The Canine Behaviorist

The Canine Behaviorist Over 35 years experience! Specializing in Canine Behavior and Language, Obedience Training, Pet Nutrition. I help pet parents to live in harmony with their dogs.

My methods help you to properly communicate with your dog, and condition good behavior. This will help you and your dog to live in harmony together! For over 30 years I have been helping pet parents and their dogs through education and training. And it all starts with understanding your dog's language and behavior. My methods help you open the channels of communication between you and your dog. I

help you learn your dog's language, and understand your dog's behavior. Knowing how to communicate with your dog in a way that he/she understands will result in you having a better relationship with your dog. It will also give you the ability to handle situations correctly, and make it clear to your dog what is expected of him/her. When training, pet parents learn to use motivational training methods and positive reinforcement. Consistent routines are established to condition good behavior. When working on behavior problems, harsh corrections or physical punishment are never used. I offer Free Evaluations. This gives me the opportunity to meet you and your dog and evaluate any behavior problems you are having, and observe your interactions with your dog. This will help us determine the best program for you and your dog. Only The Canine Behaviorist offers The Lifetime Resources Program! After completing a program, the Canine Behaviorist will always be there if you need help. Any future sessions that are needed will be provided at no extra charge, for as long as you have your dog.

The Canine Behaviorist Group Puppy Classes.Starting Saturday August 29th in Sykesville, Md.Classes will be held Saturday...
08/06/2026

The Canine Behaviorist Group Puppy Classes.
Starting Saturday August 29th in Sykesville, Md.

Classes will be held Saturday August 29th thru Saturday October 3rd.
Time: 11:00am to 12:00pm.

Class size: 10 puppies.
Ages: Up to 6 months.
Class Length: 6 Weeks, 1 hour per week.
Cost: $95 per puppy.

Pre-registration Required by Friday August 28th.
Proof of Vaccination from your Veterinarian is required.

You will need a 6 foot training leash, a nylon slip collar or Gentle Leader, Coach's Whistle.

The class will focus on teaching pet parents how to properly communicate with their puppy, and solve any behavior problems. You will also learn to train your puppy using positive association and positive reinforcement. No harsh corrections will ever be used.

Class Schedule/Topics & Commands.
Week 1: Behavior Problems, Walking on a Leash, Watch.
Week 2: Nutrition, Sit, Wait.
Week 3: Down, Teaching Social Skills.
Week 4: Sit Stay, Down Stay.
Week 5: Come.
Week 6: Final Review, Graduation.

To Pre-register for the class, or if you have any questions, please message me.

The Canine Behaviorist will be holding group puppy classes starting in late August. Schedule and class info will be post...
08/05/2026

The Canine Behaviorist will be holding group puppy classes starting in late August.
Schedule and class info will be posted this week.

If you have any questions feel free to message me.

INTRODUCING THE NEW "PUPPY KINDERGARTEN" PROGRAM!(For puppies up to 6 months old)Includes 3 In Home Sessions.The program...
05/31/2026

INTRODUCING THE NEW "PUPPY KINDERGARTEN" PROGRAM!
(For puppies up to 6 months old)

Includes 3 In Home Sessions.
The program will address any behavior problems you are having with your dog.
It will also cover diet and nutrition.
Your dog will also learn to walk properly on a leash without pulling.
The commands Sit, Wait, Watch, and Come will also be taught.

The purpose of the program is to help pet parents learn the basics of how to properly communicate with their dog and be able to resolve any behavior problems without the use of harsh corrections or physical punishment.
You will learn to understand your dog's language and behavior. This will result in you and your dog
developing a better relationship, and living in harmony together.
The program will also help you to establish routines with your dog that will condition consistent good behavior.

Remember, Only The Canine Behaviorist has The Lifetime Resources Program! After completion of your training program, I will always be available if you ever have questions or need help. Any future sessions that are needed will be provided at no additional cost for as long as you have your dog!

Total Cost: $300

35 Years Experience / References Available
Flexible Scheduling / Sessions Offered Monday thru Saturday / Free Evaluations

05/25/2026

The Importance of having your Dog Trust and Respect You!

