Will Bangura's Dog Training Today

The Truth About Board & Train Programs | Will Bangura, Dog Behaviorist

Text Me Your QuestionsAre you considering sending your dog to a board-and-train program?Before you do, listen to this episode.In this episode of Dog Training Today, Will Bangura, M.S., CAB-ICB, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, FDM, FFCP, explains why board-and-train programs often fail to create lasting behavior change, especially for dogs struggling with aggression, reactivity, anxiety, fears, phobias, and separation anxiety.Many board-and-train programs promise fast results, but are those results true behavior modification or simply behavior suppression?You'll learn why aggression is not an obedience problem, why reactivity is not an obedience problem, why fear and anxiety are not obedience problems, and why the pet parent is often the person who needs training the most.Topics discussed in this episode include:• The difference between obedience training and behavior modification• Why emotional problems cannot be solved through obedience alone• How punishment can suppress behavior without changing emotions• Why many board-and-train programs rely on electronic collars, prong collars, and other aversive methods• The hidden risks of behavioral suppression• Why pet parent education is critical for long-term success• When board-and-train may be appropriate and when it may notFor more than 35 years, Will Bangura has helped pet parents resolve severe dog behavior problems, including aggression, reactivity, anxiety, fears, phobias, separation anxiety, resource guarding, compulsive behaviors, and dog-to-dog conflict.Will Bangura is Arizona's only CAB-ICB Certified Canine Behaviorist and provides in-home behavior consultations throughout Phoenix, Scottsdale, Chandler, Mesa, Gilbert, and Glendale, as well as virtual consultations worldwide.Read the complete companion article and access all resources related to this episode:https://phoenixdogtraining.com/board-and-train-dog-training-phoenix/Watch the companion YouTube video:https://youtu.be/gsvpSTkejgQThe article includes both the podcast episode and YouTube video, along with additional information about board-and-train programs, dog aggression, reactivity, anxiety, separation anxiety, behavior modification, and what pet parents should know before sending their dog away for training.Schedule a behavior consultation:https://phoenixdogtraining.comLearn more about Will Bangura:https://dogbehaviorist.comSubscribe to Dog Training Today for evidence-based discussions on dog behavior, canine psychology, aggression, reactivity, anxiety, behavior modification, and humane dog training.#PhoenixDogTraining #DogBehaviorist #DogTrainingPhoenix #WillBanguraSupport the showIf you need professional help please visit my Dog Behaviorist website.Go here for Free Dog Training Articles

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Fireworks Anxiety in Dogs: The Science-Based Guide Every Pet Parent Needs | Will Bangura, Certified Canine Behaviorist

4w ago00:29:10Tap to summarize

Text Me Your QuestionsFireworks can turn the Fourth of July into a terrifying experience for many dogs. Trembling, hiding, pacing, excessive panting, drooling, escape attempts, and panic are not signs of stubbornness or disobedience. They are signs of genuine fear, anxiety, and, in many cases, noise phobia.In this episode of Dog Training Today, Certified Canine Behaviorist Will Bangura explains the science behind fireworks anxiety in dogs and why so many dogs struggle during Independence Day celebrations. You'll learn what happens inside the canine brain during fear and panic, why obedience training alone does not solve noise sensitivity, and how evidence-based behavior modification can help dogs feel safer and more confident.Will discusses the gold-standard behavior modification techniques of desensitization and counterconditioning, how to create a safe refuge room during fireworks events, common myths about fearful dogs, the role of veterinary behavioral medicine, and when professional help may be necessary.Topics Covered:• Fireworks anxiety in dogs• Noise phobia and sound sensitivity• Understanding the canine fear response• Desensitization and counterconditioning• Creating a safe room for fireworks season• Why punishment makes fear worse• Common myths about comforting fearful dogs• Veterinary behaviorists and behavioral medication• When to seek professional help• Evidence-based dog behavior modificationRead the complete guide:https://phoenixdogtraining.com/dogs-scared-of-fireworks/Need professional help?Will Bangura, M.S., CAB-ICB, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, FDM, FFCP is a Certified Canine Behaviorist with more than 35 years of experience helping pet parents resolve dog aggression, anxiety, fears, phobias, reactivity, separation anxiety, and other serious behavior problems through science-based, force-free methods.Phoenix Dog Training:https://phoenixdogtraining.comDogBehaviorist.com:https://dogbehaviorist.comSchedule a behavior consultation:https://phoenixdogtraining.com/dog-behavior-consultations/Hosted by Will Bangura, Certified Canine Behaviorist and host of the Dog Training Today Podcast.Support the showIf you need professional help please visit my Dog Behaviorist website.Go here for Free Dog Training Articles

