How Science is Revolutionizing the World of Dog Training
An excellent Time Magazine article on how scientific research has changed dog training methods. "Much has changed about the way that science is applied today. As canine training has shifted from the old obedience-driven model directed at show dogs to a more relationship-based approach aimed at companion dogs...." A must read before selecting a dog trainer.
Training Your Puppy When He Hasn't Had All of His Vaccinations
The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior has published a position paper on puppy socialization which says the following: "The primary and most important time for puppy socialization is the first three months of life. During this time puppies should be exposed to as many new people, animals, stimuli and environments as can be achieved safely and without causing over-stimulation manifested as excessive fear, withdrawal or avoidance behavior. For this reason, the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior believes that it should be the standard of care for puppies to receive such socialization before they are fully vaccinated. In general, puppies can start puppy socialization classes as early as 7-8 weeks of age. Puppies should receive a minimum of one set of vaccines at least 7 days prior to the first class and a first deworming."
Dominance Theory & The Term "Alpha"
Outdated thinking based on scientific research of captive wolves in the 1970s. Much of this research has now been renounced and updated by Dr. David Mech, the expert and senior scientist with the U.S. Geological Survey who was largely responsible for the original scientific study. Read more about it in Dr. David Mech's 2008 article Whatever Happened To The Term Alpha Wolf? And in Pamela Buitrago's article: Debunking the Dominance Myth