been about the tools of the trade but also...

Ever thought that your furry friend's anxious behavior might just be a cry for more physical or mental stimulation? Join me, Will Bangura, as we unpack this intriguing possibility. Be prepared to challenge what you know about canine anxiety and discover how enrichment activities might be the secret to keeping your dog happy and healthy. From agility training to simple games of fetch, we discuss how these activities can offer a safe outlet for your pet's energy and satisfy their primal...

Imagine turning every random moment of your day with your furry friend into a mini dog training session, building reliability and attentiveness with just a simple cue. It might seem like a dream, but that's exactly what we're promising in today's episode with the method 'Train as You Go.' Discover the triple power of the cue "down" - it’s easy, calming, and extremely adaptable. You'll learn how to use this foundational command, and why you should be aiming for at least 10 mini training...

Are your dogs' energetic bouts and dog park escapades leaving you questioning their behavior? Are they bouncing off the walls at home and becoming overly anxious when left alone? From mysterious respiratory illnesses in dogs and reconsidering dog parks to cracking the code on canine body language, we're getting down to the nitty-gritty of dog behavior and training. Ever wondered if your pooch's aggressive behavior is triggered by fear or anxiety? Let's unravel the truth together, examining a...

Ready to crack the code of your dog's unspoken language? This episode of Dog Training Today promises to uncover the complexities of canine body language, illuminating the signs that speak volumes about your four-legged friend's emotions and intentions. We delve into the world of tail wagging, pawing, barking - signals that, when correctly interpreted, can help you navigate your relationship with your pet more effectively. We discuss distance increasing signals - those warning signs your pet...

Ever wondered why your four-legged friend does that peculiar thing? What if you could unlock the silent signals of your dog and understand their emotions and intentions better? As pet lovers, we all wish we could converse with our dogs. While their language is different, it's just as sophisticated. Our latest episode is a deep dive into the world of canine body language, with a special focus on dogs with behavioral issues such as anxiety, fears, phobias, or aggression. Knowledge of these...

Ever wrangled with a wriggly, stressed-out pet during grooming time and wished there was a better way? We're unlocking the secrets to a stress-free dog nail trimming routine in our new episode. Pet behavior expert and certified behavior consultant, Will Bangura, joins us to unveil a systematic, science-based approach to make grooming a breeze. Imagine turning your dog's nail trimming into an enjoyable activity, free of stress and fear. With Will's seven practical steps, soon you'll be...

Ever wonder why your furry friend loves sticking their head out of the car window? Or maybe you're puzzled about your energetic puppy's destructive habits? This episode is a treasure trove of insights, addressing everything from canine behavior to revolutionary developments in dog health. We'll help you understand your canine companion's unique quirks and provide helpful tips for managing their energy and behavior. Anchoring this episode is the exciting news about the FDA-approved drug,...

Is your once pristine lawn looking more moon-cratered than manicured thanks to your dog's relentless digging habit? Get ready to change the game as we bring certified dog behavior consultant, Will Mangura, onboard to help us decode this perplexing behavior. We dive into the genetic, environmental, and behavioral factors that contribute to your dog's love for digging. Will stresses the importance of understanding your dog's triggers and patterns, offering insights into targeted interventions...

Imagine the peace of mind that comes with knowing your dog will respond immediately to your call, even in an emergency situation. That's exactly the invaluable skill we're preparing you for in this episode. I’m Will Bangura, your favorite pet behavior expert, and today we're unveiling the power of dog training, focusing on a skill that could potentially save your dog’s life - the restrained recall. We're putting the spotlight on the importance of positive reinforcement and high-value food...

Dog Training Today with Will Bangura: #130 Are you ready to open your home and heart to a new furry friend? We're here to help make it a joyful and successful experience. Join us, your favorite pet behavior experts, as we discuss everything you need to know about bringing home a new puppy or dog. We'll start from the basics, setting boundaries, establishing a strong training foundation, and why consistency is key. We share our thoughts on the Sealy Ham Terrier, the new star at the recent...