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Are Low-Level E-Collars Safe? What the New Neuroscience Reveals About Dogs | Will Bangura

May 2200:19:45Tap to summarize

Text Me Your QuestionsWill Bangura, M.S., CAB-ICB, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, FDM, FFCP, internationally certified canine behaviorist and dog aggression expert, discusses what modern neuroscience reveals about low-level e-collars, shock collars, punishment-based dog training, canine stress responses, emotional learning, fear conditioning, and behavior suppression.In this episode, Will explains the difference between outward obedience and true emotional rehabilitation, why suppressed behavior is not the same as emotional safety, and how modern evidence-based dog training and force-free behavior modification address the underlying emotional state driving aggression, anxiety, reactivity, and fear-based behaviors in dogs.Topics include: • low-level e-collar stimulation • canine neuroscience • dog aggression • reactive dogs • fear and anxiety in dogs • punishment vs positive reinforcement • canine stress physiology • behavior suppression • conditioned emotional responses • humane dog training • force-free behavior modification • evidence-based dog training To read the full article and learn more about the neuroscience behind low-level e-collars, canine stress responses, emotional learning, and humane behavior modification, visit https://phoenixdogtraining.com/are-low-level-e-collars-safe/Learn more at: https://phoenixdogtraining.com/Work with Will Bangura virtually or in Phoenix, Arizona: https://phoenixdogtraining.com/phoenix-dog-behaviorist/Support the showIf you need professional help please visit my Dog Behaviorist website.Go here for Free Dog Training Articles

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When Dogs Guard People: Resource Guarding a Pet Parent

Apr 2901:05:18Tap to summarize

Text Me Your QuestionsIn this episode of Will Bangura’s Dog Training Today, dog behaviorist Will Bangura explains one of the most misunderstood forms of resource guarding: when a dog guards access to a pet parent, family member, couch, bed, lap, or preferred person.Many pet parents describe this behavior as jealousy, protectiveness, or loyalty. However, when a dog stiffens, blocks, growls, snaps, lunges, or bites as another dog, spouse, child, visitor, or family member approaches, the behavior may be better understood as resource guarding.Will breaks down what person-directed resource guarding looks like, why it happens, why punishment can increase risk, and how pet parents can begin managing the behavior safely. He also explains the importance of distance, early body language, threshold awareness, pain and medical considerations, multi-dog household management, and humane behavior modification.This episode is especially important for families living with multiple dogs, dogs who guard the couch or bed, dogs who growl when another dog approaches a pet parent, and dogs who become tense or aggressive when people come too close to a valued person.Learn why growling should not be punished, why dogs should not be forced to “work it out,” and why the goal is not forced sharing. The goal is safety, emotional change, predictable routines, and helping the dog learn that people and dogs approaching the pet parent are not a threat.Will Bangura, M.S., CAB-ICB, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, FDM, FFCP, is a certified dog behaviorist and founder of Phoenix Dog Training, specializing in dog aggression, leash reactivity, separation anxiety, fears, phobias, resource guarding, dogs fighting in the home, and complex canine behavior problems.Official Links:• Phoenix Dog Training: https://phoenixdogtraining.com• About Will Bangura: https://phoenixdogtraining.com/will-bangura/• Dog Behaviorist in Phoenix: https://phoenixdogtraining.com/phoenix-dog-behaviorist/• Dog Aggression Training in Phoenix: https://phoenixdogtraining.com/aggressive-dog-training-phoenix-dog-aggression/• Dog Anxiety and Fear Training: https://phoenixdogtraining.com/dog-anxiety-training-phoenix-scottsdale/• Sniff to Soothe Book: https://phoenixdogtraining.com/sniff-to-soothe-by-will-bangura-m-s-cab-icb-cbcc-ka-cpdt-ka-fdm-ffcp/• Facebook: https://facebook.com/dogtrainingphoenix• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PHOENIXDOGTRAINING• Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Will-Bangura/author/B0CH99RW7L• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-banguraHashtags:#WillBangura#DogTrainingToday#DogBehaviorist#PhoenixDogTraining#ResourceGuarding#DogAggression#MultiDogHousehold#ForceFreeDogTraining#PositiveReinforcement#DogTrainingPodcastSupport the showIf you need professional help please visit my Dog Behaviorist website.Go here for Free Dog Training Articles

