Pet Behavior Associates, Inc.

08/07/2025

Another great article that echoes my philosophy!

08/05/2025

I'll be there with shagbark dog training! Come and see us.

08/04/2025

While exercise is vital for dogs to maintain healthy muscles, joints, and mental health, too much exercise can cause joint injuries, heat-related illnesses, and exacerbate existing health problems. It's important for dog owners to tailor activity to their dog's breed, age, and health status, keeping workouts moderate and watching for signs of exhaustion or stress. Always provide water and rest, especially during hot weather.

08/02/2025

I have a vet like this.

I once stitched up a dog’s throat with fishing line in the back of a pickup, while its owner held a flashlight in his mouth and cried like a child.

That was in ’79, maybe ’80. Just outside a little town near the Tennessee border. No clinic, no clean table, no anesthetic except moonshine. But the dog lived, and that man still sends me a Christmas card every year, even though the dog’s long gone and so is his wife.

I’ve been a vet for forty years. That’s four decades of blood under my nails and fur on my clothes. It used to be you fixed what you could with what you had — not what you could bill. Now I spend half my days explaining insurance codes and financing plans while someone’s beagle bleeds out in the next room.

I used to think this job was about saving lives. Now I know it’s about holding on to the pieces when they fall apart.

I started in ’85. Fresh out of the University of Georgia, still had hair, still had hope. My first clinic was a brick building off a gravel road with a roof that leaked when it rained. The phone was rotary, the fridge rattled, and the heater worked only when it damn well pleased. But folks came. Farmers, factory workers, retirees, even the occasional trucker with a pit bull riding shotgun.

They didn’t ask for much.

A shot here. A stitch there. Euthanasia when it was time — and we always knew when it was time. There was no debate, no guilt-shaming on social media, no “alternative protocols.” Just the quiet understanding between a person and their dog that the suffering had become too much. And they trusted me to carry the weight.

Some days I’d drive out in my old Chevy to a barn where a horse lay with a broken leg, or to a porch where an old hound hadn’t eaten in three days. I’d sit beside the owner, pass them the tissue, and wait. I never rushed it. Because back then, we held them as they left. Now people sign papers and ask if they can just “pick up the ashes next week.”

I remember the first time I had to put down a dog. A German shepherd named Rex. He’d been hit by a combine. The farmer, Walter Jennings, was a World War II vet, tough as barbed wire and twice as sharp. But when I told him Rex was beyond saving, his knees buckled. Right there in my exam room.

He didn’t say a word. Just nodded. And then — I’ll never forget this — he kissed Rex’s snout and whispered, “You done good, boy.” Then he turned to me and said, “Do it quick. Don’t make him wait.”

I did.

Later that night, I couldn’t sleep. I sat on my front porch with a cigarette and stared at the stars until the sunrise. That’s when I realized this job wasn’t just about animals. It was about people. About the love they poured into something that would never live as long as they did.

Now it’s 2025. My hair’s white — what’s left of it. My hands don’t always cooperate. There’s a tremor that wasn’t there last spring. The clinic is still there, but now it’s got sleek white walls, subscription software, and some 28-year-old marketing guy telling me to film TikToks with my patients. I told him I’d rather neuter myself.

We used to use instinct. Now it’s all algorithms and liability forms.

A woman came in last week with a bulldog in respiratory failure. I said we’d need to intubate and keep him overnight. She pulled out her phone and asked if she could get a second opinion from an influencer she follows online. I just nodded. What else can you do?

Sometimes I think about retiring. Hell, I almost did during COVID. That was a nightmare — parking lot pickups, barking from behind closed doors, masks hiding the tears. Saying goodbye through car windows. No one got to hold them as they left.

That broke something in me.

But then I see a kid come in with a box full of kittens he found in his grandpa’s barn, and his eyes light up when I let him feed one. Or I patch up a golden retriever who got too close to a barbed fence, and the owner brings me a pecan pie the next day. Or an old man calls me just to say thank you — not for the treatment, but because I sat with him after his dog died and didn’t say a damn thing, just let the silence do the healing.

That’s why I stay.

Because despite all the changes — the apps, the forms, the lawsuits, the Google-diagnosing clients — one thing hasn’t changed.

People still love their animals like family.

And when that love is deep enough, it comes out in quiet ways. A trembling hand on a fur-covered flank. A whispered goodbye. A wallet emptied without question. A grown man breaking down in my office because his dog won’t live to see the fall.