I was watching a program on Animal Planet that was filmed at a veterinary hospital. An older gentleman had arrived at the hospital, and as soon as he got out of his car, he dropped the leash and his dog immediately ran away from him and into the street. The dog was running as fast as he could, and somehow managed to not get hit by a car. People from the hospital were doing everything to try and catch the dog, but it ran from everyone! After a long chase, they finally caught him.
It was very obvious that unfortunately this gentleman had done absolutely no training or socialization with his dog! What was even worse is that the dog obviously had no respect for his owner, and trusted no one! When a dog runs away from it's owner, that's really bad! It doesn't get any worse than that!
When you get a dog, the first step in your relationship with your dog should be to gain your dog's trust and respect. That is the foundation of all the training and socialization that you must do with your dog.
Without trust and respect, you have nothing!

05/07/2026

A Warning About Rawhide! 🤮

Rawhide is one of the most dangerous things you could give your dog to chew on. Rawhide is not digestible! When it gets wet it expands. First, it is a choking hazard! When it gets into your dog's digestive tract, it will begin to expand, and it can get stuck, causing a blockage!

Rawhide is meant to be chewed, not eaten! The problem is that many dogs will eat rawhide, and that is when it becomes dangerous!

Never, ever, give your dog rawhide! There are many safer alternatives available for your dog to chew on.

Are you a Pet Parent having some behavior problems with your dog? Is your dog not as well trained as you would like? The...
04/29/2026

Are you a Pet Parent having some behavior problems with your dog? Is your dog not as well trained as you would like? The Canine Behaviorist is the best!
Specializing in Canine Behavior, Obedience Training, Nutrition, and the Language of Dogs.

Free Nutritional Analysis: The wrong pet food can cause a lot health problems, and the additives in some pet food can also affect your dog's behavior!

Reasonable Rates.
No Time Limits on Sessions
References Available

03/12/2026

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT!

🐕‍🦺Why You Should Avoid Pet Foods That Contain Any Kind of Animal By-products!

All Animal By-products are denatured. The information below describes the process of denaturing the Animal By-products that are added to many pet foods like Purina!

Do you really want your dog eating this poison?

Denaturing animal by-products means treating inedible, condemned, or diseased meat with agents like charcoal, dyes, or harsh chemicals (e.g., cresylic disinfectant) to make it visually unappealing and unsafe for human consumption. This process, also known as rendering feedstock, 3D/4D meat, or rendering grade, ensures materials are used solely for pet food, fertilizer, or industrial purposes.

Key Details and Usage Examples:
Purpose: The primary goal is to prevent condemned or diseased materials from being mistakenly or intentionally sold for human consumption.
Methods: Common methods include applying activated charcoal, kerosene, pine oil, or approved green/blue dyes to give the meat a distinct, repulsive appearance, odor, or taste.
Requirements: Regulations require that the material be thoroughly mixed with the agent to ensure it cannot be removed, and in some cases, the carcass must be slashed to ensure deep pe*******on.
Common Terminology: The process often involves "3D or 4D meat," referring to Disabled, Diseased, Dead, or Dying animals.

Usage Examples:
Pet Food Industry: Meat deemed "inedible" is often treated to make it "pet grade," often appearing as a dark grey or charcoal-coated product.
Rendering Industry: Inedible rendered fats and products are treated to ensure they are used for industrial purposes rather than food.
Import/Export: Inedible animal by-products are required to be denatured before being imported to ensure they are not mistaken for edible products.

Any pet food that lists any kind of Animal By-products in the ingredients should never be fed to your pets! By-products are a very poor source of protein which can damage the kidneys, and the chemicals that are used to denature them are known to cause a wide range of health problems.

Unfortunately pet food companies are not required to list the chemicals contained in the By-products on the pet food label.
This is one way that companies like Purina get away with lying to the public. They claim that they do not use any chemical additives in their pet foods. That is a lie! The By-products that they are adding to their pet foods have already been treated with many harmful and toxic chemicals!

Be a responsible pet parent and an educated consumer! Learn to read those pet food labels, and avoid all Animal By-products and Chemical Additives!

Courtesy of The Canine Behaviorist

03/09/2026

🐕‍🦺Reasons to Avoid FHO (Femoral Head Ostectomy) Surgery in Dogs🦮

FHO Surgery is used by some veterinarians in cases of a dislocated hip in dogs. It removes the ball and neck from the femur, which eliminates the hip joint, which is a ball and socket joint.

FHO surgery is typically recommended for small to medium-sized dogs (generally under 50-60 lbs) because the lighter body weight is more easily supported by the "false joint" that forms after surgery.