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Balanced Training Myths - Positive Reinforcement Truths

Oct 600:38:41Tap to summarize

Text Me Your QuestionsIn this episode of Will Bangura’s Dog Training Today, dog behaviorist Will Bangura breaks down the myth of “balanced training” and explains why punishment, corrections, and aversive tools often suppress behavior without changing the underlying emotional state driving the behavior.Many pet parents are told that dogs need corrections to become reliable. In reality, dogs struggling with aggression, reactivity, fear, or anxiety often need emotional safety, clear communication, skill building, counterconditioning, desensitization, and positive reinforcement systems that teach the dog what to do instead.This episode explains why force-free dog training is not permissive, weak, or incomplete. It is a full behavior change system built on learning theory, emotional conditioning, welfare, and evidence-based behavior modification.Topics covered include:• Positive reinforcement as a complete behavioral system• Why aversives may suppress behavior without teaching safer alternatives• Fear and perceived threat as common roots of reactivity and aggression• Counterconditioning and desensitization below threshold• Extinction and differential reinforcement for durable behavior change• How to recognize shutdown versus true calm• Why visible obedience is not always emotional improvement• How to evaluate dog trainers, credentials, and certifications• Ethics, welfare, and the relationship between pet parent and dogWill also explains how pet parents can make better choices when looking for help with aggressive dogs, reactive dogs, fearful dogs, anxious dogs, and serious behavior problems that require more than basic obedience training.Please subscribe, share this episode, and leave a review if you find the podcast helpful. Reviews help more pet parents find evidence-based dog behavior information.Will Bangura, M.S., CAB-ICB, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, FDM, FFCP, is a certified dog behaviorist and founder of Phoenix Dog Training, specializing in dog aggression, leash reactivity, separation anxiety, fears, phobias, resource guarding, dogs fighting in the home, and complex canine behavior problems.Official Links:• Phoenix Dog Training: https://phoenixdogtraining.com• About Will Bangura: https://phoenixdogtraining.com/will-bangura/• Dog Behaviorist in Phoenix: https://phoenixdogtraining.com/phoenix-dog-behaviorist/• Dog Aggression Training in Phoenix: https://phoenixdogtraining.com/aggressive-dog-training-phoenix-dog-aggression/• Dog Anxiety and Fear Training: https://phoenixdogtraining.com/dog-anxiety-training-phoenix-scottsdale/• Sniff to Soothe Book: https://phoenixdogtraining.com/sniff-to-soothe-by-will-bangura-m-s-cab-icb-cbcc-ka-cpdt-ka-fdm-ffcp/• Facebook: https://facebook.com/dogtrainingphoenix• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PHOENIXDOGTRAINING• Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Will-Bangura/author/B0CH99RW7L• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-banguraHashtags:#WillBangura#DogTrainingToday#DogBehaviorist#PhoenixDogTraining#ForceFreeDogTraining#PositiveReinforcement#BalancedTraining#DogAggression#ReactiveDog#DogTrainingPodcastSupport the showIf you need professional help please visit my Dog Behaviorist website.Go here for Free Dog Training Articles

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Decoding Dog Zoomies: The Science Behind Your Pet's Frenzied Energy Bursts

