Mark's Dog Leash Living

05/20/2026

As it relates to training with me through any of my courses.

https://dog-leash-living.com/leash-reactivity-process/

04/25/2026

𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 '𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐝' 𝐓𝐨 𝐂𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐀 𝐃𝐨𝐠'𝐬 𝐁𝐞𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐫

Maybe something awful.
Maybe nothing.
Maybe intentional abuse.
Maybe nothing.
Maybe neglect and abandonment.
Maybe nothing.
Maybe abused by men.
Maybe nothing.
Maybe abused by kids.
Maybe nothing.

𝐌𝐚𝐲𝐛𝐞 ...... 𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐬. Yeah, genetics.

I see endless speculation in public online dog rescue, training, advice groups.

"Well, he must have been ....."

𝐍𝐨𝐛𝐨𝐝𝐲 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐬. 𝐈𝐭'𝐬 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 unless you know the actual, verifiable facts.

𝐖𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐨𝐠𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐲, 𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐲 𝐬𝐮𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 the worst kind of abuse, that are friendly, sociable, not afraid of anybody, not mad at anybody. After being rescued, they end up being great pets for life.

𝐖𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐨𝐠𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐩𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐲𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬, trained, socialized, handled well, that turn out to be nasty, reactive, non-social, suspicious, growling, lunging, biting canine monsters. Including to their owners.

What happened?

Genetics.

𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐝𝐨𝐠𝐬 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚 𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐮𝐩. 𝐍𝐨 𝐞𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬.

The long parroted "𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐧𝐨 𝐛𝐚𝐝 𝐝𝐨𝐠𝐬; 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐛𝐚𝐝 𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬." 𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞. A crock. Bull... well, you get the idea. Always has been.

It is a statement repeated over and over by people who 'heard' ...

There are genetic anomalies in a significant percentage of dogs, that cause behavior completely unrelated to their environment or treatment.

𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞, 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐲 𝐛𝐞 𝐧𝐨 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥, 𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞 𝐟𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐬.

For others, with clear owner understanding, training, and ongoing work and management, they can become reasonably dependable pets.

In some cases the genetic oddities are not severe; and with conditioning can be fully overcome.

In the online world of animal 'well I heard' statements, if you see what amounts to cliches' written or said over and over, without qualification, it's best to stand back, take another look and find out just how valid those parroted talking points are.

So you don't find yourself taking advice that lands you in a world of canine danger.

Or that you don't inhibit a timid or fearful dog's potential progress by obsessively trying to adhere to some invented 'rule' you read online, that keeps you from taking decisive action.

All while you're just trying to do something good.

One final point, those public online dog rescue, training, advice groups I mentioned above - Avoid them like the plague for getting help with a dog.

The untold amount of sewage you'll have to sort through hoping to get a sane answer out of the dozens of contradicting ones given for any inquiry, is not anywhere close to being worth it.

Especially if you're having to just guess who is right.

If you need help, go to somebody you know has had multiple dogs, different breeds for a long time, and has successfully raised them. Get information from them, or ask them where to find what you need.

You'll be able to pick a dog that's right for you and your family. You'll be able to work that dog through insecurities. You'll be able to train that dog within the bounds of its genetics. What will emerge will be the four legged family member you envisioned.

You'll be fine.

~Mark Rogers

03/18/2026

What to expect from your dog training with Mark's Dog Leash Living in Fort Smith, Arkansas and surrounding towns.

03/03/2026

Currently, nine clients working a total of 9 dogs through eight private courses of training.

A couple of Free Evaluations coming up.

In that, I work with dogs of any breed, size, age, temperament. Dogs that are fully functioning; and dogs that are physically impaired. I work with human clients who can walk, run, lift, and jump unimpeded; and human clients who have physical challenges.

Whoever you are, whatever your or your dog's challenges, I'll do everything possible to make your dog's training work for you.

You'll control your schedule all the way through any training course.

And with hours from daylight to dusk, Monday thru Saturday, half day Sunday, there's still plenty of room for you and yours.

Book and schedule the best dog training in Fort Smith, Van Buren, Greenwood, Arkansas - With Mark Rogers

02/19/2026

How to get started on your dog's 'Impulse Control'. A 'Wait' command you can teach them to use throughout their lifetime.

02/09/2026

A few months ago, I saw a post from a lady on a FB community forum, asking for recommendations for a dog trainer with 'credentials'.

I asked her what credentials she was looking for.

She didn't have a clue.

Dog training is not a regulated industry. There is no government body, state or federal, that regulates, supervises, or sets any standards for dog training.

There are known, proven, legitimate organizations that provide client training, testing, and certification for performance based activities. Activities such as agility, working competition, protection training.

For people wanting behavior confirmation that is widely recognized, the American Kennel Club has 'AKC Approved CGC Evaluators' that can test for and issue 'Canine Good Citizen' certifications.

What about for pet dog training?

There are plenty of organizations, built on ideology, that allow established trainers to submit videos, pictures, client testimonies, training system information, along with $500 - $2500 dollars for the 'privilege' of having the organization's stamp of approval.

Through those organizations, there will always be a required approval statement the trainer must agree to, in order to receive their certification. A statement locking the trainer into the organization's ideology .... or else.