No matter the year, the tech, the trends — that never changes.

A few months ago, a man walked in carrying a shoebox. Said he found a kitten near the railroad tracks. Mangled leg, fleas, ribs like piano keys. He looked like hell himself. Told me he’d just gotten out of prison, didn’t have a dime, but could I do anything?

I looked in that box. That kitten opened its eyes and meowed like it knew me. I nodded and said, “Leave him here. Come back Friday.”

We splinted the leg, fed him warm milk every two hours, named him Boomer. That man showed up Friday with a half-eaten apple pie and tears in his eyes. Said no one ever gave him something back without asking what he had first.

I told him animals don’t care what you did. Just how you hold them now.

Forty years.

Thousands of lives.

Some saved. Some not.

But all of them mattered.

I keep a drawer in my desk. Locked. No one touches it. Inside are old photos, thank-you notes, collars, and nametags. A milk bone from a border collie named Scout who saved a boy from drowning. A clay paw print from a cat that used to sleep on a gas station counter. A crayon drawing from a girl who said I was her hero because I helped her hamster breathe again.

I take it out sometimes, late at night, when the clinic’s dark and my hands are still.

And I remember.

I remember what it was like before all the screens. Before the apps. Before the clickbait cures and the credit checks.

Back when being a vet meant driving through mud at midnight because a cow was calving wrong and you were the only one they trusted.

Back when we stitched with fishing line and hope.

Back when we held them as they left — and we held their people, too.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned in this life, it’s this:

You don’t get to save them all.

But you damn sure better try.

And when it’s time to say goodbye, you stay. You don’t flinch. You don’t rush. You kneel down, look them in the eyes, and you stay until their last breath leaves the room.

That’s the part no one trains you for. Not in vet school. Not in textbooks.

That’s the part that makes you human.

And I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

07/29/2025

07/28/2025

A to Z Training tips! Incorporate them all!

A to Z of Training Tips

A – Attention is Earned
Don’t dish out attention for free; make your dog work for it to build value and focus.

B – Boundaries Build Behaviour
Clear, consistent boundaries give dogs the structure they crave to thrive.

C – Consistency is King
Say what you mean, mean what you say, every time.

D – Duration Before Distance
A solid stay starts with time, not walking away too soon.

E – Engagement is Everything
Without engagement, you’re just a human with a treat pouch.

F – Focus is a Muscle
Train it regularly, and it’ll grow strong under distraction.

G – Generalise the Behaviour
If your dog can only “sit” in the kitchen, it doesn’t really know “sit”.

H – Hand Feed with Purpose
Meals are missed training opportunities when given in a bowl.

I – Ignore the Nonsense
Not every bark, whine, or paw wave deserves a response.

J – Jackpots Boost Learning
Big rewards for big breakthroughs keep dogs motivated.

K – Keep It Simple, Stupid (KISS)
Complicated commands confuse, keep your cues clear and clean.

L – Lead Don’t Lag
You make the decisions, not the dog, leadership matters.

M – Marker Words Mean Clarity
“YES” means “you’ve nailed it” make it matter every time.

N – Never Train Angry
Your dog’s not trying to wind you up; emotion clouds good timing.

O – Observe Before You React
Your dog is always talking; learn to listen with your eyes.

P – Play Builds Partnership
A dog that plays with you stays with you.

Q – Quit While You’re Ahead
End sessions on a win, don’t train until it falls apart.

R – Reinforce the Right Stuff
You get what you reward, so pay attention to what you’re encouraging.

S – Structure Reduces Stress
Predictability makes dogs feel safe, randomness does not.

T – Timing Trumps All
Reward too late, and the dog thinks it was for scratching its ear.

U – Understand Your Breed
Know what your dog was bred to do, then meet that need.

V – Variety Keeps it Valued
Mix up rewards, environments, and exercises to prevent boredom.

W – Watch for the “YES” Moment
Catch that exact second they get it right, that’s your gold.

X – Xpect Plateaus
Progress isn’t always linear. Stay calm and train on.

Y – You Are the Constant
Tools, locations, and cues may change, but you are always part of the picture.

Z – Zoom Out Occasionally
Take a step back. Is what you’re teaching really useful for real life?

www.k9manhuntscotland.co.uk

07/25/2025

Teach resilience!

07/24/2025

Spoiling a dog is much like spoiling a child. If your dog is demanding .... you likely trained him to be that way by making him the center of your being!