Aug 600:38:14Tap to summarize

Text Me Your QuestionsIn this episode of Will Bangura’s Dog Training Today, dog behaviorist Will Bangura explains what dog zoomies really are and why dogs suddenly explode into wild bursts of running, spinning, jumping, and playful energy.Many pet parents call these moments “crazy dog behavior,” but zoomies are often a normal release of energy, excitement, stress, frustration, or emotional arousal. The key is understanding when zoomies are harmless play and when they may signal that a dog is overstimulated, under-enriched, anxious, or struggling to regulate their nervous system.Topics covered include:• What dog zoomies are• Why dogs get sudden bursts of energy• The difference between playful zoomies and stress-related arousal• How puppies, adolescent dogs, and adult dogs may show zoomies differently• Why dogs may zoom after baths, walks, training, greetings, or stressful events• How exercise, enrichment, sleep, and routine affect zoomies• When zoomies may become unsafe• How to help dogs calm down without punishment• Why emotional regulation matters in dog behaviorWill also explains how pet parents can respond calmly, prevent injury, reduce overstimulation, and give dogs healthier outlets for physical and mental energy.Will Bangura, M.S., CAB-ICB, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, FDM, FFCP, is a certified dog behaviorist and founder of Phoenix Dog Training, specializing in dog aggression, leash reactivity, separation anxiety, fears, phobias, resource guarding, dogs fighting in the home, and complex canine behavior problems.Official Links:• Phoenix Dog Training: https://phoenixdogtraining.com• About Will Bangura: https://phoenixdogtraining.com/will-bangura/• Dog Behaviorist in Phoenix: https://phoenixdogtraining.com/phoenix-dog-behaviorist/• Dog Aggression Training in Phoenix: https://phoenixdogtraining.com/aggressive-dog-training-phoenix-dog-aggression/• Dog Anxiety and Fear Training: https://phoenixdogtraining.com/dog-anxiety-training-phoenix-scottsdale/• Sniff to Soothe Book: https://phoenixdogtraining.com/sniff-to-soothe-by-will-bangura-m-s-cab-icb-cbcc-ka-cpdt-ka-fdm-ffcp/• Facebook: https://facebook.com/dogtrainingphoenix• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PHOENIXDOGTRAINING• Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Will-Bangura/author/B0CH99RW7L• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-banguraHashtags:#WillBangura#DogTrainingToday#DogBehaviorist#PhoenixDogTraining#DogZoomies#DogBehavior#DogTraining#PuppyTraining#DogEnrichment#PositiveReinforcementSupport the showIf you need professional help please visit my Dog Behaviorist website.Go here for Free Dog Training Articles

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Beyond Threshold: The Science of Effective Counter Conditioning and Keeping Dogs Safe During Fireworks, With Certified Dog Behaviorist, Will Bangura