Q: What should I look for?

A: Instead of credentials, look for a 'Portfolio'. Confirmed dogs and human clients that trainers have actually worked with.

Worked with doing what you are looking for with your dog.

Because your dog is the only one that matters. And your dog doesn't care what credentials the trainer has.

Look for the proof. Not the paperwork.

~Mark Rogers

02/09/2026

What to pass on, in YouTube videos about training dogs. Phrases like:

> .... with ANY dog.
> Every dog owner .....
> ALL dog owners ....
> How to (whatever here) with your dog in 10 minutes. (or 15 or 20 or ....)
> Stop reactivity in ANY dog with (whatever).

They're countless.

Some of the best known dog trainers on earth have aggregate hundreds of thousands of videos that are just above useless.

With a need to have something to say, online influencer wannabe dog trainers will put up anything to look smart.

When in reality, no two dogs are alike. And no two dogs respond exactly the same to training stimulus and processes.

Meaning online courses, virtual training, board and train (with absent owner), and all the YouTube videos showing 'techniques' that are supposed to be the 'breakthrough' for everything you need with your dog .....
... are all incomplete.

Because they leave out the live, on scene, physically watching, adjusting, timing, demonstrating, Trainer.

You see, you don't hire a trainer just to teach your dog the 'mechanics' of Basic Obedience.

You hire a trainer to watch, observe the dog's response, watch the owner's innate ability, physical ability, the interaction.

And when your dog doesn't respond just like that YouTube dog, that trainer is there to give you alternatives. Give you a plan.

Not for a video dog.

For your dog. The one that you have to get successful responses from.

What you invest in an experienced trainer will pay off in much higher value than the money you spend.

It will provide you with instructions, timing, insight, and a foundation you will be able to continue building on, long after your training course is complete.

~Mark Rogers

01/17/2026

𝐆𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐃𝐨𝐠 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭: Online recorded or downloaded video courses vs face to face, in-person dog trainers.

Every. Dog. Is. Different. Every. Single. One.

Say you get an online or video course, and start following the instructions, and your dog does not respond well, or seems to refuse to cooperate, or even comply with correction. Some may get worse instead of better.

What then?

That's where the in-person trainer becomes your best friend in dog training.

An experienced in-person trainer can watch the dog's body language, watch your posture, watch the dog's attention level, watch your timing, watch the dog's reactions, watch your corrections of the dog, watch the dog's emotional level, watch you for signs of tension or anger, watch the dog's responsiveness, watch your handling of the leash, watch the dog's confusion, watch your pressure on the leash.

And on and on it goes.

That's the difference.

Those 𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐨 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐬 can all give some valuable instruction in training 'mechanics' (tasks). But 𝐧𝐨𝐛𝐨𝐝𝐲 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮. They give you tasks with instructions. That's all.

𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐧-𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮 throughout your training course to keep a check on every move, every reaction, every nuance, in the training sessions, and to monitor your work with the dog at home.

𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮 all the way across the finish line of your course, as you establish a foundation of training that can last throughout your dog's lifetime, to continue to improve their life and your life with them.

Here's to your best life with your dog.

~Mark Rogers

12/27/2025

𝐅𝐮𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐝𝐨𝐠 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲.

Often, good actions happen from unexpected sources.

Friday, I had a training session with a 'Basic Obedience' client. The dog did extraordinarily well in sitting/staying, even when the owners walked away and disappeared.

To keep the training session from becoming too tedious for the dog, we broke it up with what was hopefully going to be something fun for the dog.

We tried to get the dog to jump up on some picnic tables, luring with rewards. Only after much luring, and a little physical help from all three of us, she made it up. Big reward, lots of praise, wagging tail. But she seemed uncomfortable.

Then it hit me. I asked the owner, "Do you keep her off the furniture at home?" Immediately a mental light came on, and we realized 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐝 𝐮𝐩 𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐞, 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐮𝐩 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐧𝐢𝐜 𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐬.

𝐖𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐚 𝐛𝐢𝐭 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐢𝐭 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐚 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐭.

After her training was finished the owners walked up to their car. As I was walking out of the pavilion, I heard a shout, "𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤, 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐣𝐮𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐝 𝐮𝐩 𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐚𝐫!"

The excited shout of the owner who had been perplexed because the dog had refused to jump up in her car. She had to be lifted in.

Until we had her get on a couple of picnic tables.

They got her out of the car and tested it again.

In she went, to the praises of "Good girl!"

And suddenly, 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐚𝐧 𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐝𝐨𝐠 𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐣𝐮𝐦𝐩 𝐮𝐩 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐞𝐫'𝐬 𝐜𝐚𝐫 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐧𝐨 𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞.

Because of a picnic table.

~Mark Rogers

12/20/2025

𝐈𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐃𝐨𝐠 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐨: *𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞 '𝐒𝐢𝐭' - three variations *Teaching 'Stay Seated' - gradually gaining distance *Teaching 'Long Sit' - distance and time, preparing for off leash 'Stay Seated' *Teaching long 'Stay Seated' followed by recall.

This is all done with a fully trained dog to be able to keep the focus on what you see and can apply to your dog at the entry level.