Let’s Talk Entitlement: Your Dog Is Not the Centre of the Universe (And Neither Are You)

Right, let’s get a few things straight from the off:
Your dog is not a human. It doesn’t think like a human, speak like a human, or interpret the world in the way we do. And guess what? That’s not a fault, it’s a fact.

There’s a growing trend among some dog owners to treat their dogs like entitled little toddlers, fuelled by this fluffy notion that “they just want to say hi” or “they’re friendly”. That’s lovely… until your “friendly” off-lead dog barrels up to a dog that’s nervous, reactive, working, injured, or just plain wants to be left alone.

Your Dog Is Not Entitled to Say Hello to Everyone

Let’s put it bluntly: your dog doesn’t need to greet every person or dog it sees. You don’t wave and say hello to every stranger in Tesco, do you? (And if you do, people probably cross the aisle to avoid you.)

Dogs are the same. Some are social butterflies, others are more reserved, and some are just trying to keep their heads down and cope with the world. When you let your dog run up to another without permission, you’re not being nice, you’re being selfish. And you’re setting your dog up to get told off, either by the other dog, the handler, or both.

Puppy Classes and the Myth of Mass Socialisation

Doing puppy classes in group settings where every pup is allowed to run around and say hello to everything that moves? You’re laying the groundwork for a dog that thinks every encounter is a party. That’s not socialisation. That’s overstimulation. You’re teaching them that the presence of another dog or person means “excitement” rather than neutrality or calmness.

Later down the line, when your adolescent dog loses its rag every time it sees another dog, you’ll wonder why. Spoiler: it’s because you taught them to.

Let’s Talk Leads and Recall

If you don’t have a reliable recall on your dog, don’t let them off the lead. Simple. There’s no grey area here. A dog without recall is a loose cannon. If you can’t call them away from a squirrel, jogger, cyclist, or another dog, then keep them on a lead or long line until you’ve put the work in. Freedom is earned, not assumed.

Having a dog is a responsibility. It’s not a right to do whatever you fancy and assume everyone else will tolerate it. The world doesn’t revolve around you or your dog.

Respect Others. Control Your Dog.

You’ve no idea what that other dog is going through. It might be reactive, fearful, recovering from surgery, or in training. The person handling that dog might be managing trauma, anxiety, or just trying to enjoy a quiet walk. Your dog doesn’t get to invade that space just because you think they’re “friendly”.

If your dog lunges at others, pulls you down the street, barks at every passer-by, or flattens small children with glee, it’s not “cute”. It’s a lack of training. Own it, fix it, and stop making excuses.

The Bottom Line

Your dog is a dog. Not a fur baby. Not a social ambassador. Not a therapy dog in training because you read a Facebook post that said it has a “healing energy”.

Train it. Lead it. Be its advocate. And above all else, be respectful of the space and comfort of others.

Because your dog may be part of your world, but it’s not the centre of everyone else’s.

www.k9manhuntscotland.co.uk

07/23/2025

Suppressing behavior without addressing the emotion underneath can lead to worse outcomes. Think of a dog that’s been punished into silence—they may seem obedient, but they’re still scared or stressed, and it only takes one trigger to cause a meltdown. Long-term success means building a stronger emotional foundation.
Doss

07/23/2025

What is the key to a building resilience is our pets. A confident dog is a dog that is adaptable to changes and stressors that might debilitate some. In my dog training sessions, I educate whole dog .... Mind, body and spirit!

07/22/2025

More good advice regarding temperament.

Understanding the Temperament of Dogs

Dogs, like people, are individuals. While breed tendencies play a role, every dog has its own temperament, its natural disposition, energy levels, and emotional makeup. Understanding this temperament is not only essential for training and behaviour management, but also for building a strong, respectful relationship.

Knowing your dog’s temperament helps you set realistic expectations, tailor your training, and support your dog’s emotional and physical wellbeing. And if you’re hitting a wall with a particular behaviour, don’t hesitate to seek professional guidance, sometimes a fresh set of experienced eyes makes all the difference.

Willingness to Engage – The Canine Work Ethic

A dog’s willingness to engage, sometimes referred to as their work ethic, is shaped by how rewarding they find the task at hand. A Labrador may fetch a ball all day with tail-wagging enthusiasm because it taps into their innate retrieving instincts. But hand that same ball to a sighthound or a terrier, and you may be met with a blank stare or an “is this it?” expression.

What’s often labelled as “stubborn” behaviour is frequently just a mismatch between the task and the dog’s internal motivation. To them, the effort doesn’t feel worth it.