Jun 23, 202500:30:20Tap to summarize

Text Me Your QuestionsIn this episode of Will Bangura’s Dog Training Today, dog behaviorist Will Bangura explains one of the most important concepts in successful behavior modification: keeping dogs below threshold.Whether your dog struggles with fear-based reactivity, anxiety around people or dogs, fireworks, thunderstorms, noise sensitivity, or phobias, counterconditioning and desensitization only work well when the dog is emotionally safe enough to learn.Many pet parents accidentally work too close to the trigger, too loud, too long, or too fast. The dog may look physically still, but that does not always mean the dog is emotionally calm. A dog can appear quiet while still experiencing stress, fear, or internal conflict.In this episode, Will explains what threshold means in practical, observable terms and why pushing a dog above threshold can derail behavior modification.Topics covered include:• What “threshold” means in dog behavior• Why counterconditioning fails when the dog is too stressed• The difference between physical stillness and emotional safety• How to recognize subtle canine body language signals before barking, lunging, or panic occurs• How to choose safe training distances from visual or auditory triggers• Why gradual exposure matters for fear, anxiety, reactivity, and noise phobias• How fireworks and thunderstorms can trigger panic responses in dogs• Practical safety tips for the Fourth of July, fireworks, and loud seasonal events• When to speak with a veterinarian about anti-anxiety medication or calming support• Why meaningful behavior change happens below threshold, not during emotional floodingWill also explains how fear and stress affect the brain, including why amygdala-driven threat responses can interfere with learning when a dog is overwhelmed. The goal is not to force the dog to tolerate fear. The goal is to create the emotional safety needed for the dog to form new associations.This episode is helpful for pet parents working with reactive dogs, fearful dogs, anxious dogs, noise-sensitive dogs, and dogs who panic during fireworks or thunderstorms. It is also useful for dog trainers and pet professionals who want clearer, safer desensitization and counterconditioning protocols.Will Bangura, M.S., CAB-ICB, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, FDM, FFCP, is a certified dog behaviorist and founder of Phoenix Dog Training, specializing in dog aggression, leash reactivity, separation anxiety, fears, phobias, resource guarding, dogs fighting in the home, and complex canine behavior problems.Official Links:• Phoenix Dog Training: https://phoenixdogtraining.com• About Will Bangura: https://phoenixdogtraining.com/will-bangura/• Dog Behaviorist in Phoenix: https://phoenixdogtraining.com/phoenix-dog-behaviorist/• Dog Aggression Training in Phoenix: https://phoenixdogtraining.com/aggressive-dog-training-phoenix-dog-aggression/• Dog Anxiety and Fear Training: https://phoenixdogtraining.com/dog-anxiety-training-phoenix-scottsdale/• Sniff to Soothe Book: https://phoenixdogtraining.com/sniff-to-soothe-by-will-bangura-m-s-cab-icb-cbcc-ka-cpdt-ka-fdm-ffcp/• Facebook: https://facebook.com/dogtrainingphoenix• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PHOENIXDOGTRAINING• Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Will-Bangura/author/B0CH99RW7L• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-banguraHashtags:#WillBangura#DogTrainingToday#DogBehaviorist#PhoenixDogTraining#Counterconditioning#Desensitization#DogAnxiety#NoisePhobia#FireworksSafety#ReactiveDogSupport the showIf you need professional help please visit my Dog Behaviorist website.Go here for Free Dog Training Articles

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Beyond the Biscuit: How to Train Dogs with Food the Right Way

May 19, 202500:30:25Tap to summarize

Text Me Your QuestionsIn this episode of Will Bangura’s Dog Training Today, dog behaviorist Will Bangura breaks down one of the most common myths in dog training: the idea that dogs trained with food only respond when treats are visible.Many people misunderstand how positive reinforcement actually works. Food is not a bribe when used correctly. It is a scientifically supported reinforcer that helps create clear communication, emotional safety, motivation, and durable learning.Will explains how professional reward-based training systems build reliable behaviors that persist long after food is faded from the training process.Topics covered include:• Why food is one of the most effective training reinforcers• The difference between bribery and reinforcement• How to fade food rewards strategically without losing reliability• Why marker timing matters in dog training• Operant conditioning and classical conditioning explained simply• Common mistakes pet parents make when using treats• Why emotional state affects learning and behavior• How to build lasting behaviors without punishment or intimidation• Why force-free positive reinforcement training creates better emotional outcomesWill also explains why food-based training is especially important for fearful dogs, anxious dogs, reactive dogs, aggressive dogs, puppies, and dogs learning new emotional associations through counterconditioning and desensitization.🎁 FREE TRAINING GUIDE:Download Will’s free guide:“How to Train Dogs with Food Correctly”https://phoenixdogtraining.com/how-to-train-dogs-with-food-correctly/This step-by-step resource explains how to use food effectively in evidence-based dog training and behavior modification.Will Bangura, M.S., CAB-ICB, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, FDM, FFCP, is a certified dog behaviorist and founder of Phoenix Dog Training, specializing in dog aggression, leash reactivity, separation anxiety, fears, phobias, resource guarding, dogs fighting in the home, and complex canine behavior problems.Official Links:• Phoenix Dog Training: https://phoenixdogtraining.com• About Will Bangura: https://phoenixdogtraining.com/will-bangura/• Dog Behaviorist in Phoenix: https://phoenixdogtraining.com/phoenix-dog-behaviorist/• Dog Aggression Training in Phoenix: https://phoenixdogtraining.com/aggressive-dog-training-phoenix-dog-aggression/• Dog Anxiety and Fear Training: https://phoenixdogtraining.com/dog-anxiety-training-phoenix-scottsdale/• Sniff to Soothe Book: https://phoenixdogtraining.com/sniff-to-soothe-by-will-bangura-m-s-cab-icb-cbcc-ka-cpdt-ka-fdm-ffcp/• Facebook: https://facebook.com/dogtrainingphoenix• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PHOENIXDOGTRAINING• Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Will-Bangura/author/B0CH99RW7L• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-banguraHashtags:#WillBangura#DogTrainingToday#DogBehaviorist#PhoenixDogTraining#PositiveReinforcement#ForceFreeDogTraining#DogTraining#DogBehavior#DogTrainingPodcast#RewardBasedTrainingSupport the showIf you need professional help please visit my Dog Behaviorist website.Go here for Free Dog Training Articles

