AboutAnne Springer, BSc.,CPCT, IPDTA, APDT Expertise I'm happy to answer questions on behavior and training. I prefer a training philosophy much like your physician might adopt when treating patients - first, do no harm. Dogs are generally best trained using humane methods that make sense to them and put you in control, not necessarily by physical means, but by controlling the dog's access to resources, such as food, toys, access to the outdoors, etc. I want your dog to behave, but also to trust you and rely on you for guidance.
Experience Professional trainer, owner of Paws for Praise, LLC in Danvers, MA. Educated, bonded and insured, all breed experience. We use positive training and behavior modification techniques, and are committed to having the dogs that come through our center be both as well trained and behaviorally healthy as we can help their humans make them.
Organizations International Positive Dog Training Association (Regional Director for Massachusetts)
APDT
Therapy Dogs, Inc.
Truly Dog Friendly
Publications Gloucester Times, Ipswich Chronicle, and more
Education/Credentials B.S., Cum Laude, Salem State College
Diploma, Dog Obedience Training/Instruction (Apprenticed also)
Graduate, New York School of Dog Grooming
Pet CPR/First Aid Certified
Certified Pet Care Technician
AKC CGC Evaluator
Therapy Dogs Inc. Tester/Observer
Question we have a 1 yr old golden retriever, he is a gentle dog which always lays down for a stranger to pet his tummy. There is an incident that he tried to steal food from the kitchen and saw by my husband, he said NO to him, then our dog came to my husband and looked like it wanted him to pet him but my husband refused. Our dog was gradually getting mad and started barking. We were able to pull him away. My husband is very mad up to now and doesn't think the dog is safe to keep because it looks like want to attack him by barking and jumping on him but no biting. [ Our dog jumps sometimes when he is excited but it is improving since he is a puppy .]
I think my husband is the leader in our dog's mind. I am sure our dog already forget the incident but not my husband, he ignores it when it greets him. It is tough to see the wall between the dog and my husband. Any advice for him and me? Thanks! karen
Answer From your description, it appears that your dog has no manners, and is quite submissive, not aggressive. He simply needs training, and you folks probably need better education about how dogs think and behave. Great book for both of you is "The Culture Clash" by Jean Donaldson. Once you've read that, you will understand your dog much better. Then, you can train him the right way - for that, if you can't afford a class or there isn't a good positive trainer near you, I suggest "The Power of Positive Dog Training" by Pat Miller. Easy to follow, and dog friendly.
