4 on The Floor Dog Training, LLC

06/12/2026

Being calm under intense pressure, creative, and an excellent problem solver are just as important as your passion and your education in animal behavior.

Written by: Greg Pattison, Owner/Lead trainer at Great Paws in the UK

In his response to being asked; What does a new trainer need to know going into this field?

This is my summer read.

03/25/2026

Thank you Renee Rhoades

03/19/2026

03/10/2026

Ask questions before hiring a trainer. Ask to see their credentials and educational background. It really does matter.

Did you know that literally anyone can call themselves a dog trainer? In the US, there's no licensing or education requirements and no government oversight. It's buyer beware!

That's why knowing the red flags before hiring a trainer is so important. If someone is promising guaranteed results, being cagey about their methods, or still talking about dominance and pack theory... it's time to keep scrolling or walk away.

Your dog deserves someone who uses training methods backed by actual science, and you deserve a trainer who is open, transparent, and honest about how they work.

Save this for later and share it with someone who has a dog. It might just save them from a really frustrating (and expensive) experience.

Read more in my post this week.

02/15/2026

My favorite trick I taught Nova. 🛹

02/12/2026

All their whiskers serve a purpose, even kitties.

Dog Whiskers (Vibrissae) - The 4 Main Types

Whiskers aren’t just “cute facial hair.”

They’re highly specialized sensory organs called vibrissae.
Unlike regular fur, whiskers:
• Are thicker and stiffer
• Sit 3x deeper in the skin
• Are surrounded by blood-filled sinuses
• Connect to dense nerve endings
They function almost like a dog’s built-in proximity sensors.

Mystacial Whiskers (Muzzle Whiskers)
📍 Location: On either side of the muzzle (the most obvious ones)
These are the large whiskers most people notice.
Function:
• Detect air movement
• Help dogs sense objects in front of them
• Assist with hunting and grabbing objects
• Help determine if a space is wide enough to fit through
Think of these as the dog’s “forward radar.”

Supraorbital Whiskers (Eyebrow Whiskers)
📍 Location: Above the eyes
These are the dramatic “eyebrow” whiskers.
Function:
• Trigger blink reflex when something approaches the eye
• Protect the eyes from debris
• Detect movement above or near the face
These are especially important for preventing eye injuries.

Genal Whiskers (Cheek Whiskers)
📍 Location: Behind the muzzle, along the cheeks
These are shorter and often overlooked.
Function:
• Provide spatial awareness along the sides of the face
• Help dogs navigate tight spaces
• Support coordination when turning or moving around obstacles

Mandibular Whiskers (Chin Whiskers)
📍 Location: Under the chin
These help dogs:
• Detect objects below their head
• Gather information while sniffing close to the ground
• Navigate when carrying toys or food
These are especially useful since dogs can’t see directly under their muzzle.

Why This Matters
Whiskers:
• Detect subtle air currents
• Help dogs navigate in low light
• Contribute to confidence and spatial awareness
• Play a role in predatory behavior

They are not just hair. They are a sensory system.
This is also why trimming whiskers is not recommended because it removes important sensory input.

02/01/2026

No restraints, no pain, just a wolf happily cooperating.