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Calm Your Reactive or Aggressive Dog with Look at That Training

Apr 1, 202500:31:19Tap to summarize

Text Me Your QuestionsIn this episode of Will Bangura’s Dog Training Today, dog behaviorist Will Bangura explains how Look at That training can help reactive or aggressive dogs learn to stay calmer around triggers without corrections, punishment, or intimidation.Look at That, often called LAT, was developed by Leslie McDevitt and is commonly used in force-free behavior modification for dogs who bark, lunge, growl, stare, stiffen, or become overwhelmed around people, dogs, vehicles, noises, or other triggers.This episode explains why reactive behavior is often rooted in anxiety, stress, fear, frustration, or perceived threat, and why successful behavior change requires working below threshold where the dog can still think, eat, respond, and learn.Topics covered include:• Why reactive and aggressive behavior often comes from fear, anxiety, stress, or frustration• Why corrections may suppress behavior without changing the emotional response• What Look at That training is and how LAT works• How to condition a marker for clear communication• Why timing matters when marking and reinforcing trigger awareness• How to choose the right distance from people, dogs, or other triggers• Why below-threshold training is essential for counterconditioning• How LAT can help dogs notice triggers without exploding• Why management is necessary while behavior modification is underway• How to set realistic expectations for reactivity and aggression work• How progress is made gradually by changing emotional associationsWill also explains why the goal is not to force a reactive dog to ignore the world. The goal is to help the dog notice triggers, remain emotionally regulated, and learn that the presence of people, dogs, or other triggers does not predict danger.Full Look at That Training Guide:https://phoenixdogtraining.com/lat-training-reactive-aggressive-dogs-phoenix/If you find this episode helpful, please subscribe, share it with a pet parent who has a reactive dog, and leave a review for Will Bangura’s Dog Training Today.Will Bangura, M.S., CAB-ICB, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, FDM, FFCP, is a certified dog behaviorist and founder of Phoenix Dog Training, specializing in dog aggression, leash reactivity, separation anxiety, fears, phobias, resource guarding, dogs fighting in the home, and complex canine behavior problems.Official Links:• Phoenix Dog Training: https://phoenixdogtraining.com• About Will Bangura: https://phoenixdogtraining.com/will-bangura/• Dog Behaviorist in Phoenix: https://phoenixdogtraining.com/phoenix-dog-behaviorist/• Dog Aggression Training in Phoenix: https://phoenixdogtraining.com/aggressive-dog-training-phoenix-dog-aggression/• Dog Anxiety and Fear Training: https://phoenixdogtraining.com/dog-anxiety-training-phoenix-scottsdale/• Sniff to Soothe Book: https://phoenixdogtraining.com/sniff-to-soothe-by-will-bangura-m-s-cab-icb-cbcc-ka-cpdt-ka-fdm-ffcp/• Facebook: https://facebook.com/dogtrainingphoenix• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PHOENIXDOGTRAINING• Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Will-Bangura/author/B0CH99RW7L• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-banguraHashtags:#WillBangura#DogTrainingToday#DogBehaviorist#PhoenixDogTraining#LookAtThatTraining#ReactiveDog#DogAggression#ForceFreeDogTraining#PositiveReinforcement#DogReactivitySupport the showIf you need professional help please visit my Dog Behaviorist website.Go here for Free Dog Training Articles

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10 Critical Mistakes That Sabotage Your Dog Training (And How to Fix Them)