Large or giant breeds: These dogs often have more severe gait abnormalities and a harder time recovering, making FHO a less effective option. A total hip replacement (THR) is often a better alternative for larger dogs.
Highly active or athletic dogs: FHO surgery results in a permanently shortened limb and a reduced range of motion in the hip joint, which may not be suitable for dogs that require high-impact activity or competitive sports.
Obese dogs: Overweight animals tend to have less successful outcomes because the excess weight puts more stress on the developing false joint.

Potential Complications and Long-Term Effects:
While FHO is generally considered an effective procedure for pain relief, potential drawbacks and complications can occur.

Permanent limb shortening and gait changes: This is an expected outcome due to the removal of the femoral head and neck.
Persistent lameness or muscle weakness: Some dogs may never regain a normal gait or muscle mass, even years after surgery.
Reduced range of motion: The new false joint will have less mobility compared to a healthy natural hip joint.
Prolonged and demanding recovery: Successful outcomes rely heavily on a rigorous and consistent physical rehabilitation program which can take several months (up to 6-8 months or more).
Continued pain: Though the goal is to eliminate pain, some pets may continue to experience discomfort after full recovery.
General surgical risks: As with any surgery requiring general anesthesia, there are inherent risks, including adverse reactions to anesthesia or surgical site infection.

Alternative Treatments
FHO is considered a salvage procedure by some veterinarians, meaning it is an option when other, more biomechanically functional, options are not feasible. A total hip replacement (THR) is typically a more effective treatment for restoring normal hip function and is a better choice if the owner's financial situation allows and the dog is a suitable candidate.

I'm not a veterinarian, but I have been working with dogs for over 30 years and I have a background in Animal Science. In my opinion, FHO Surgery is one of the worst surgeries ever created, and it does more harm than good. Avoid it at all costs!

Talk to your veterinarian surgeon about doing an open hip reduction with a toggle. The hip joint is a ball and socket joint. The open hip reduction with toggle puts the ball of the femoral head back in the socket and restores the joint.

03/08/2026

Sorry, but I need to vent!!

First I want to say how much I appreciate what veterinarians do for our pets. I have met many wonderful, dedicated, and devoted veterinarians over the years, and have been so thankful for what they have done for my pets.

But I have been noticing an unfortunate trend among vets. And there's no other way to describe it than Greed! When you become a veterinarian it should be because you love animals and want to help as many as you possibly can. And I think that is the motivation for most vets. But when your priority goes from helping pets to making money, you are in the wrong profession!

I recently saw a case where a dog had broken his leg. The owners saw a vet who told them it would cost $18,000 to repair the break! I know that vets have a hospital to run and lots of expenses. But there is no way that any vet can justify charging $18,000 to repair a broken leg!
Especially when they found another vet who repaired the broken leg for only $800. And that vet has all the same expenses as the first vet.

The priority of every veterinarian should be giving the animals the care they need! I don't expect vets to give care for free, however there are vets that will do that to help families who may be struggling financially, but love their pets and want the best for them. A lot of caring vets set up a fund to help families in need with the cost of vet care.

Unfortunately I think there are a lot of vets who have forgotten the reason they became a vet. Along the way they have come to realize that they can make a lot of money, and that becomes the priority. That is very sad and unfortunate.

If you're a veterinarian, do what's right! Put your patients first!

03/08/2026

🐕‍🦺 Keeping Your Dog Safe 🦮

There are many responsibilities of being a pet parent! As I have mentioned in previous articles, one of the most important responsibilities of being a pet parent is keeping your dog safe!

I see so many pet parents who do very irresponsible things that endanger their dog's life!

Today's topic is riding in the car or truck with your dog. First, if you have a truck, never, ever let your dog ride in the back of your truck unless they are in a pet kennel that is properly secured. Your dog could jump out into traffic and be hit by a car and killed. Never tie your dog in the back of the truck. If he jumps over the side he will hang himself!

When riding in the car, always have your dog in a secure dog seatbelt harness. This will protect your dog in an accident just like your seatbelt protects you. Never leave the windows down if your dog is not in the seatbelt harness, some dogs can and will jump out the window.

Keeping your dog safe is part of being a pet parent. It should be a priority for every pet parent. It just takes some common sense.

And don't forget the importance of training and socializing your dog!

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Eldersburg, MD

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Tuesday 10am - 6pm
Wednesday 10am - 6pm
Thursday 10am - 6pm
Friday 10am - 6pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm
Sunday 10am - 2pm

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