Tip for owners:
Before labelling a dog as lazy or difficult, ask: What’s in it for the dog? Does this task feel purposeful or fun to them? Try swapping the activity or reward: food, tug toys, chase games, or scent-based challenges can often reignite interest. A dog’s drive isn’t about obedience, it’s about relevance.

Dependence vs Independence – Clingers and Lone Rangers

Some dogs are velcro-like in their attachment, rarely straying far from your side. Others are more autonomous, happy to explore or problem-solve without looking back.

This spectrum often reflects their breed purpose. Collies and shepherds, bred to work closely with people, tend to be more dependent. Huskies, livestock guardians, or scent hounds often lean towards independence, bred to make decisions at distance or without supervision.

Why it matters:
An independent dog isn’t being disobedient, they’re simply wired to think and act for themselves. Dependent dogs may need help with building confidence and learning to cope with separation.

Practical takeaway:
With an independent dog, find rewards that compete with the environment, high-value food, scent work, or controlled freedom. With a dependent dog, work on gradually increasing their independence to avoid separation-related behaviours.

Mental Sensitivity – Feeling What You Feel

Some dogs are emotional barometers, sensing and reacting to your mood before you’ve even opened your mouth. These mentally sensitive dogs might cower when you raise your voice (even if not directed at them) or withdraw when there’s conflict in the room.

On the other end of the scale, mentally resilient dogs may barely register a change in tone or body language, making them less reactive to tension, but sometimes harder to motivate or redirect.

Why it matters:
Sensitive dogs need stability. If they frequently experience confusion or emotional highs and lows from their humans, they may become insecure, anxious, or overly submissive.

Trainer’s insight:
Mentally sensitive dogs do best with calm, structured training, clear markers, consistent tone, and predictability. For more robust dogs, you may need to dial up the energy, make training fun and dynamic, and get creative to hold their attention.

Dominance – Misunderstood Confidence

The term dominance is often misunderstood. A dog that jumps on the sofa uninvited, guards toys, or charges through doorways isn’t trying to dominate you, they’re likely doing what has worked for them before.

What’s often seen as “dominant” is simply a confident dog taking control of a situation because the human hasn’t. In fact, many “dominant” behaviours are created (and reinforced) by the owner, often without realising.

The better lens:
Rather than viewing your dog as trying to “take over”, ask: Is my dog seeking comfort, predictability, or opportunity? A dog that seems bossy may actually be unsure and trying to self-soothe through control.

Solution:
Provide leadership, not through force, but through clarity. Be consistent with rules, boundaries, and rewards. Teach the dog what works, and what doesn’t, through consequence, not conflict.

Submissiveness – The Quiet Communicators

Submissive dogs often display body language that signals appeasement: ears back, tail low or tucked, lip licking, belly up, or averting gaze. These aren’t signs of weakness, they’re survival strategies that say, “I’m no threat.”

These dogs may have had negative experiences or simply be genetically more cautious. Their biggest need? Safety and structure.

What helps:
Avoid overly harsh corrections or pressure. Instead, use confidence-building exercises such as trick training, nose work, or calm exposure to new environments. Let them earn small wins and celebrate them.

Handler’s note:
Your role is to be a calm, guiding presence. If they trust you, they’ll start to trust the world a bit more too.

Energy and Drive – The Engine That Powers Behaviour

Energy is the fuel behind everything a dog does. A high-energy, high-drive dog is like a sports car, quick off the mark, reactive, and always raring to go. Without proper outlets, this energy can spill over into destructive or hyperactive behaviour.

Conversely, a low-energy dog may prefer a gentle plod and a comfy bed to a game of fetch.

It’s not about better or worse, it’s about compatibility.
If you have a high-drive dog, you need to work with that energy, not suppress it. Mental stimulation, scent work, agility, structured play, and even obedience sessions can all serve as outlets. But equally important is teaching them how to switch off, rest is as vital as stimulation.

Balance is key:
Don’t fall into the trap of thinking more exercise will fix behaviour. Over-exercising can create an adrenaline addict. Train the off switch as deliberately as the on switch.

Final Thoughts

Understanding your dog’s temperament isn’t just about labelling them, it’s about learning how they see the world. When you take the time to observe and tailor your training to their natural tendencies, you unlock their potential and deepen your bond.

Every dog is different, and that’s exactly what makes working with them so rewarding.

www.k9manhuntscotland.co.uk