Mar 20, 202500:36:04Tap to summarize

Text Me Your QuestionsIn this episode of Will Bangura’s Dog Training Today, dog behaviorist Will Bangura explains ten of the most common mistakes pet parents make during dog training and behavior modification, mistakes that can unintentionally slow learning, increase frustration, worsen behavior problems, or create confusion for dogs.Many people assume dogs are being stubborn, dominant, manipulative, or disobedient when training is not progressing. In reality, the problem is often inconsistent communication, poor timing, unrealistic expectations, emotional overwhelm, or unintentionally reinforcing the wrong behaviors.This episode breaks down practical, science-based solutions that help dogs learn more clearly, confidently, and successfully.Topics covered include:• Inconsistent marker timing and reward timing• Accidentally reinforcing unwanted behavior• Training above threshold when the dog is stressed or overwhelmed• Expecting behavior generalization too quickly• Repeating cues over and over without follow-through• Using punishment instead of teaching alternative behaviors• Moving too fast during desensitization and counterconditioning• Inconsistent household rules and expectations• Failing to meet a dog’s mental and physical enrichment needs• Unrealistic expectations about how long behavior change actually takesWill also explains why emotional state matters in learning, why behavior problems often worsen under stress, and why successful dog training depends on communication, timing, repetition, emotional safety, and reinforcement history.This episode is especially helpful for pet parents struggling with leash pulling, reactivity, aggression, anxiety, fearfulness, jumping, barking, puppy behavior, or dogs who seem inconsistent during training.Whether you are just starting training or trying to work through more complex behavior problems, understanding these common mistakes can dramatically improve your results and strengthen your relationship with your dog.Will Bangura, M.S., CAB-ICB, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, FDM, FFCP, is a certified dog behaviorist and founder of Phoenix Dog Training, specializing in dog aggression, leash reactivity, separation anxiety, fears, phobias, resource guarding, dogs fighting in the home, and complex canine behavior problems.Official Links:• Phoenix Dog Training: https://phoenixdogtraining.com• About Will Bangura: https://phoenixdogtraining.com/will-bangura/• Dog Behaviorist in Phoenix: https://phoenixdogtraining.com/phoenix-dog-behaviorist/• Dog Aggression Training in Phoenix: https://phoenixdogtraining.com/aggressive-dog-training-phoenix-dog-aggression/• Dog Anxiety and Fear Training: https://phoenixdogtraining.com/dog-anxiety-training-phoenix-scottsdale/• Sniff to Soothe Book: https://phoenixdogtraining.com/sniff-to-soothe-by-will-bangura-m-s-cab-icb-cbcc-ka-cpdt-ka-fdm-ffcp/• Facebook: https://facebook.com/dogtrainingphoenix• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PHOENIXDOGTRAINING• Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Will-Bangura/author/B0CH99RW7L• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-banguraHashtags:#WillBangura#DogTrainingToday#DogBehaviorist#PhoenixDogTraining#DogTraining#PositiveReinforcement#ForceFreeDogTraining#DogBehavior#ReactiveDog#DogTrainingPodcastSupport the showIf you need professional help please visit my Dog Behaviorist website.Go here for Free Dog Training Articles

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All episodes

The Truth About Board & Train Programs | Will Bangura, Dog Behaviorist

Fireworks Anxiety in Dogs: The Science-Based Guide Every Pet Parent Needs | Will Bangura, Certified Canine Behaviorist

Are Low-Level E-Collars Safe? What the New Neuroscience Reveals About Dogs | Will Bangura

When Dogs Guard People: Resource Guarding a Pet Parent

Balanced Training Myths - Positive Reinforcement Truths

Decoding Dog Zoomies: The Science Behind Your Pet's Frenzied Energy Bursts

Beyond Threshold: The Science of Effective Counter Conditioning and Keeping Dogs Safe During Fireworks, With Certified Dog Behaviorist, Will Bangura

Beyond the Biscuit: How to Train Dogs with Food the Right Way

Calm Your Reactive or Aggressive Dog with Look at That Training

10 Critical Mistakes That Sabotage Your Dog Training (And How to Fix Them)